Historic events this week from Huey Lewis and the News, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Oasis and Nirvana
AUGUST 24, 1985: “THE POWER OF LOVE” IS #1
Huey Lewis and the News‘ first #1 Billboard Hot 100 single, “The Power of Love”, spent back-to-back weeks at the top. The Grammy-nominated hit single appears in the 1985 blockbuster film Back to the Future. The single helped the film’s soundtrack (featuring tracks from Eric Clapton and Lindsey Buckingham) sell over 500,000 copies.
AUGUST 25, 1975: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN RELEASES BORN TO RUN
Bruce Springsteen‘s breakthrough album, Born to Run, peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200. The title track is far and away Springsteen’s most played song in concert. With 6 million sold in the US, Born to Run remains his 2nd biggest album behind the massively successful Born In the USA (20M in sales worldwide).
AUGUST 27, 1991: PEARL JAM RELEASES TEN
Pearl Jam‘s debut album, Ten, initially sold slowly but became a massive success, peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually selling over 13 million copies in the US. It features iconic singles like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy,” addressing themes of depression, loneliness, and social issues.
AUGUST 27, 1996: PEARL JAM RELEASES NO CODE
Pearl Jam‘s No Code album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, their third consecutive album to do so. No Code was a deliberate departure from their earlier stadium rock sound, incorporating elements of garage rock and worldbeat, and famously features an album package with 156 unique Polaroid photos that unfold to form the album’s distinctive Eye of Providence logo.
AUGUST 29, 1994: OASIS RELEASE THEIR DEBUT ALBUM
Oasis‘ Definitely Maybe immediately became the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history, rocketing to #1 and establishing them as a dominant force in Britpop. The iconic album cover, shot at guitarist Bonehead‘s house, is laden with subtle cultural references and inside jokes.
AUGUST 30, 1992: NIRVANA HEADLINES READING FESTIVAL
Nirvana‘s headlining performance at the 1992 Reading Festival is widely considered one of their most iconic live shows. Kurt Cobain famously played on rumors about his health by being wheeled on stage in a wheelchair, wearing a hospital gown and a blonde wig, before feigning collapse and launching into a powerful set. The concert silenced critics and proved the band’s immense talent and popularity at the peak of their fame.
