This Day in History: 2024-05-22

MAY 22nd

Firmly ensconced as the “World’s Greatest Rock N’ Roll Band,” the Rolling Stones “Sticky Fingers,” containing “Brown Sugar,” begins a four-week run at #1 on the U.S. album chart. 1971

Motley Crue publish their autobiography “The Dirt.” 2001

The book revitalizes interest in the band and leads to a Netflix film of the same name.

“Black Rain” arrives.  It is Ozzy Osbourne‘s highest-charting album ever debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200 after selling 152,000 copies in its first week. 2007

“The Oracle” is Godsmack’s third #1 on the Billboard 200 (’03’s “Faceless,” and ’06’s “IV” are the other two), selling 117,000 copies in the first week of its release. The single “Cryin’ Like A Bitch,” also lands at #1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart. 2010

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

Elton John’s lyricist, Bernie Taupin, starts his life in Lincolnshire, England. 1950

Steven Patrick Morrissey is born. Before launching an impressive, if moody, solo career, Morrissey is the lead singer for the Smiths (until ’87). 1959

Gin Blossoms singer Jesse Valenzuela has a birthday. 1962

The Beatles’ brilliant “Ticket To Ride” is #1 on the Billboard chart. But the song only holds that position for a week. 1965

At age 16, Bruce Springsteen records for the first time as a member of the Castilles. The song “That’s What You Get” is never released. 1967

Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” goes gold. Containing “Sunshine Of Your Love” it’s the group’s second album. 1968

The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” is named the Best Selling ‘A’ Side at the annual Ivor Novello Awards in London. 1969

Paul McCartney & Wings begin the first of five-weeks at #1 on the U.S. pop chart with “Silly Love Songs.” What’s wrong with that? I’d like to know, cuz here I go again. 1976

Guitarist Alan Ashby (Of Mice & Men) is born.  1991

Fleetwood Mac begin recording concert footage on an L.A. soundstage that will comprise an MTV special that goes into heavy rotation on both MTV and VH1.  1997

Coldplay win the Songwriters of the Year honor at the 48th annual Ivor Novello Awards.  2003

Led Zeppelin receive the Polar Music Prize, Sweden’s most prestigious music award. The award is the result of the group’s “playful and experimental music [whose] eclectic elements” helped “define the genre of Hard Rock.” 2006

Green Day earn the Creative Voice Award at the 23rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards. The award goes to the group or performer whose work has a sense of creativity and a desire to contribute to the community. 2006

Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and Radiohead are recognized for their songwriting accomplishments at Britain’s prestigious Ivor Novello Awards in London. Gilmour takes a Lifetime Achievement trophy. “It’s been a long, bumpy and exhilarating road,” says Gilmour. Radiohead receive the Album Award for “In Rainbows.” 2008

U2 earns the Top Touring Act prize for their 360º tour at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. 2011

Slash’s “Apocalyptic Love” is released.  The album peaks at #4 on the Billboard Top 200.  Though “Apocalyptic Love” is the second “solo” studio album by Slash, it is the first effort to credit Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators.  Kennedy handles the vocals.  2012

Neil Young previews “Rock Starbucks” on the Democracy Now website. The track, from his album “The Monsanto Years,” is highly critical of the ubiquitous coffee chain. “I am not going to support a company that actively tries to defeat the will of the people by fighting their right to know what is in the food they eat,” writes Young, explaining the song. 2015

“Gold On The Ceiling,” from the Black Keys ’11 album “El Camino,” goes platinum (one million sales).  The track achieves double platinum status three years later.  2018

Atreyu announces that vocalist Alex Varkatzas will not be on the European tour because he “aggravated a damaged disc.”   Varkatzas injured his back prior to the band’s “Spring Invasion” tour. The added complication of a hernia necessitated the need for time off. Drummer Brandon Saller—the group’s other lead vocalist—and bassist Marc McKnight fill in.  Varkatzaz promises, “it’s gonna be rippin’.”2019

Evanescence part ways with guitarist Jen Majura, who joined the band in ’15. Evanescence state the decision was made to go their “separate ways” while Majura’s own post says her exit was not “her decision.”  2022

Kurt Cobain’s ‘69 Fender Mustang guitar used to record Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (and featured in the accompanying music video) is sold at Julien’s Auctions’ for $4.5 million, far surpassing its original estimate of $600,000. The guitar is acquired by The Jim Irsay Collection in Indianapolis following a bidding war among collectors.  2022

The first of two Jeff Beck tribute concerts takes place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.  Organized by Eric Clapton and Sandra Beck, the guitarist’s widow, the event features Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, ZZ Tops’ Billy Gibbons and actor/guitarist Johnny Depp.   A second show happens the following night. 2023

Former Metal Church drummer Kirk Arrington dies at age 61. He had two stints with the band: ‘81 – ’95 and ‘98 – ‘06 and performed on seven Metal Church studio albums.  2023