Historic events this week from KISS, Billy Joel, Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and Boston
AUGUST 9, 1995: KISS UNPLUGGED
The original members of KISS reunited for the band’s MTV Unplugged show.
It was the first time the original lineup performed without makeup; not counting Ace Frehley‘s wedding in ’76.
Ace Frehley & Peter Criss‘ appearance on MTV Unplugged went over so well, they officially rejoined the band in ’96.
AUGUST 10, 1993: BILLY JOEL RELEASES RIVER OF DREAMS
Billy Joel‘s 12th album went 5x Platinum and became his fourth and final US #1 album.
River of Dreams earned Joel Grammy nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male.
He released an album of classical compositions in 2001, but 1993’s River of Dreams remains his most recent rock album.
AUGUST 12, 1991: METALLICA’S “BLACK ALBUM”
Each single from Metallica‘s self-titled fifth album is a hard rock classic:
“Enter Sandman”, “The Unforgiven”, “Nothing Else Matters”, “Sad but True” and “Wherever I May Roam”.
The album sold 3 million copies in less than 3 months. It remains their biggest album with 17 million sold in the US.
AUGUST 13, 1973: (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)
Lynyrd Skynrd‘s classic southern rock debut, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd), is a cut above the rest.
Although “Free Bird” was the only single to chart (#19), “Tuesday’s Gone”, “Gimme Three Steps” and “Simple Man” are also celebrated classic rock radio staples.
AUGUST 15, 1978: BOSTON’S DON’T LOOK BACK LP
Boston‘s sophomore album, Don’t Look Back, is their second biggest album after their eponymous debut.
Don’t Look Back has sold over 7 million copies and contains the Top 5 charting title track. The album spent two non-consecutive weeks at #1.
AUGUST 15, 1979: LED ZEPPELIN’S IN THROUGH THE OUT DOOR
Led Zeppelin‘s In Through the Out Door divided fans and critics alike due to the softer, synthesizer-driven direction.
The album still managed to quickly go #1 and spent 7 straight weeks at the top spot; eventually selling 6 million copies in the US.
It proved to be their final album, as they disbanded after the Sept. ’80 death of drummer John Bonham.
