# 15 Key Events in Rock History That Occurred on February 28th
Rock music has a rich and storied history, with countless moments that have shaped the genre and its cultural impact. February 28th, in particular, has seen its fair share of significant events that have left an indelible mark on rock history. From iconic album releases to legendary performances, here are 15 key events in rock history that occurred on February 28th.
### 1. **The Beatles Win Their First Grammy (1967)**
On February 28, 1967, The Beatles won their first Grammy Award for *Best Performance by a Vocal Group* for their groundbreaking album *”Help!”*. This win marked the beginning of the band’s dominance in the music industry and solidified their status as one of the most influential bands in rock history.
### 2. **Led Zeppelin’s Final UK Show with John Bonham (1975)**
Led Zeppelin performed their last UK concert with drummer John Bonham on February 28, 1975, at the Earls Court Arena in London. Bonham, who tragically passed away in 1980, was a key figure in the band’s sound, and this performance is remembered as one of their most powerful live shows.
### 3. **The Rolling Stones Release “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)**
On February 28, 1968, The Rolling Stones released their iconic single “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” The song became one of the band’s most enduring hits and is often considered a turning point in their career, marking a return to their blues-rock roots after experimenting with psychedelic sounds.
### 4. **Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” Debuts Live (1973)**
Before its official release, Pink Floyd debuted their now-legendary album *”The Dark Side of the Moon”* live on February 28, 1973, at the Rainbow Theatre in London. The album would go on to become one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed albums in rock history, known for its innovative use of sound effects and philosophical themes.
### 5. **U2 Wins Their First Grammy (1988)**
On February 28, 1988, U2 won their first Grammy Award for *Album of the Year* for *”The Joshua Tree”*. The album, which featured hits like “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name,” catapulted the band to international superstardom and remains one of the most celebrated albums in rock history.
### 6. **David Bowie’s “Station to Station” Tour Begins (1976)**
David Bowie kicked off his *”Station to Station”* tour on February 28, 1976, in Vancouver, Canada. The tour was notable for Bowie’s “Thin White Duke” persona and his shift toward a more experimental, electronic sound. The tour and album marked a transitional period in Bowie’s career, leading to his later work in the Berlin Trilogy.
### 7. **The Who’s Keith Moon Collapses on Stage (1970)**
On February 28, 1970, The Who’s drummer Keith Moon collapsed on stage during a performance in New York City. Known for his wild lifestyle and erratic behavior, Moon’s collapse was attributed to his excessive drug and alcohol use. Despite this, Moon remained a key figure in The Who’s success until his untimely death in 1978.
### 8. **Nirvana Plays Their Final UK Show (1994)**
Nirvana performed their final UK concert on February 28, 1994, at the Brixton Academy in London. This show was part of their *In Utero* tour, and just a few months later, frontman Kurt Cobain would tragically take his own life. The performance is remembered as a poignant moment in the band’s short but influential career.
### 9. **Bob Dylan Wins an Academy Award (2001)**
On February 28, 2001, Bob Dylan won an Academy Award for *Best Original Song* for “Things Have Changed,” which was featured in the film *Wonder Boys*. This win added to Dylan’s already impressive list of accolades and further cemented his status as one of the most important songwriters in rock history.
### 10. **The Eagles’ “Hotel California” Wins Record of the Year (1978)**
At the 20th Annual Grammy Awards on February 28, 1978, The Eagles’ iconic song “Hotel California” won the award for *Record of the Year*. The song, with its haunting lyrics and unforgettable guitar solo, became one of the most recognizable tracks in rock history and remains a staple of classic rock radio.
### 11. **The Clash Release “London Calling” in the U.S. (1980)**
On February 28,
