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Today in rock history: On this date in 1985, British band Dire Straits released their fifth studio album, Brothers In Arms. The album far surpassed any of the band's previous records in terms of chart success, sales and radio airplay…and, most significantly, in MTV rotation. The album's lead single, "Money For Nothing", was a satirical look at the artists that were gaining heavy exposure and success via the all day music video channel. So its heavy airplay on MTV was especially ironic, yet fitting. The album went to #1 in several countries around the globe, including the US where it remained at the top spot for nine weeks. The album is now one of the best selling albums of all time.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1969, Led Zeppelin rocked Hawaii. One of the very first British rock bands to ever play there, the band played a well-attended, successful show at the Civic Auditorium in Honolulu. Tickets were $4.50 but those who waited until the day of the show would have to spring for another fifty cents to get it. The band returned to the same venue in September 1971 for a two-night stand.
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Born on this date in 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan: one of the true musical innovators and geniuses of our time: Stevie Wonder. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, the young singer was named Little Stevie Wonder by a producer at Motown Records upon the label signing the young phenom at age 11. Producer, songwriter, musician and singer, Wonder is responsible for some of the most thoughtful, melodic, inspiring and topical music of our time. Happy 67th to the great Stevie Wonder!
Today in rock history: on this date in 1996, Brit-pop giants Oasis became the fastest selling concert ticket draw in UK history. The band sold over 300,000 tickets for their summer tour in just under nine hours… anyway, here's "Wonderwall."
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This article appears in May 11-18, 2017.