MAY 23, 1969: THE WHO RELEASE TOMMY
When you think \”rock opera\”, The Who\’s Tommy likely comes to mind.

One of the first \”rock operas\”, Tommy is about a \”deaf, dumb and blind kid\” who \”sure plays a mean pinball\” (lyrics: \”Pinball Wizard\”).

Peaking at #4 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, Tommy is one of The Who\’s biggest albums with over 20 million sold worldwide.

• • •
MAY 26, 1977: KISS COMIC BOOK PRINTED IN BLOOD
KISS did not pass up the opportunity to have a KISS comic printed in their own blood.

They flew to NY to add their vials of blood to the red ink, with a notary public on hand to witness it.

This is to certify that KISS members, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, have each donated blood which is being collectively mixed with the red ink to be used for the first issue of the Marvel/KISS comics. The blood was extracted on February 21st, 1977 at Nassau Coliseum and has been under guarded refrigeration until this day when it was delivered to the Borden Ink plant in Depew, New York. – Dolores C. Gatza, Notary Public

• • •
MAY 26, 1967: BEATLES RELEASE SGT. PEPPER\’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
Deriving inspiration from The Beach Boys\’ Pet Sounds, The Beatles\’ psychedelic masterpiece (Sgt. Pepper\’s Lonely Hearts Club Band) is one of the greatest albums ever recorded.

With over 32 million copies sold worldwide it\’s one of the biggest-selling albums ever.

Critics generally rank it the 2nd best album of all time behind Pet Sounds.

• • •
MAY 28, 1971: ROD STEWART\’S EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
Every Picture Tells a Story was Rod Stewart\’s first solo album to go to #1 in the US.

The album and its single, “Maggie May” b/w “Reason to Believe”, went to #1 on the same day.

All four of Stewart\’s Faces bandmates contribute to the classic album.