The “No Nukes” Concerts Begin at Madison Square Garden
On September 19, 1979, Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted the first of three landmark concerts organized by MUSE—Musicians United for Safe Energy. The “No Nukes” concerts brought together some of the biggest names in rock and folk, including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Carly Simon, The Doobie Brothers, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
The event was a direct response to growing public concern over nuclear energy following the Three Mile Island accident earlier that year. Musicians and activists banded together to raise awareness and funds for anti-nuclear causes, making the concerts as much about activism as entertainment.
Over three nights, the artists performed spirited sets that highlighted both their musical power and their commitment to change. Springsteen’s shows, coming just weeks before the release of The River, were particularly celebrated and have become legendary among fans. The concerts were documented in a film and a triple-album, both titled No Nukes, which helped spread the message worldwide.
The benefit raised more than $750,000, a significant sum for the time, and provided a template for future cause-driven music events. Decades later, the “No Nukes” concerts are remembered not just as great performances, but as one of the most successful intersections of music and activism in rock history.
The Rolling Stones Hit No. 1 with Tattoo You
On September 19, 1981, The Rolling Stones claimed the No. 1 spot on the U.S. album charts with Tattoo You. Featuring tracks like “Start Me Up,” “Hang Fire,” and “Waiting on a Friend,” the album proved that nearly two decades into their career, the Stones were still capable of dominating the rock landscape.
Interestingly, much of Tattoo You was assembled from older outtakes and unused tracks from previous recording sessions. Producer Chris Kimsey and the band dug through their archives, polishing unfinished songs and turning them into a cohesive album. Despite this patchwork origin, the result was one of the Stones’ strongest releases of the era.
The single “Start Me Up” became an instant classic, its opening riff ranking among the most recognizable in rock. The accompanying tour, one of the band’s biggest, solidified their reputation as masters of the stadium show. Meanwhile, “Waiting on a Friend”—with a soulful saxophone solo by jazz legend Sonny Rollins—showcased a more reflective, melodic side of the Stones.
The commercial success of Tattoo You reaffirmed the band’s staying power. At a time when punk, new wave, and MTV were reshaping the music industry, the Stones proved they could adapt and still sit comfortably at the top.
final note
The two events of September 19 highlight different but equally powerful aspects of rock. The “No Nukes” concerts showed how musicians could harness their influence for activism, blending artistry with social responsibility. They created a template for future benefit concerts like Live Aid and Farm Aid, proving that rock music could be a force for change as well as entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Rolling Stones’ success with Tattoo You was a reminder of the durability of rock’s elder statesmen. By reaching No. 1 with an album largely built from older material, they demonstrated that great songs, combined with charisma and savvy timing, could still dominate the charts.
Together, these stories underscore the richness of rock history—its ability to inspire, to provoke, and to endure. September 19 remains a day that captures both the social consciousness and the timeless appeal of the genre.
