Today in Rock- July 26
Peter Gabriel Reaches Number One with "Sledgehammer"
On this day in 1986, Peter Gabriel reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Sledgehammer,” the biggest commercial hit of his remarkable solo career.
The energetic single combined rock, soul, funk, and rhythm and blues influences into a vibrant recording that showcased Gabriel’s willingness to continually reinvent himself.
Built around a powerful horn section, infectious groove, and memorable vocal performance, “Sledgehammer” quickly became an international success.
The song demonstrated Gabriel’s ability to balance artistic creativity with mainstream appeal, reaching audiences far beyond his progressive rock beginnings.
Its accompanying music video became equally historic.
Created with groundbreaking stop-motion animation, clay animation, and computer-assisted visual effects, the video pushed the limits of what music television could achieve.
Produced by the innovative animation team at Aardman Animations together with the Brothers Quay and director Stephen R. Johnson, the production featured Gabriel lying beneath a sheet of glass while thousands of individually photographed images created the illusion of movement.
The painstaking process required enormous patience but resulted in one of the most influential music videos ever produced.
“Sledgehammer” won a record number of honors at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards and became one of the network’s most frequently aired videos during MTV’s golden era.
Its visual innovations influenced countless artists who followed, proving that music videos could become important artistic statements rather than simple promotional tools.
Today, both the song and its unforgettable video remain landmarks in the history of popular music.
ZZ Top Releases Tres Hombres
On this day in 1973, ZZ Top released Tres Hombres, the album that transformed the Texas trio into international rock stars.
Although the band had already developed a loyal regional following, this third studio album introduced their unique blend of Texas blues, boogie, and hard rock to a worldwide audience.
The lineup featured guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard.
Together, they created a sound built upon infectious grooves, exceptional musicianship, and a distinctly Southwestern musical identity.
The album’s signature track, “La Grange,” became one of rock’s most recognizable guitar songs.
Inspired by the legendary Chicken Ranch near La Grange, Texas, the song featured Billy Gibbons’ unforgettable guitar riff and remains a staple of classic rock radio.
The album also included the seamless pairing of “Waiting for the Bus” and “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” two songs that have become inseparable in live performance.
Throughout Tres Hombres, ZZ Top demonstrated how blues traditions could be modernized without losing authenticity.
The album established the musical foundation that would later support massive commercial successes including Eliminator and Afterburner.
More than fifty years later, Tres Hombres continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest blues-rock albums ever recorded and remains essential listening for guitar enthusiasts around the world.
Happy Birthday Sir Mick Jagger
Today we celebrate the birthday of Mick Jagger, born on July 26, 1943.
As co-founder and lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones, Jagger has spent more than six decades at the forefront of rock and roll.
His unmistakable voice, magnetic stage presence, and boundless energy helped transform the Rolling Stones into one of the most successful and influential bands in music history.
Working closely with guitarist Keith Richards, Jagger formed one of rock’s greatest songwriting partnerships.
Together they created an extraordinary catalog including “Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” “Start Me Up,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Miss You,” and countless other classics.
Jagger’s performances became legendary for their athletic movement, audience engagement, and relentless energy.
Even after decades of touring, he continues performing with remarkable stamina, inspiring generations of frontmen across virtually every style of rock music.
Beyond his work with the Rolling Stones, Jagger has pursued acting, film production, solo recordings, and numerous charitable initiatives.
In 2003, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music, becoming Sir Mick Jagger.
Today, he remains one of the most recognizable and influential performers in entertainment history, representing the enduring spirit of rock and roll itself.
Final note
July 26 in rock history celebrates innovation, musical excellence, and extraordinary longevity. From Peter Gabriel redefining the music video with “Sledgehammer,” to ZZ Top introducing the world to Tres Hombres, to honoring Sir Mick Jagger’s remarkable career with the Rolling Stones, this day highlights artists whose creativity changed the course of rock music.
These milestones remind us that timeless music is created by performers who continually evolve while remaining unmistakably true to their own artistic vision.
And that’s a look at today, July 26, in rock history.
