World Rock Day: Celebrate the legend!

Why do we celebrate Rock and Roll Day on July 13?

If you hear about Rock and Roll Day every year but don't know exactly why it's celebrated on July 13th, today is your lucky day. At Keep Them Spinning, we'll tell you the origins of this legendary date while a good dose of good vinyl music plays in the background.

It all started with Live Aid

In 1985, the world witnessed one of the most powerful and charitable concerts in history: Live Aid. It was held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia with a clear objective: to raise funds to combat famine in Ethiopia. The event was broadcast in more than 100 countries and brought together the world's top rock acts.

The impact was massive: more than $140 million raised and a global consciousness-raising event. That's why July 13th is now synonymous with guitars, drums, and solidarity.

Band Aid: The Beginning of Everything

Before Live Aid, British and Irish musicians had already joined forces with "Do They Know It's Christmas?" under the name Band Aid. It was the first step in an unprecedented chain of musical solidarity. Shortly after, the United States responded with the anthem "We Are The World ," created by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, featuring a roster of legendary voices that still gives you goosebumps.

Queen and the moment that made history

If there's one performance that remains fondly remembered, it's Queen's. In just 21 minutes, Freddie Mercury and company shook Wembley and became etched in rock history. Alongside them, bands like Led Zeppelin, U2, The Who, and Black Sabbath also left their souls on stage.

Can you imagine having these concerts on your favorite colored vinyl or keeping them in that box full of vinyl records you treasure so much? Because yes, some live releases from these bands have become even more valuable for collectors around the world.

16 hours, two continents, one cause

Live Aid lasted a whopping 16 hours and took place in two stadiums: Wembley (London) and John F. Kennedy (Philadelphia). Performing there were artists such as Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Madonna, Neil Young, Duran Duran, Santana, Sting, Elton John, Judas Priest, The Pretenders, Eric Clapton... a lineup that's simply unbeatable!

And the best part is that their energy lives on. You can celebrate it however you want: listening to a vinyl record , reliving concert videos, or dusting off your collection from that record shelf you're so proud of.

Today is a great day to turn up the volume.

So this July 13th, don't think about it too much. Celebrate Rock and Roll Day the way it deserves: with the needle on your favorite LP, nodding your head and thanking those progressive and classic rock bands that shaped generations.

At Keep Them Spinning, we celebrate it the way we love it most: enjoying the ritual of putting on a record, taking care of our collection, and remembering that music can also change the world.