Historic events this week from Billy Joel, Metallica, Led Zeppelin and Garbage
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 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.
AUGUST 15, 1995: GARBAGE RELEASE THEIR DEBUT ALBUM
Garbage‘s multi-platinum debut album, selling over four million copies worldwide, was a commercial and critical success. Produced by Butch Vig of Nirvana Nevermind fame, the album uniquely blended alternative rock, electronica, and industrial sounds.
Its distinctive sound, coupled with Shirley Manson‘s powerful presence, yielded major hits like “Stupid Girl,” “Only Happy When It Rains,” and “Queer,” making Garbage a refreshing and impactful act.
