This Day in History: 2023-04-24

APRIL 24th

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” makes it into the U.S. Top 10 (#9). 1976

Godsmack’s “Cryin’ Like A Bitch” begins a five-week run at the top of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.  2010

American Idiot, the Green Day musical inspired by the album of the same name, ends its Broadway run at the St. James Theatre after 422 performances.  2011

Breaking Benjamin’s “Ember” debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart moving 88,000 units, with 80,000 of those coming in traditional album sales.  2018

“People have always really liked the heavier side of the band. But we also make sure to explore our melodic and softer side too,” noted vocalist Benjamin Burnley.  “We decided to give everybody what they want to the furthest degree.”

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

Tricia Nixon, President Richard Nixon’s daughter, invites Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick to the White House. Slick chooses revolutionary Chicago Seven defendant Abbie Hoffman as her escort. Hoffman doesn’t get past the Secret Service and Slick leaves, missing the social connection of a lifetime. 1970

Reeling from financial difficulties, Badfinger’s guitarist/songwriter Pete Ham hangs himself in the garage of his London home. 1975

Time for “Silly Love Songs.”  “Wings At The Speed Of Sound” tops The Billboard 200.  Wings fifth studio is also the band’s fourth consecutive #1 album.   1976

“Hurts So Good” is released. It’s John (Mellencamp) Cougar’s first Top 10 song and goes to #2. 1982

Singer/keyboardist Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens) is born in Medford, OR.  1986

Just as Metallica is going to the mat with Napster (over alleged copyright infringement), Limp Bizkit announce that their Back To Basics Tour will be sponsored by Napster. 2000

The video for Green Day’s “Know Your Enemy,” the first single from “21st Century Breakdown,” premieres on MTV, VH1 and all other worldwide MTV Networks platforms. The video was filmed in L.A. 2009

Stone Temple Pilots’ single “Between The Lines,” is #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Rock chart. It is the first track off the group’s self-titled album. “When the four of us get into a room to make a musical statement, it’s undeniable that things happen,” says guitarist Dean DeLeo. 2010

Stephen Pearcy announces he has quit Ratt. “I am officially done with having anything to do with them, due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks and threats in the public forum, and most of all, disrespect to the fans,” explains Pearcy, who adds that the ’02 death of guitarist Robbin Crosby, due to a heroin overdose, factored into his decision. 2014

Iron Maiden give their first-ever concert in China. It’s at the Beijing LeSports Center during the group’s The Book Of Souls world tour. 2016

“And So It Goes,” The Pretty Reckless with Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, is #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. 2021