The Who Release Face Dances in 1981
On March 16, 1981, The Who released their ninth studio album, Face Dances. The record marked an important transition for the band, as it was one of the first major projects they completed after the tragic death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978.
Keith Moon had been an essential part of The Who’s identity. Known for his explosive drumming style and unpredictable personality, Moon helped define the band’s sound during their most influential years. His death left a significant void in the group.
To move forward, The Who brought in drummer Kenney Jones, formerly of the Small Faces and Faces. Jones had a very different playing style from Moon, bringing a steadier and more restrained approach to the band’s rhythm section.
Face Dances became one of two studio albums The Who recorded with Jones behind the drums, the other being It’s Hard, released in 1982.
Despite the changes within the band, Face Dances performed well commercially. The album featured the hit single “You Better You Bet,” which became one of the group’s most successful songs of the early 1980s. Written by guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend, the track combined the band’s classic rock energy with a more modern sound that reflected the evolving music scene of the time.
Another notable track from the album was “Another Tricky Day,” a song that captured the band’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
While some fans continued to associate The Who most strongly with their earlier work from the 1960s and 1970s, Face Dances demonstrated that the band could continue creating compelling music even after major changes within their lineup.
The Beatles Set Records with “Can’t Buy Me Love” in 1964
March 16 also marks a major milestone in the career of The Beatles. In 1964, the band released their single “Can’t Buy Me Love” in the United States, continuing the wave of excitement that defined the early days of Beatlemania.
Written primarily by Paul McCartney, the song was recorded during the band’s visit to Paris earlier that year. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody quickly made it one of the most recognizable songs in the Beatles’ catalog.
Before the single was even officially released, demand for the record was enormous. The song received more than two million advance orders, setting a new industry record at the time.
When “Can’t Buy Me Love” reached the charts, it quickly climbed to the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of the song helped further cement the Beatles’ status as the most influential pop and rock group of the era.
The track also appeared in the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night, which was released later in 1964 and helped expand the band’s global popularity.
During this period, the Beatles dominated the music industry in a way few artists ever had before. At one point in April of 1964, they famously held the top five positions on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously, an achievement that remains one of the most remarkable moments in chart history.
“Can’t Buy Me Love” remains one of the band’s most enduring songs and represents the energy and optimism that defined the early years of the British Invasion.
Celebrating the Birthday of Nancy Wilson of Heart
March 16 is also the birthday of Nancy Wilson, guitarist and founding member of the rock band Heart. Born in 1954, Wilson would go on to become one of the most respected guitarists in rock music and a trailblazer for women in the genre.
Along with her sister Ann Wilson, Nancy helped form Heart in the early 1970s. The band quickly gained recognition for their powerful blend of hard rock, acoustic elements, and soaring vocals.
Nancy Wilson’s guitar playing became a defining feature of Heart’s sound. She was equally comfortable performing intricate acoustic parts and powerful electric guitar riffs, giving the band a versatile musical identity.
Heart achieved major success with songs such as “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “Magic Man,” which helped establish them as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s.
The band experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1980s with hit songs including “Alone,” “These Dreams,” and “What About Love.”
Nancy Wilson’s musicianship and songwriting have earned widespread respect throughout the music industry. Her work with Heart helped break down barriers for female musicians in rock, demonstrating that women could be powerful instrumentalists as well as vocalists and songwriters.
In recognition of their influence and achievements, Heart was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Final Note
The events remembered on March 16 illustrate how rock music continues to evolve across generations. The Beatles’ record breaking success showed the explosive power of the British Invasion, while The Who’s Face Dances demonstrated resilience during a period of transition.
Meanwhile, Nancy Wilson’s birthday reminds us of the artists whose talent and determination helped reshape the landscape of rock music.
Together, these milestones highlight the creativity, influence, and enduring legacy of the musicians who continue to inspire fans around the world.
And that is a look at March 16 in rock history.
