This Week In Classic Rock History

Historic event this week from Black Sabbath, Bon Jovi, Eagles, KISS and AC/DC

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This Week In Classic Rock History

FEBRUARY 13, 1970: BLACK SABBATH’S DEBUT ALBUM

It’s not a coincidence that Black Sabbath’s debut album was released on Friday the 13th.

Upon being released, the album received negative reviews from the critics.

However, the album would go on to influence heavy metal, doom metal and stoner rock.

• • •
FEBRUARY 14, 1987: BON JOVI’S “LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER” IS #1
Two months after earning their first #1 single with “You Give Love a Bad Name”, Bon Jovi returned to the top.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” spent two weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

It would continue it’s reign for an additional four weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100 on its way to 3 million copies sold.

• • •
FEBRUARY 17, 1976: EAGLES RELEASE THEIR GREATEST HITS (1971-1975)
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) from the Eagles is one of the biggest selling albums of all-time.

It features the #1 hits “Best of My Love” and “One of These Nights” as well as “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Take It Easy”.

The collection has gone Platinum 38 times, and has sold over 42 million copies worldwide.

• • •
FEBRUARY 18, 1974: KISS RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM
KISS’s self-titled debut was the first of two albums they released in 1974.

The debut features such classics as “Deuce”, “Strutter” and Ace Frehley’s “Cold Gin”.

During a 2018 appearance on Good Morning America, Gene Simmons called it his favorite KISS album.

• • •
FEBRUARY 19, 1980: BON SCOTT DIES
The cause of death for AC/DC’s Bon Scott has been debated for over 40 years.

Whether it was “pulmonary aspiration” or “acute alcohol poisoning”, the 33 year old singer’s cause of death is classified as “death by misadventure”.

Scott’s family encouraged AC/DC to continue on. Five months later, they released the classic Back In Black, with Brian Johnson on lead vocals.

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