News

Why January 30th Matters In Rock History

beatles-1.8700299 English rock band the Beatles at the BBC television studios in London before leaving for a concert tour of Germany, and afterwards Japan, 16th June 1966. From left to right, they are Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Published: 

It’s January 30th and here are some reasons why this day matters in rock history:

- In 1969, The Beatles played their famous lunchtime rooftop gig on the Apple building in London. The 40-minute gig wound up being the last time the group would ever perform live. At the end of the set, John Lennon told the crowd, “I’d like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves and I hope we passed the audition.”

- In 1973, fresh from changing their name from Wicked Lester, a group called Kiss made their first appearance. It took place at the Popcorn Club in Queens, New York and featured Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.

- In 1982, Daryl Hall and John Oates went to No. 1 with “I Can’t Go For That, (No Can Do),” the duo’s fourth No. 1 in America.

- In 1972, more than a dozen Roman Catholic civil rights marchers were shot by British soldiers in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The event became known as “Bloody Sunday” and is the inspiration for U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” 

- And in 1988, INXS had their first hit in America with “Need You Tonight.”

And that’s what happened today in rock history.

Original article by Dave Basner at iHeartRadio