October 20 is a day of mixed emotions in rock history. We remember the tragic plane crash that changed Lynyrd Skynyrd forever. But it’s also a day to celebrate new beginnings, like the birth of Tom Petty and the release of U2’s first album. Let’s take a look at some key events that happened on this day.
1960: Roy Orbison hit No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart with “Only the Lonely.” This was his first big success, even after being turned down by Elvis and the Everly Brothers. The song also reached No. 2 in the U.S.
1973: The Rolling Stones topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with “Angie,” the lead single from their album *Goats Head Soup*. This was their seventh U.S. No. 1 and it also topped charts in Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, and France.
1978: The Police made their U.S. debut at New York City’s CBGB. They were relatively unknown and flew from England on a budget airline, using their carry-on space for instruments.
1980: U2 released their debut album, *Boy*, through Island Records. It was recorded in Dublin and peaked at No. 63 on the U.S. charts.
On the cultural side, Tom Petty was born in 1950 in Gainesville, Florida. He went on to sell over 80 million records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
In 1976, Led Zeppelin’s film *The Song Remains the Same* premiered in New York City.
Sadly, in 1977, a plane carrying Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Mississippi, killing lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines.
October 20 is a day of both promising starts and heartbreaking endings. Check back tomorrow for more important events in rock history!
