May 18 is notable in Top 40 music history for many events that have shaped our idea of pop music and impacted the music industry. Check out these amazing hit songs and sad losses.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
May 18 has marked the success of songs and albums that have had a long-lasting impact on both charts and listeners:
- 1985: Simple Minds, a Scottish rock band, had their first and only U.S. No. 1 hit with “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from the film The Breakfast Club, marking their arrival on the U.S. music scene.
- 1993: Janet Jackson’s album janet entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 with 350,000 copies sold during its first week. The album contained six Top 10 hits, confirming Jackson’s place in pop history.
- 2017: The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” was reported to be the most-streamed track released before 2010 in the U.K., demonstrating the song’s longevity.
Cultural Milestones
May 18 has also been a day of significant cultural developments in the music industry:
- 1980: Ian Curtis, the lead singer of post-punk band Joy Division, tragically passed away at the age of 23, just before the band’s first North American tour. His death had a lasting influence on the music community and led to the formation of New Order by the remaining members.
- 1996: Irish singer Eimear Quinn won the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “The Voice,” marking Ireland’s seventh victory in the competition and highlighting the country’s rich musical heritage.
Notable Recordings and Performances
May 18 has seen some notable performances and recordings:
- 1988: Fleetwood Mac started a sold-out six-night run at London’s Wembley Arena, reinforcing their already established position in rock history.
- 1991: R.E.M.’s album Out of Time reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart; it featured hits such as “Losing My Religion” and showcased the band’s evolution and influence in alternative rock.
Industry Changes and Challenges
May 18 has also been a date when the music industry has experienced trials and losses:
- 1980: The Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington state disrupted entertainment events, including music festivals.
- 1988: Ike Turner was sentenced to one year in jail for cocaine-related offenses, an example of substance abuse in the music industry.
- 1996: A 17-year-old fan died at a Smashing Pumpkins concert in Dublin, Ireland, when they were crushed in a mosh pit. This tragedy prompted an investigation and led to changes to improve safety practices and procedures in concert venues.
- 2003: Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots was arrested for drug possession, demonstrating that fame in the music business does not always come without personal battles.
May 18 demonstrates the highs and lows of life in the music industry, with examples of great success on the charts but also personal struggles sadly often faced by music artists.
