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Today in rock history: On this date in 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the epic, classic single by British rock band Queen was released. The lengthy song, divided into parts and passages, was controversial from its inception. Lead singer and the mastermind behind the song, Freddie Mercury, was met with cynicism and negativity when it became known that his creation would incorporate elements of opera and melodrama throughout its triumphant, sweeping duration. Another bone of contention arose when Queen refused to trim the song down from its nearly six-minute running time in order to garner radio airplay. In an era where radio-friendly pop songs hardly went over the four-minute mark, skeptics scoffed at the band’s insistence to not edit the song and make it more attractive for inclusion on radio playlists. In the end, Queen reigned supreme and wound up with what’s typically regarded as one of the greatest and most grandiose rock songs of all time. The single went straight to No. 1 in England and held the top spot for nine straight weeks. Earning the prestigious accolade of being one of the best-selling singles of all time in England, “Bohemian Rhapsody” also topped sales charts in several countries across Europe. In America, the song made it to the Top 10 on U.S. Billboard singles charts and, for many, served as the introduction to this amazing band. Accompanied by an elegant, classy music video, before that medium had come into vogue, the performance film that was used to assist with the song’s promotion is now hailed as a catalyst for the music video revolution as well as an early inspiration for the creation of MTV. “Bohemian Rhapsody” would become part of Queen’s breakthrough album, A Night at the Opera, which became a rapidly selling vehicle for the band whose meteoric rise to world fame was only getting started.
Today in rock history: On this date in 1967, raucous Detroit-based rock band The Stooges made their live debut. The performance didn’t take place at a concert hall or even at an auditorium; the premiere outing by the band that would become known as the ultimate proto-punk-rock band instead took place at a friend’s house as part of a Halloween party. Having served stints with other local bands prior to the formation of The Stooges, lead singer James Osterberg was known primarily as a drummer before becoming arguably the greatest and the most charismatic rock and roll frontman of all time. Spending time with Detroit-area bands The Iguanas and The Prime Movers, Osterberg was given the nickname Iggy as a nod to the name of the first band he’d joined. Soon, the world would know the buzzsaw sound and outrageous antics of The Stooges and its dynamic lead singer, Iggy Pop. Serving as a major influence for all other punk rock bands that follow in their footsteps, this was where the explosive history of The Stooges, one of the absolute greatest American rock and roll bands of all time, began.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1961, Larry Mullen Jr. was born in Dublin, Ireland. Growing up playing drums as part of a marching band, Mullen drifted more towards playing rock music as a teenager and, in 1976, placed a notice on the bulletin board of his school inviting others who might be interested to start a band. The three like-minded young men who responded had no idea at the time that they were actually making music history by answering that open call to join a rock band. That all-important note Mullen posted led to the formation of what’s now known as one of the the most popular and well-known bands in the world, U2. The band rose to fame in its native Ireland and soon began to get noticed around Europe. Thanks to daring and bold radio stations in America that opted to play its music in the very early days, U2 started to gain a following in the U.S. Mullen has appeared on every U2 album and has been awarded more than 20 Grammys throughout his tenure with the band. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee turns 57 years old today.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1983, Scottish group Cocteau Twins released its second album, the breathtaking Head Over Heels. Considered to be where the band’s true sound and mystique showed itself for the very first time, the album is usually regarded as an integral piece in the creation of ethereal, darkwave music. The always intriguing and unpredictably mesmerizing vocalist Elizabeth Fraser is in fine form on this superb album; her indecipherable lyrics and her distinctive vocal stylings are as much a part of the intricate instrumentation on this early gem as the delicate musicianship. Released on groundbreaking British indie label 4AD, Cocteau Twins soon became one of the most respected and recognized bands on the label’s roster. Containing essential tracks by the band like “Musette and Drums,” “When Mama Was Moth” and the classic “Sugar Hiccup,” Head Over Heels is undoubtedly one of the most important and vital records in the long and illustrious Cocteau Twins discography. The band has also been referenced in the lyrics from many great indie-rock songs including "Poor Souls" by Owen.
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This article appears in Oct 25 – Nov 1, 2018.