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.