Rock And Roll History August 24th

August 24 is a date packed with significant moments in rock music, from landmark releases to high-profile events.

1968 – The Jeff Beck Group debut

The Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart on vocals and Ronnie Wood on guitar, released their debut album Truth. It became a defining record of the late 1960s British rock scene

1979 – The Cars’ Central Park free show

Half a million fans gathered in New York’s Central Park for a free performance by The Cars, a rare and massive public event that showcased the band’s growing popularity

1981 – John Lennon’s killer sentenced

Mark David Chapman, convicted of murdering John Lennon on December 8, 1980, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison

1985 – “The Power of Love” hits No. 1

Huey Lewis and The News topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “The Power of Love,” featured in the hit film Back to the Future. It stayed at No. 1 for two weeks

1990 – Judas Priest cleared in Nevada case

A Reno, Nevada judge dismissed a $6.2 million civil suit against Judas Priest, which alleged the band’s music contained subliminal messages that led to two youths attempting suicide

1994 – Dave Abruzzese fired from Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam parted ways with drummer Dave Abruzzese over political differences

1999 – Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan leaves Oasis

Bassist Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan departed Oasis, marking a shift in the band’s lineup

1956 – Elvis Presley records “Love Me Tender”

Elvis recorded the ballad for the film of the same name, which topped the Billboard singles chart for five weeks

1966 – The Doors begin work on debut album

The Doors started recording their self-titled debut at Pacific High, which would include classics like “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” and “Light My Fire”

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1975 – Queen begins recording “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Queen started work on their legendary six-minute track at Rockfield Studios in Wales. It would become the first song to top the UK singles chart twice — once in 1975 and again in 1991 after Freddie Mercury’s death

2021 – Charlie Watts passes away

Charlie Watts, The Rolling Stones’ drummer since 1963, died in London at age 80. He never missed a show and his last performance was in August 2019

August 24 is thus a day of both iconic beginnings and poignant endings in rock history, remembered for its cultural impact and enduring legacy.