'80s Metal History (January 20th)

January 20, 1984: Judas Priest launched the "Metal Conqueror" Tour in Copenhagen in support of their new album "Defenders Of The Faith". Openers on the European leg were Ted Nugent and Raven. Great White and Kick Axe opened the North American dates that began in March 1984. Image 1: Ross Halfin

January 20, 1984: Judas Priest released their ninth studio album "Defenders Of The Faith" in the UK (early January in North America) featuring singles "Freewheel Burning", "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" and "Love Bites".

Judas Priest "Defenders of the Faith" release date source: [UK] Kerrang! - January 12, 1984; [US] Billboard Magazine review - January 21, 1984; Billboard ad - February 11, 1984.

January 20, 1983: Def Leppard released their third studio album "Pyromania" in North America (March 4th in the UK) featuring singles "Photograph", "Rock Of Ages", "Foolin'" and "Too Late For Love". With heavy MTV exposure in the US, the LP was selling 100,000 copies a day.

Def Leppard "Pyromania" release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - January 22, 1983; Cashbox Magazine review - January 29, 1983; [UK] Kerrang! - January 27, 1983 (Release date noted as February 25th, but delayed until March 4th - see ad).

Happy Birthday to KISS co-founder, frontman and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley (January 20, 1952).

January 20, 1982: Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a live bat on-stage in Des Moines, Iowa. He thought it was a rubber bat... "My mouth was instantly filled with this warm, gloopy liquid, with the worst aftertaste you could ever imagine."

January 20, 1986: Ozzy Osbourne released "Shot In The Dark" as the lead single from his forthcoming album "The Ultimate Sin". To promote the record, Ozzy personally signed the first 5,000 copies. Did you get one? Poor Oz is still resting his wrist. Release date source: Kerrang! - December 26, 1985.

Actor Julie Gray (Ozzy Osbourne "Shot In The Dark" Music Video, January 1986)

Remembering former Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Tygers of Pan Tang and Blue Murder guitarist John Sykes who died in December 2024, but wasn't officially announced until January 20, 2025. R.I.P.

January 20, 1986: Black Sabbath released the album "Seventh Star" in North America (February '86 in the UK). Only Tony Iommi was still in the band and he intended for this to be a solo LP, but the record label pressured management to release it under the Sabbath name. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - December 28, 1985.

January 20, 1988: The success of Great White's "Once Bitten" album a year earlier brought them a broader audience, but a throwback to their more hard-driving metal sound was welcome with the release of "Recovery: Live!" Release date source: Billboard Magazine - January 9, 1988.

Billboard Magazine in the US reported in May 1988 that several large retailers complained about the cover of Great White "Recovery: Live"... The LP cover shows lead singer Jack Russell with a buzz saw aimed at his crotch and the cassette version "depicts the band operating on a sexually excited Russell." 😆

January 20, 1985: "Hell-bent fury translated into high voltage songs and entertainment." Sounds like a wholesome good time with W.A.S.P., Metallica and Armored Saint scorching snowbound Buffalo.

January 20, 1984: Metallica released "Jump In The Fire" as a single from the album "Kill 'Em All". The original lyrics dealt with sex and were written by Dave Mustaine at age 16. James Hetfield wrote new lyrics after Mustaine's departure. Release date source: Official Metallica website

January 20, 1988: Supporting their second album "Pleasures Of The Flesh", Exodus brought the "Meat Party" Tour to the Paradise Rock Club in Boston.

Happy Birthday to Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill (January 20, 1951).

Happy Birthday to L.A. Guns co-founder and guitarist Tracii Guns (January 20, 1966).

Happy Birthday to The Rods guitarist and singer David "Rock" Feinstein (January 20th). David also played in the bands Ronnie Dio and the Prophets and Elf with his cousin, Ronnie James Dio.

Happy Birthday to Victory and former Accept guitarist Herman Frank (January 20, 1959).

January 20, 1987: With special guest Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Iron Maiden brought the "Somewhere In Time" Tour to Atlanta. The stage featured huge inflatables, a hologram of Eddie and Bruce had on his futuristic green and white overalls.

January 20, 1991: Launching the "Use Your Illusion" Tour, Guns N’ Roses headlined the first of two nights at the second "Rock In Rio" festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Drummer Matt Sorum and keyboardist Dizzy Reed debuted as new bandmembers.