Today is July 28. Let’s delve into the most significant events that shaped classic rock history on this day:

1975: Black Sabbath Responds to Industry Challenges with ‘Sabotage’

After a remarkable streak of five revolutionary and highly successful albums over five consecutive years, Black Sabbath found themselves grappling with a perplexing dilemma: where had all their money gone? This question spurred feelings of frustration, betrayal, and a flurry of legal disputes, which placed the band under immense stress during the recording sessions for their 1975 album, Sabotage. The album’s title serves as a poignant reflection of their turbulent state of mind during this period.

The group opted to step back from the elaborate soundscapes of 1973’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, channeling a raw and primal energy that resonated through tracks like “Hole in the Sky” and the innovative “Symptom of the Universe.” However, the hidden gem of the album is undoubtedly the epic 10-minute track “Megalomania,” which showcases their artistic depth and complexity.

1976: Kiss Makes Waves with ‘Detroit Rock City’ and ‘Beth’

In a strategic move to build on the commercial success of their 1975 live album, Alive!, Kiss enlisted the expertise of producer Bob Ezrin to elevate their sound for the 1976 album, Destroyer. While the album enjoyed better sales than their previous three studio records, it didn’t quite propel the band’s fortunes until the release of the electrifying single “Detroit Rock City.”

Interestingly, it was not the anticipated A-side that revived Destroyer, but rather the heartfelt ballad “Beth,” sung by drummer Peter Criss. This track, initially intended as a B-side, unexpectedly became their first Top 10 hit after radio DJs took the bold step of flipping the single. This moment marked a pivotal turning point in Kiss’s career, solidifying their status in rock history.

1978: John Belushi’s Unforgettable Performance in ‘Animal House’

Having already established himself as a rising star on Saturday Night Live, John Belushi skyrocketed to new heights of fame with his unforgettable performance in the cult classic Animal House. This low-budget film, intentionally crafted with a crude sense of humor, went on to define a new era of comedy in cinema. (If you doubt the film’s rock and roll essence, it might be time for some self-reflection.)

1979: Joe Perry’s Departure from Aerosmith Shakes the Band

When Aerosmith arrived in Cleveland to perform at the World Series of Rock on July 28, 1979, the atmosphere was undeniably tense. Guitarist Joe Perry later confessed, “We were pretty burned out.” Instead of taking a much-needed break, the band members turned their frustrations on each other. The breaking point came when a dispute between the wives of Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton escalated dramatically, resulting in a glass of milk being thrown, ultimately leading to Perry’s departure from the band.

Interestingly, singer Steven Tyler recalls the incident differently, claiming he effectively told Perry, “You’re fired!” Tyler expressed that while he had never physically fought Perry, that night came alarmingly close. This tumultuous moment in Aerosmith’s history signaled significant changes for the band.

2021: Remembering ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill on His Passing

On July 28, 2021, the music world mourned the loss of Dusty Hill, the legendary bassist of ZZ Top, who had dedicated over five decades to the band. In his final days, he made it clear that he wanted the iconic Texas trio to carry on, even nominating his longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis as his successor.

During the band’s first performance without Hill, a poignant tribute was paid as his signature hat was placed over his microphone stand, symbolizing his enduring legacy. At the time, it seemed unimaginable for the band to continue without one of its core members, but in hindsight, the decision has resonated with fans and musicians alike, illustrating the band’s resilience.

Explore More: Our Top 10 Favorite Dusty Hill Stories

Notable Rock Anniversaries on July 28:

1943: The birth of Richard Wright from Pink Floyd.

Discover More: Top 10 Richard Wright Pink Floyd Songs

1970: Traffic re-forms to produce the iconic album John Barleycorn Must Die.

1979: Rainbow embarks on a new chapter following the departure of Ronnie James Dio with the release of Down to Earth.

1987: Back to the Future actor Crispin Glover attempts to kick David Letterman in the head during a live interview, creating a memorable moment in television history.

In response to the bizarre incident, Letterman humorously reflected, “I thought, I don’t need that. I’m 40, I went to college,” explaining his rationale for cutting the segment short. “That is not how I want my life to end, some goofball, some dork from wherever…”