This day in 1995,Grateful Dead singer, guitarist, and co-founder Jerry Garcia died at the age of 53. Garcia, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame one year earlier alongside his bandmates, was a revered guitarist, known for his distinctive technique and improvisational skills. In addition to fronting the Dead for three decades, Garcia also found success with a variety of solo and side projects throughout his career. Four days after his death, more than 25,000 fans attended a public memorial service for the beloved artist at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Other events on this day in music....

In 1986, Queen played their final live performance with Freddie Mercury at England’s Knebworth Park. While no one (including the band) knew this would be their last show together, more than 120,000 fans attended the concert, which wrapped up their European “Magic” Tour. Belouis Some, Big Country, and Status Quo served as support acts.

In 1980, AC/DC earned their first UK No.1 album with Back In Black. Their sixth studio album marked the Australian band’s first release with lead singer Brian Johnson, following the tragic death of Bon Scott. Despite the loss of their longtime bandmate, AC/DC found enormous commercial success and critical acclaim with the record. In addition to reaching the Top Five in multiple countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia (hitting No.1 in the latter two), Black in Black would go on to become the second-highest selling album of all time and a hugely influential title in hard rock.