Historic events this week from ZZ Top, KISS, Billy Joel, Metallica and Lynyrd Skynrd

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AUGUST 7, 1996: ELIMINATOR CERTIFIED DIAMOND
ZZ Top’s biggest album, Eliminator, is a stunner.

Expanded use of synthesizers brought a New Wave sound that appealed to a wider audience.

Eliminator has gone 10x Platinum in the US thanks to the hits “Gimme All Your Lovin'”, “Got Me Under Pressure”, “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man”.

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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 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.

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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.

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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: LYNYRD SKYNYRD’S DEBUT ALBUM
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.