Historic events this week from Def Leppard, INXS, Prince, Tom Petty, ZZ Top and KISS
AUGUST 3, 1987: DEF LEPPARD RELEASES HYSTERIA
All 7 singles from Def Leppard‘s fourth album, Hysteria, went Top 10: “Hysteria” (#9), “Women” (#7), “Animal” (#5), “Rocket” (#5), “Armageddon It” (#3), “Pour Some Sugar on Me” (#2), “Love Bites” (#1). Hysteria has sold over 12 million copies in the US alone.
AUGUST 3, 1992: INXS RELEASE WELCOME TO WHEVER YOU ARE
INXS‘s Welcome to Wherever You Are showcased the band’s artistic evolution, boldly incorporating distorted guitars, Middle Eastern influences, and a 60-piece orchestra to create a “rawer,” yet critically acclaimed sound. This innovative album went Platinum in the US and featured the singles “Heaven Sent” and “Beautiful Girl.”
AUGUST 4, 1984: PURPLE RAIN IS #1
A little over a month after its release, Prince and the Revolution‘s Purple Rain made its way to #1 on the Billboard 200. Featuring the #1 hits “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy”, the classic album would spend an astounding 22 straight weeks at #1. The landmark album earned Prince and the Revolution two Grammys, and an Oscar for Best Original Song Score for Prince.
AUGUST 6, 1996: TOM PETTY’S SONGS AND MUSIC FROM “SHE’S THE ONE”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers‘ She’s the One album, a 1996 film soundtrack, impressively reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold. It’s notable for including songs originally intended for Wildflowers and features covers of tracks by Lucinda Williams and Beck, alongside guest appearances from Lindsey Buckingham and Ringo Starr.
AUGUST 7, 1996: ZZ TOP’S 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.”
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.
