History as you’ve never seen it: albums, artists’ births, rumors, and more: discover with us what happened this week in music history.
September 11: Reggae Artist Peter Tosh is Shot and Killed
As the years pass, the amount of artists to pass away from homicides increases higher and higher. From the 1980 killing of John Lennon to the 2019 XXXTENTACION’s homicide, many musicians left this world in terrible and heartbreaking circumstances. Among these, we find reggae musician Peter Tosh, who on this day in 1987 in music history was shot and killed during a robbery in his home in Jamaica. The singer was 42 when he left the world and his fans in disbelief. Reggae lost one of its biggest artists.
Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, Tosh was one of the core members of the band the Wailers. He, however, also later established himself as a successful solo artist and a promoter of Rastafari. Some of his hits, which we highly recommend, include the cover of “Johnny B. Good,” “I Am That I Am,” and “Get Up, Stand Up.”
September 12: Ed Sheeran Debuts with Plus
It was this day in music history when the third most-listened-to musician today debuted with his groundbreaking and trend-setting + (“Plus”). In 2011, Ed Sheeran’s freshman album was released in the UK, where it topped album charts. The album made it to the top with singles “The A Team” and “Lego House.” The latter’s video was the first time Sheeran showed off his now classic hair, similar to Harry Potter‘s Rupert Grint, which from then on would be one of the main characteristics of his public persona.
Today, we hit the 12th year since the release. Sheeran has completed his entire “mathematical” discography, including his latest – (“minus”Subtract”) album.
September 13: MTV Video Music Awards’ Most Memorable Moment — You Already Know What We’re Talking About
We referenced it in past Music History chapters, and today marks the day when Taylor Swift was robbed of her moment on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
We all know how it went: when the singer won Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West came on stage and took control of the microphone, explaining that Beyoncé deserved the award for her “Single Ladies” video. The rest is history. Taylor, who believes in karma and definitely doesn’t allow others to treat her wrongly, used this painful moment for inspirational fodder. She avenged herself, making a success out of the event. Singles like “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” are a direct consequence of this event.
September 14: Across The Universe
In 2007, one of the most famous musicals about The Beatles saw the light: the band-inspired movie Across The Universe opened in theatres. The movie is a Vietnam War-focused political musical that narrates the intertwined protagonists’ stories over the majestic covers of The Beatles’ biggest singles. A must for all the band’s fans!
September 15: Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
On this day in 2009, Kid Cudi released his debut album, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day. The album broke the internet, bringing the singer, not only incredible fame and success, but also respect. The album, hip-hop-infused with its perfectly made bars and psychedelic melodies, includes the contribution of Kanye West. Common and MGMT took part in the production as well. The first single is the languid “Day ‘N’ Nite.”
September 16: Lou Reed at the White House
It was today in 1998 when Lou Reed played at a White House reception to welcome the Czech Republic President.
The White House’s official news wrote:
“In front of portraits of George and Martha Washington and a roomful of formally attired VIPs, punk elder statesman Lou Reed rocked the White House Wednesday night.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Czech President Vaclav Havel, and his wife, Dagmar, were in the crowd. It was, in fact, Havel’s idea to have Reed be the entertainer for the dinner held in the White House East Room. President Clinton said: “If you had as much fun as I did just now, you should give President Havel the credit because he said, ‘I want Lou Reed to play tonight.'”
September 17: The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour Dispute
On this day in 2012, a big announcement came for The Beach Boys’ fans. Nine days before the end of the band’s 50th anniversary reunion tour, lead singer Mike Love announced that he and band member Bruce Johnston would continue touring. The tour would continue under the group’s name. However, the other three members, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and David Marks, wouldn’t join them on stage. Arguments ensued, and after the tour, the two cousins and members Wilson and Love had no further contact.
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