July 26 is a significant date filled with noteworthy anniversaries for many legendary figures in the world of rock music. While some of these celebrations bring joy, others evoke deep reflection on bittersweet memories.

Celebrating Mick Jagger’s 82nd Birthday: A Rock Legend’s Journey

Today, we joyously celebrate the 82nd birthday of Mick Jagger, who first graced the world with his presence in 1943. For over sixty years, he has been the charismatic frontman of the Rolling Stones, a band that has profoundly shaped the landscape of rock history. Known for their electrifying performances and timeless classics, the Stones have consistently captivated audiences worldwide.

While debates about the Stones versus Beatles often arise, the longevity and impact of Jagger’s career speak volumes about his influence. Recently, the band showcased their enduring spirit by releasing a powerful cover of a track by their musical inspiration, Clifton Chenier.

Roger Taylor’s 76th Birthday: Honoring Queen’s Drumming Icon

Today also marks the 76th birthday of Roger Taylor, the phenomenal drummer of Queen. A vintage concert clip from 1981 highlights the crucial role his backing vocals play in the band’s iconic sound. During their recent tours alongside Adam Lambert, Taylor has seamlessly stepped into co-lead vocal duties, bringing new life to the classic hit “Under Pressure.”

1973: ZZ Top’s Commercial Breakthrough with ‘Tres Hombres’

On this day in 1973, ZZ Top achieved a significant milestone with the release of their commercially successful album, Tres Hombres. This landmark third album marked their first entry into the Top 10, solidifying their place in rock music history. Featuring the signature track “La Grange,” it also showcases the dynamic one-two punch of the songs “Waitin’ for the Bus” and “Jesus Just Left Chicago.”

The vinyl edition boasts what may be the most iconic gatefold photo in the history of rock albums:

1986: James Hetfield’s Skateboarding Mishap

On July 26, 1986, James Hetfield, the formidable frontman of Metallica, learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of backstage skateboarding. Unfortunately, he broke his wrist right before a highly anticipated performance where the band was slated to open for Ozzy Osbourne, resulting in their absence from the concert. Hetfield later recounted, “We told the management, ‘Hey, look we’re thinking about taking boards out on tour.'” Surprisingly, the response was more casual than expected: “Well, you break something, you still play.”

Despite the setback, the band quickly enlisted longtime friend John Marshall to fill in on rhythm guitar for the next couple of months, allowing Hetfield to remain on vocal duties. Below, you can find footage from one of those unforgettable shows.

After some time, Hetfield returned to skateboarding, only to suffer another injury when he broke his arm less than a year after the first incident.

1977: A Heartbreaking Loss for Led Zeppelin

In a tragic turn of events, July 26, 1977, marked the untimely death of Karac Plant, the five-year-old son of Robert Plant, due to a sudden stomach virus. This devastating loss left the Led Zeppelin frontman reeling and questioning the future of his music career. The already troubled tour was promptly canceled, and Plant contemplated a shift toward academia. He reflected, “I just thought there was something far more honest and wholesome about just digging in and putting the ego away in the closet,” as he later shared with GQ.

Plant emphasized the often hidden insecurities of entertainers, expressing a desire to find purpose beyond the spotlight. After a period of introspection, he eventually returned to the band, penning the heartfelt tribute “All My Love” for their album In Through the Out Door, which would be the last project before the passing of drummer John Bonham in 1980.

1990: Remembering Brett Mydland of the Grateful Dead

On July 26, 1990, the music world mourned the loss of Brett Mydland, the talented keyboardist of the Grateful Dead. Having joined the band prior to the release of their 1980 album Go To Heaven, Mydland remained an integral part of the group until his untimely passing, contributing his lead vocals to the beloved track “Tons of Steel” from the double-platinum album In the Dark released in 1987.

2013: The Legacy of JJ Cale

On July 26, 2013, we lost JJ Cale, the influential songwriter behind two of Eric Clapton‘s biggest hits, “After Midnight” and “Cocaine.” Cale’s own modest recording career gained significant momentum when Clapton famously covered “After Midnight” in 1970. His song “Crazy Mama” from his 1971 solo debut, Naturally, also made waves by reaching the Top 30.

Further cementing his legacy, Cale’s song “Call Me the Breeze” was covered by Lynyrd Skynyrd for their second album, providing him with another boost in popularity. In 2006, he and Clapton collaborated on the album The Road to Escondido, further showcasing his enduring impact on the music scene.

1985: Chevy Chase’s Iconic ‘European Vacation’

In a different realm of entertainment, July 26, 1985, saw the release of National Lampoon’s European Vacation, the second installment of the beloved Vacation movie series starring Chevy Chase. This film has sparked much discussion among fans, and many consider it to be the third-best entry in the series, following the original Vacation from 1983 and the festive Christmas Vacation from 1989.

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