Historic events this week from Guns N’ Roses, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, AC/DC and Beastie Boys
JULY 21, 1987: GUNS N’ ROSES RELEASE APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION
Guns N’ Roses did very well for themselves with their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, boasting three top 10 singles: “Welcome to the Jungle” (#7), “Paradise City” (#5) and “Sweet Child o’ Mine” (#1).
Major albums by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and George Michael, as well as the Dirty Dancing soundtrack kept Appetite for Destruction from going to #1 for over a year. The debut album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
JULY 23, 1977: FLEETWOOD MAC’S RUMOURS IS BACK AT #1
After swapping places with Eagles and Barry Manilow a few times, Fleetwood Mac were back at #1. Rumours would spend 31 non-consecutive weeks at the top.
The longest stretch at #1 was an astonishing 19-straight weeks from July 23-November 26, 1977.
JULY 23, 1983: THE POLICE’S SYNCHRONICITY IS #1
Synchronicity, the final album from The Police, went to #1 a week after its release.
Thanks to “King of Pain,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger” and the massive “Every Breath You Take,” Synchronicity spent 17 non-consecutive weeks at #1, on its way to 8 million copies sold in the US.
JULY 25, 1968: THE ROLLING STONES’ BEGGARS BANQUET DELAYED
Beggars Banquet’s intended cover featured a graffiti riddled bathroom wall with a visible toilet and toilet roll.
The Rolling Stones‘ label rejected the album cover, resulting in the album being delayed until December. Beggars Banquet was released with a plain cover, resembling an invitation. Subsequent reissues of the album have used the “offending” cover.
JULY 25, 1975: DAVID BOWIE’S FIRST US #1 SINGLE
David Bowie‘s first US #1 single “Fame,” was a funk-infused track from 1975’s Young Americans LP. The song was co-written with John Lennon and Carlos Alomar, with Lennon contributing rhythm guitar and backing vocals.
JULY 25, 1980: AC/DC UNLEASHES BACK IN BLACK
Five months after the death of singer Bon Scott, AC/DC had a new album with Brian Johnson of Geordie on lead vocals.
Back in Black has sold over 18 million copies in the US thanks to songs like “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, and “Hells Bells”.
With 50 million sold worldwide, Back In Black remains #2 bestselling album of all time, behind Michael Jackson‘s Thriller.
JULY 25, 1989: BEASTIE BOYS’ PAUL’S BOUTIQUE
Beastie Boys‘ Paul’s Boutique is renowned for its groundbreaking and intricate use of sampling, reportedly featuring over 100 different samples woven into a dense sonic collage that redefined hip-hop production. Despite initially being a commercial disappointment, Paul’s Boutique has since been hailed as a masterpiece for its innovative sound and witty, pop-culture laden lyrics, cementing its legacy as one of the most influential albums of its genre.
