
Today is August 8th – also known as 808 Day – and Roland is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its iconic drum machine, the TR-808. If you have even a passing interest in music-making, we won't need to bring you up to speed on the influence of the 808.
Since its launch in 1980, Roland's TR-808 Rhythm Composer has inspired musicians, shaped genres and featured in some of musical history's most memorable tracks across pop, hip-hop and electronic music. After almost five decades at the heart of music culture, the 808 and its instantly recognisable sounds remain as popular as ever.