AUG 9-15: Historic events this week from KISS, The Beatles, Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin
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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 Frehley’s wedding in ’76.
Ace Frehley & Peter Criss’ appearance on MTV Unplugged went over so well, they officially rejoined the band in ’96.
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AUGUST 11, 1964: BEATLES RELEASE A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
With its soundtrack already enjoying its third week at #1, the Beatles released their first movie, A Hard Day’s Night.
Released amidst Beatlemania, the comedy-musical did extremely well at the box office.
With a budget of £189,000, it grossed $1,664,617; which is equal to $13,843,008.67 in 2020.
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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.
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AUGUST 13, 1973: (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)
Lynyrd Skynrd’s classic, southern rock debut 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.
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AUGUST 15, 1979: IN THROUGH THE OUT DOOR
The album divided fans and critics alike due to the softer, synthesizer-driven direction.
In Through the Out Door 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.