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THIS WEEK IN ROCK

December 22, 2019

Unprecedented chart successes, the dearly departed and The King joining the Narcotics Bureau?! It’s this week in rock…

#OnThisDay December 16, 1989
Billy Joel hits No. 1 in the US album charts with his 11th studio album, ‘Storm Front’. Its lead single, ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’, goes on to be nominated for three Grammys: Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.

#OnThisDay December 17, 1972
Elvis Presley enters the UK Top 30 at No. 24 with ‘Always On My Mind’, one of the most popular songs of his career. Did you know that it was the b-side to ‘Separate Ways’ in the US?

#OnThisDay December 18, 1982
Hall And Oates began a four-week stay at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Maneater’, the duo’s fifth US No.1 and biggest hit in the UK.

#OnThisDay December 19, 1983
Like ships passing in the night, Billy Joel has two singles in the UK Top 20 as they go in opposite directions. ‘Tell Her About It’ climbs one place to No. 7, while ‘Uptown Girl’ is at No. 14.

#OnThisDay December 20, 1986
The Bangles score their first US No. 1 single with the insanely catchy ‘Walk Like An Egyptian’. It also tops the charts in Australia and Germany.

#OnThisDay December 21, 1970
Elvis Presley is secretly given a Narcotics Bureau badge by President Richard Nixon at the White House after the King offers his services in the fight against drugs. The story breaks two years later in the Washington Post.

#OnThisDay December 22, 2002
Let’s celebrate the life and legacy of Joe Strummer, who left us 17 years ago today. Singer, guitarist, poet, rebel, shaker of of the electric leg and so much more. And his music is just as urgent and relevant as it ever was.

Spotlight in Stereo – Valentine’s Day Duel!

Spotlight in Stereo – Valentine’s Day Duel!

It’s the most romantic day of the year if you’re happily in love. If you’re not, then it’s quite possibly the most tedious, lonely and depressing one on the calendar. Ever the diplomats, here in the Spotlight Office we want to include all our colleagues in the celebrations and commiserations, so we created two Valentine’s playlists; one for Everybody In Love and another for those who are Single.  

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If I Can Dream (’68 Comeback Special)

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s ‘Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite’ 50th Anniversary Edition

Elvis Presley’s ‘Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite’ 50th Anniversary Edition

The 50th anniversary edition of Elvis Presley’s monumental Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite record-setting global concert telecast/double live album will be released on Friday, August 11.

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Video of the Week: Elvis Presley ‘Jailhouse Rock’

Video of the Week: Elvis Presley ‘Jailhouse Rock’

The king of rock and roll Elvis Presley released ‘Jailhouse Rock’ 65 years ago!

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Video of the Week: Westlife ‘Uptown Girl’

Video of the Week: Westlife ‘Uptown Girl’

Artist Spotlight: Elvis Presley

Artist Spotlight: Elvis Presley

Our first Artist Spotlight of the year could only be the king of rock and roll Elvis Presley!

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Video of the Week: Elvis Presley’s ‘My Way’ (Aloha from Hawaii concert, Live in Honolulu)

Video of the Week: Elvis Presley’s ‘My Way’ (Aloha from Hawaii concert, Live in Honolulu)

This Week on the Official UK Chart: 25 October

This Week on the Official UK Chart: 25 October

This Week on the Official UK Chart: 11 October

This Week on the Official UK Chart: 11 October

Take a look back over the years to see which songs were in the Top 10 on the Official UK Chart this week…

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This Week on the Official UK Chart: 4 October

This Week on the Official UK Chart: 4 October

Take a look back over the years to see which songs were in the Top 10 on the Official UK Chart this week…

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