Today in Rock- 23
Foreigner Releases "Cold as Ice"
On this day in 1977, Foreigner released “Cold as Ice”, the second single from the band’s self-titled debut album.
The song quickly became the group’s second Top 10 hit and introduced millions of listeners to a band that would soon become one of arena rock’s biggest success stories.
Founded by guitarist and songwriter Mick Jones, Foreigner brought together musicians from both Britain and the United States, creating a unique blend of British rock influences and American musical energy.
The original lineup featured vocalist Lou Gramm, whose powerful voice became one of the defining sounds of late-1970s rock radio.
Driven by a memorable piano riff, soaring vocals, and one of rock’s most recognizable choruses, “Cold as Ice” balanced polished production with genuine emotional intensity.
Its lyrics explored the frustration of loving someone emotionally distant, a theme that resonated with audiences around the world.
The success of “Cold as Ice” helped propel Foreigner, the band’s debut album, to multi-platinum status.
The record also featured classics such as “Feels Like the First Time”, “Long, Long Way from Home”, and “Headknocker”.
Over the following decade, Foreigner would continue building one of rock’s most impressive catalogs with songs including “Hot Blooded”, “Double Vision”, “Dirty White Boy”, “Urgent”, “Waiting for a Girl Like You”, “Juke Box Hero”, and “I Want to Know What Love Is”.
Today, “Cold as Ice” remains one of classic rock radio’s most enduring songs and an unforgettable introduction to one of the era’s defining bands.
The Police Launch the Synchronicity Tour
On this day in 1983, The Police launched the North American leg of their Synchronicity Tour with a concert in Chicago.
The performance marked the first of 107 shows supporting what would become the most commercially successful album of the band’s career.
At the same time, Synchronicity occupied the number one position on the Billboard album chart, where it would spend an extraordinary seventeen weeks.
The album represented the creative peak of the Police.
Vocalist and bassist Sting, guitarist Andy Summers, and drummer Stewart Copeland had spent several years blending rock, reggae, jazz, new wave, and world music influences into a distinctive sound unlike any other band.
Synchronicity produced an extraordinary string of international hits.
“Every Breath You Take” became one of the biggest singles of the decade.
Other memorable tracks included “King of Pain”, “Wrapped Around Your Finger”, “Synchronicity II”, “Tea in the Sahara”, and “Walking in Your Footsteps”.
The accompanying tour showcased the trio’s remarkable musicianship.
Despite consisting of only three performers, the Police consistently created a sound that rivaled much larger bands.
Sting’s songwriting, Summers’ atmospheric guitar textures, and Copeland’s innovative drumming combined to produce unforgettable live performances.
Although internal tensions within the group were growing, audiences rarely noticed.
The Synchronicity Tour became one of the highest-grossing tours of the year and represented the band’s commercial high point before they disbanded only a few years later.
Today, it remains one of the defining concert tours of the 1980s.
Happy Birthday Slash
Today we celebrate the birthday of Slash, born Saul Hudson on July 23, 1965.
Few guitarists have developed a more instantly recognizable style.
As lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, Slash helped revive hard rock during the late 1980s through unforgettable riffs, expressive solos, and blues-inspired phrasing.
His trademark look—long curly hair, sunglasses, and a tall black top hat—became nearly as iconic as his guitar playing.
Working alongside vocalist Axl Rose, Slash helped create some of the most enduring songs of modern rock.
His melodic solo in “Sweet Child O’ Mine” remains one of the most celebrated guitar performances ever recorded.
He also contributed unforgettable playing on “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Paradise City”, “November Rain”, “Civil War”, and “Estranged”.
Beyond Guns N’ Roses, Slash enjoyed successful collaborations with artists across multiple genres while leading projects including Slash’s Snakepit and later Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.
His dedication to traditional blues-based guitar playing helped preserve classic rock influences during changing musical trends.
In 2012, Slash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N’ Roses, recognizing his lasting impact on modern rock guitar.
Today, he continues touring internationally and remains one of the most respected musicians of his generation.
Final note
July 23 in rock history celebrates unforgettable songs, historic tours, and extraordinary guitar talent. From Foreigner’s breakthrough success with “Cold as Ice,” to the Police dominating the charts with Synchronicity, to honoring Slash’s remarkable career, this day highlights musicians who combined technical excellence with timeless songwriting.
These milestones remind us that great rock music continues to inspire because it blends memorable melodies, passionate performances, and musicians willing to create their own unmistakable sound.
And that’s a look at today, July 23, in rock history.
