This Day in Rock History: July 3
Rock music has had its moments throughout the years, both good and bad. No matter the date, there’s always something there to remember, even on July 3. On this day…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 26: Brian Johnson of AC/DC performs during a stop of the Power Up tour at Allegiant Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Rock music has had its moments throughout the years, both good and bad. No matter the date, there's always something there to remember, even on July 3. On this day fans have witnessed unforgettable shows while breaking news stories saw drug charges and the passing of treasured crew members. Whether it's rising stars breaking into the Billboard charts or legendary artists facing personal and professional turning points, July 3 shows just how many stories the world of rock can tell.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
From small beginnings to chart-topping hits, rock stayed loud and proud with some new (and some familiar) names:
- 1999: Pearl Jam was in the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the song "Last Kiss." It would maintain this position for three weeks before moving to No. 4 on the chart.
- 2002: Alternative rock made the charts with Jimmy Eat World's hit, "The Middle." Maintaining the No. 6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it would stay on the chart for 33 weeks.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Rock fans packed venues around the world for unforgettable shows on July 3:
- 1983: Iron Maiden performed at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in California with a setlist that included songs such as "Where Eagles Dare," "Run to the Hills," and "Drifter."
- 1985: Bruce Springsteen played at Wembley Stadium in London, where he performed hits such as "Born in the USA," "Badlands," "The Promised Land," and "Born to Run."
- 1996: AC/DC performed their second day at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain, as part of their Ballbreaker European tour.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Behind the scenes, rock legends faced both personal losses and defining moments that cemented July 3 in their memories:
- 1930: Guitarist and studio musician Tommy Tedesco was born in Niagara Falls, New York. He would go on to complete recordings for stars, including The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley.
- 1975: Chuck Negron was arrested for cocaine possession in Kentucky. This came just hours before his group, Three Dog Night, was set to perform in Louisville.
- 1986: U2 crew member Greg Carroll died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin. The band would later dedicate the song "One Tree Hill" from their The Joshua Tree album to Carroll.
July 3 reminds us how there is a deeper story behind each song and each album that truly means something to the band and fans alike. From powerful performances and emotional tributes to artists climbing the charts and weathering personal storms, the genre continues to leave its mark. Every note, every tour, and every headline help shape the legacy that keeps rock alive.
