On this day in rock history, The Police got their big break, and Grand Funk Railroad scored a No. 1 hit. Let’s dive into these and other important events that happened on September 29 over the years.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Some legendary acts hit major career milestones on this day:
1973: Grand Funk Railroad’s song “We’re An American Band” climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The single was released a few months earlier on July 2.
1979: The Police reached the No. 1 spot on the Official U.K. Singles Chart for the first time with “Message in A Bottle.” This song was the lead single from their second album, Reggatta de Blanc, showcasing their unique reggae-inspired sound.
1984: Prince and The Revolution kicked off a two-week run at the top of the U.S. singles chart with “Let’s Go Crazy.” This track was the opening song on their iconic album, Purple Rain, and it briefly returned to the charts in 2016 after Prince’s passing.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Two legendary bands released memorable albums on September 29:
1986: Iron Maiden released Somewhere in Time, their sixth studio album. This marked a turning point for the band as they experimented with guitar synthesizers.
1997: The Rolling Stones launched Bridges to Babylon, their 21st studio album. It went platinum in the U.S. and was supported by the successful Bridges to Babylon Tour, featuring 108 shows.
From career milestones to unforgettable albums, September 29 has been a significant day for rock fans. Stay tuned for more exciting moments in rock history!
