October 13 | Today In Rock History: AC/DC, Neil Young, Sammy Hagar
AC/DC Release Live Album ‘Let There Be Rock’
On this day in 1978, AC/DC released their first live album, ‘If You Want Blood You’ve Got It.’ This album, recorded during the band’s world tour, is the only live album released during Bon Scott’s lifetime. Capturing the raw energy and intensity of AC/DC’s live performances, it features powerful renditions of fan favorites like “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Let There Be Rock.” The album showcases the band’s relentless style and Scott’s charismatic stage presence, cementing AC/DC’s reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in rock history.
Bridge School Benefit Concert Kick-Off
In 1986, Neil Young headlined the inaugural Bridge School Benefit Concert in Mountain View, California, an event that would become an annual tradition. The concert, organized to raise funds for the Bridge School, a nonprofit for children with severe speech and physical impairments, featured an all-star lineup including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Don Henley, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen. The event’s acoustic format allowed these artists to perform stripped-down, intimate versions of their biggest hits, creating a unique and memorable experience for the audience. Over the years, the Bridge School Benefit has featured countless legendary performers and become one of the most respected charity events in rock music.
Happy Birthday to The Red Rocker
And a very happy birthday to Sammy Hagar, the “Red Rocker”! Before launching a successful solo career, Hagar first made his mark as the lead singer of Montrose. He then skyrocketed to fame after replacing David Lee Roth as the lead singer of Van Halen in 1985. With hits like “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Right Now,” Hagar helped steer Van Halen through a wildly successful era in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Known for his powerful vocals and larger-than-life persona, Hagar remains one of rock’s most enduring and beloved frontmen.
OTHER KEY EVENTS FOR OCTOBER 13TH IN ROCK HISTORY
- 1965: The Who released their single “My Generation,” which became an anthem for the youth counterculture of the 1960s and one of the band’s most iconic songs.
- 1980: David Bowie released ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps),’ an album that saw him return to the more accessible sound of his earlier work and featured the hit single “Ashes to Ashes.”
- 1992: R.E.M. released “Man on the Moon,” a tribute to comedian Andy Kaufman that became one of the band’s most famous and enduring songs.
THIS DAY IN WORLD HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 13
Ancient History
On October 13, 54 AD, Roman Emperor Claudius died, possibly poisoned by his wife Agrippina the Younger, paving the way for her son Nero to ascend to the throne. Nero’s reign would become infamous for tyranny and excess, marking a turbulent period in Roman history.
Modern History
On October 13, 1972, a plane carrying a rugby team from Uruguay crashed in the Andes Mountains. The survivors endured extreme conditions, resorting to cannibalism in order to stay alive. The story of their incredible survival was later immortalized in the book “Alive” and the 1993 film adaptation.
WEIRD STORIES AND FACTOIDS
Paul McCartney’s Death Hoax: In the late 1960s, a bizarre conspiracy theory emerged claiming that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident and was replaced by a look-alike. Fans pointed to supposed clues hidden in The Beatles’ album covers and lyrics, but McCartney himself humorously debunked the rumor in interviews.
These strange stories show that history is filled with bizarre and unexplained events that continue to fascinate and capture the imagination.
