On this day: May 31, 1985

After a string of moderately successful solo albums, all titled Peter Gabriel, the solo artist released his fifth studio album, So, on May 31, 1985 to immediate success.

The album debuted at number 1 on the UK chart, and would spend an additional 18 months on the charts. In America, it would peak at number 3. Part of the success of the album was the smash hit single, Sledgehammer, which was included on the album.

Many speculate if Gabriel had released a fifth self titled album, it would not have been nearly as successful.

Other notable events for May 31:
-Chuck Berry opened Berry Park on May 31, 1961, an amusement complex near St. Louis
-Plastic Ono Band recorded Give Peace a Chance on May 31, 1969 in a hotel room in Canada