This Day in Rock History: April 4
Many rock albums entered the Billboard charts on April 4, making it an important day for the industry. On this day, Metallica was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall…
CLEVELAND – APRIL 04: Jason Newsted, Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo of Metallica perform onstage during the 24th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 4, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Many rock albums entered the Billboard charts on April 4, making it an important day for the industry. On this day, Metallica was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and an influential guitarist was born. The events of April 4 have had a significant impact on rock music history, and you're about to learn more about them.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
April 4 is associated with several rock music hits and milestones, such as:
- 1964: When "Can't Buy Me Love" took over the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, The Beatles made history as the first group to hold the top five spots on this chart. Their other four songs at the top were "Twist and Shout," "She Loves You," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "Please Please Me."
- 1981: Paradise Theater, an album by the Styx, hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This was the band's first chart-topping album, and for three nonconsecutive weeks, the hit would retain the top spot.
Cultural Milestones
These cultural events that took place on April 4 have had a lasting effect on the rock music industry:
- 1973: NBC aired a TV special of Elvis Presley's concert, Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite. The special's airing in the U.S. was delayed to avoid conflicting with the Super Bowl and an Elvis movie that was in theaters at the time.
- 2009: Metallica was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held in Cleveland, Ohio, where Jeff Beck, Run-D.M.C., and Bobby Womack were also inducted.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Recordings and performances in rock music history that made their mark on April 4 include:
- 1976: At El Paradise Club in London, England, the Sex Pistols played a gig before starting their residency at the 100 Club in May. This was the group's 10th show of the year, but it would be their only one at the venue.
- 1987: U2's fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. It hit No. 1 three weeks later, becoming U2's first album to do so.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The rock music industry went through these changes and challenges on April 4:
- 1952: Northern Irish musician Gary Moore was born in Belfast. He was the guitarist for Skid Row and Thin Lizzy and has influenced many guitarists.
- 1968: While standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. His influential leadership in the civil rights movement and tragic death have inspired many rock musicians, including U2 who recorded "MLK" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)" in his honor.
April 4 has been a momentous day in rock music history. Stay tuned for more rock history trivia.
