Today in Rock- July 9
Cheap Trick Reaches Number One with "The Flame"
On this day in 1988, Cheap Trick reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “The Flame,” earning the band’s first—and only—number one single in the United States.
The achievement represented the culmination of more than a decade of perseverance.
By the late 1970s, Cheap Trick had become one of America’s premier rock bands, earning a devoted following through relentless touring and unforgettable live performances.
The quartet—vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, and drummer Bun E. Carlos—combined power-pop melodies with hard rock energy and a playful sense of humor.
Albums such as In Color, Heaven Tonight, and the legendary live recording At Budokan established the band as international stars.
Songs including “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me,” and “Dream Police” became staples of classic rock radio.
Yet despite their popularity, a U.S. number one hit remained elusive.
That finally changed with “The Flame.”
Unlike many of the band’s earlier hits, the song was written by outside songwriters rather than members of Cheap Trick.
Initially, guitarist Rick Nielsen expressed reservations about recording it.
However, Robin Zander’s powerful vocal performance transformed the emotional ballad into one of the biggest hits of 1988.
The song introduced Cheap Trick to an entirely new generation of listeners.
Its commercial success also revitalized the band’s career, proving that veteran rock acts could successfully adapt to changing musical tastes without losing their identity.
Although “The Flame” remains their only U.S. chart-topper, Cheap Trick’s influence extends far beyond a single hit.
Their blend of infectious melodies, strong musicianship, and energetic live performances has inspired generations of artists, from power-pop bands to alternative rock musicians.
Today, the band remains one of rock’s most respected and enduring performers.
The Police Begin Their Eight-Week Reign with "Every Breath You Take"
On this day in 1983, The Police began an extraordinary eight-week run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Every Breath You Take.”
Released as the lead single from the album Synchronicity, the song became the defining hit of the band’s remarkable career.
Written by Sting, the song is frequently misunderstood as a romantic love ballad.
In reality, Sting has often explained that its lyrics explore obsession, jealousy, and unhealthy emotional attachment rather than romance.
Its gentle melody contrasts sharply with the darker meaning hidden within the lyrics.
That complexity has helped make the song endlessly fascinating for listeners.
Musically, “Every Breath You Take” demonstrated remarkable restraint.
Rather than relying on elaborate production, the recording featured Andy Summers’ instantly recognizable guitar figure, Stewart Copeland’s precise drumming, and Sting’s understated vocal performance.
The elegant arrangement allowed the songwriting to remain at the center of the recording.
Commercially, the song became one of the biggest hits of the decade.
It topped charts around the world, won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, while the Police received the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Its popularity has continued across generations through radio, streaming, film, and television.
The success of Synchronicity represented the artistic peak of the Police.
Ironically, it also arrived during a period of growing creative tension within the band.
Shortly after the album’s success, the members pursued separate projects, leaving behind one of the most influential catalogs in modern rock history.
Today, “Every Breath You Take” remains one of the most recognizable songs ever recorded and a lasting example of exceptional songwriting disguised beneath an elegant pop melody.
Celebrating Three Rock Birthdays
July 9 also marks the birthdays of three musicians whose contributions helped shape very different corners of rock music.
First, we celebrate Mitch Mitchell, born in 1947.
As drummer for The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitchell brought remarkable jazz-inspired creativity to Jimi Hendrix’s revolutionary music.
His fluid, improvisational drumming helped define classics including “Purple Haze,” “Fire,” “Manic Depression,” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”
Next is Bon Scott, born in 1946.
As the unforgettable frontman of AC/DC, Scott became one of rock’s greatest vocalists.
His wit, charisma, and unmistakable voice powered albums such as High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Let There Be Rock, Powerage, and Highway to Hell.
Although his life ended tragically in 1980, his influence remains central to AC/DC’s enduring legacy.
Finally, today celebrates the birthday of Jim Kerr, born in 1959.
As lead vocalist of Simple Minds, Kerr helped guide the band from experimental post-punk beginnings to worldwide success during the 1980s.
Songs including “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” “Alive and Kicking,” “Waterfront,” and “Sanctify Yourself” made Simple Minds one of the defining bands of the decade.
Each of these artists developed a unique musical identity, yet all shared the ability to connect deeply with audiences through memorable performances and timeless recordings.
Final note
July 9 in rock history celebrates chart-topping success, unforgettable songwriting, and musicians whose influence spans generations. From Cheap Trick earning their only U.S. number one single, to the Police creating one of the defining songs of the 1980s, to honoring the birthdays of Mitch Mitchell, Bon Scott, and Jim Kerr, this day reflects the remarkable diversity of classic rock.
These milestones remind us that great music comes in many forms—from power-pop and new wave to hard rock and psychedelic innovation—and that exceptional artists continue inspiring audiences long after the charts have changed.
And that’s a look at today, July 9, in rock history.
