March 31 in Rock History: A look back
Celebrate today because it marks the birthdays of rock icons, Mick Ralph of Bad Company and Angus Young of AC/DC. These influential musicians have left a lasting impact on the rock genre, giving fans a reason to rejoice on March 31. Along with their birthdays, there are many other significant events in rock history that took place on this day.
One breakthrough hit that made history on March 31 was Chuck Berry’s release of “Johnny B. Goode” in 1958. This iconic song peaked at No. 2 before the creation of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is considered one of the most recognizable songs in popular music history. In 1984, Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” began its three-week reign at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the artist’s only chart-topping hit and ranking as Billboard’s No. 4 song of the year.
Cultural milestones also shaped rock and roll on March 31. In 1972, The Beatles Fan Club officially disbanded after a decade of operation. Freda Kelly, the club’s president, sent closure notices to fans three years following the end of the Beatles Monthly magazine. Another significant moment occurred in 1994, when Madonna made a controversial appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Her use of profanity during the interview made it the most censored talk show appearance in history, but it also garnered high ratings.
Memorable recordings and performances in rock history occurred on March 31 as well. In 1967, Jimi Hendrix famously lit his guitar on fire for the first time at the Astoria Theater in London. This act became a signature element of his performances and was notably showcased at the Monterey Pop Festival. In 1969, Led Zeppelin introduced the U.K. to their music with the release of their self-titled debut album, reaching No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and climbing to No. 6 in the U.K.
On the industry front, March 31 saw challenges impacting rock history. In 1995, a concert in Auburn Hills, Michigan took a dangerous turn when an enraged fan attempted to assassinate Jimmy Page on stage with a pocket knife. Fortunately, security intervened before the fan could reach the musician, and Page was unaware of the attempt on his life.
These moments in rock history on March 31 remind us of the milestones, challenges, and iconic performances that have shaped the genre we love. From chart-topping hits to unforgettable live acts, this day holds a special place in the annals of rock and roll history.