This Day in History: 2023-04-30
APRIL 30th
“Crash,” from the Dave Matthews Band, is released. 1996
The album sells over seven-million copies.
Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” is certified as selling over eight million copies. 2002
Throwing Old School Hip-Hop, Classic Rock and electronic elements into the mix, Linkin Park burst out of the So. Cal music scene. Their debut, “Hybrid Theory” was released in late ’00. Interestingly, the CD’s title was the group’s original name.
Twenty years later the album is recognized for moving over 12-million copies.
The Ramones’ self-titled debut album is certified gold by the RIAA, signifying sales of over 500,000 units. Released in ’76, the landmark Punk album initially peaked at #111 on the Billboard 200. It only took them 38 years! 2014
The U2 album cover for “Songs Of Innocence” and not the music, leads to a controversy. Russian politician Alexander Starovoitov, a member of the conservative LDPR party, asks the country’s attorney general to investigate Apple for distributing ‘gay propaganda’ to Russian youth. The physical edition of the album depicts drummer Larry Mullen Jr. hugging the waist of his 18-year-old son. Both are shirtless, so Starovoitov ‘naturally’ assumes the cover promotes gay sex. 2015
KISS frontman Paul Stanley takes to Twitter to comment on young people having gender transitions and the parents who are “normalizing and even encouraging participation” calling it a “sad and dangerous fad.” 2023
The blowback is immediate. Among those taking Stanley to task is The Offspring’s Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman. “This is a very disappointing take, especially from someone who wore high-heels, makeup, & teased up hair his whole career.”
Days later. Stanley takes to Twitter again to add ““I support those struggling with their sexual identity while enduring constant hostility, and those whose path leads them to reassignment surgery.
MORE TODAY IN ROCK…
Guitarist/singer Wayne Kramer (MC5) is born. 1948