Events
1992 was a pivotal year in the development of music. Perhaps the most notable event was the release of The Chronic by Dr. Dre. Though other artists (including Dr. Dre as a member of N.W.A, and Public Enemy, LL Cool J and Kurtis Blow) had achieved some mainstream success, The Chronic was the first real blockbuster hip hop album. It presaged the future mainstream dominance of hip hop, as well as the beginning of G funk-West Coast rap's rule as the most popular and influential type of hip hop.
Thrash metal began moving in a more swiftly-paced direction, strongly influenced by hip hop and other musical trends with the release of Countdown to Extinction (Megadeth) and Vulgar Display of Power (Pantera). Both albums were well-received by heavy metal fans, though popular success was scarce.
The Spin Doctors' Pocket Full of Kryptonite spawned three huge hits this year. Though the band was never able to recreate this success, it foreshadowed the future rise of popular jam bands like Phish and Dave Matthews Band.
- January 11 - Paul Simon is the first major artist to tour South Africa after the end of the cultural boycott.
- January 16 - Mick Jagger attends the Hollywood premiere of his new movie, Freejack, at Mann's Chinese Theatre
- February 18 - Vince Neil leaves Mötley Crüe, after 11 years as the band's lead singer, to spend more time on his career as a race car driver.
- February 24 - Nirvana's Kurt Cobain marries Hole's Courtney Love
- February 24 - The U.S. Postal Service unveils 2 potential designs of its proposed Elvis Presley stamp for fans to vote on. One design is of a "young" 1950s Elvis, and the other is of a much "older" 1970s Elvis. The "young" Elvis wins the vote, and is issued the following January.
- March 10 - Prince wins the lifetime achievement award during the Soul Train Awards
- March 14 - Farm Aid Five takes place in Irving, Texas, hosted by Willie Nelson. Artists performing at the event include John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Paul Simon. Approximately 40,000 people attend the event.
- March 24 - A Chicago, Illinois judge approves cash rebates of up to $3 to anyone proving they bought Milli-Vanilli prior to when the lip synching scandal began on November 27, 1990
- April 1 - Billy Idol, on trial for punching a woman in the face, pleads no contest. Idol is fined and ordered to make public service announcements against alcohol and drug use.
- April 24 - David Bowie marries fashion model Iman
- April 30 - In Los Angeles, California, Madonna's bustier is stolen from a display in Fredrick's Of Hollywood. A $1,000 reward is offered for its return.
- July 4 - Mark Heard suffers a heart attack while performing at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. Heard went to the hospital immediately after finishing his set and was released two weeks later.
- July 28 - Mary J. Blige releases her debut album What's the 411. It is a pivotal album in the world of R&B.
- August - Mark Heard suffers a cardiac arrest and dies.
- Former Beatle George Harrison tells Billboard magazine that he recently discovered that he was born on February 24, and not February 25 as he had thought for most of his life.
- The Jerky Boys' career begins
- Beginning of musical career of Snoop Doggy Dogg
- Korn forms
- Oasis forms
- P.O.D forms
