On this day in rock history, U2 began to hit their stride by adding the producing tandem of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The resulting Unforgettable Fire didn't just provide U2 with their first stateside hit in "Pride." It also opened the door for favorites like The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and All That You Can't Leave Behind.

Janis Joplin recorded what would be her final song, "Mercedes Benz" – just days before she was found dead of a heroin overdose at age 27. Def Leppard began a signature tour, while Iron Maiden released No Prayer for the Dying, which heralded guitarist Adrian Smith's initial departure.

Bob Dylan and the Band performed their first show at Carnegie Hall, tearing through a set of classics highlighted by "It's Ain't Me, Babe" and "Like a Rolling Stone." Later, the Who released an album of outtakes and rarities called Odds and Sods. Curated by John Entwistle, it featured track-by-track notes from Pete Townshend.

The first compact disc also arrived in the U.S., a German-manufactured reissue of Billy Joel's 1978 album 52nd Street.

Watch an exciting recap of many of the day’s biggest rock anniversaries above, narrated by our radio host Zach Martin. And learn more about these important events by clicking the links below.

News Anniversaries
Bob Dylan and the Band play Carnegie Hall (1965)
Janis Joplin records "Mercedes Benz" (1970)
The first compact disc is released (1982)
Def Leppard begins world tour behind Hysteria (1987)

Album Anniversaries
The Who, Odds and Sods (1974)
U2, The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
Iron Maiden, No Prayer for the Dying

U2 Albums, Ranked Worst to Best

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