'80s Metal History (January 25th)

January 25, 1985: W.A.S.P., Metallica and Armored Saint began the three night "Metal Massacre" at the famous L’Amour heavy metal club in Brooklyn, New York. Only $15 for all three bands. 🤘

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was involved in a life threatening car crash on New Year's Eve 1984 that resulted in the loss of his left arm. In January 1985, Kerrang! reported he "seems likely to remain a member of the band."

January 25, 2006: Mötley Crüe received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. "I remember walking Hollywood Blvd in the ’70s seeing these stars on the street...Never thought I’d be in a rock n roll band with one on the same street." -Nikki Sixx.

January 1985: Elektra issued Metallica's "Fade To Black" in North America as a promotional single. James Hetfield has said that a break-in to the band's gear truck, resulting in the loss of his favorite Marshall amplifier, contributed to the mood of the song. Release information source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - January 25, 1985.

January 25, 1980: Just weeks before singer Bon Scott's death, AC/DC released "Touch Too Much" in the UK as the third single from the album "Highway To Hell". The song was the last the band performed with Scott on the UK TV show "Top Of The Pops". Release information source: [UK] Debuted Official Singles chart on February 2, 1980.

Remembering Riot founder and guitarist Mark Reale, who died January 25, 2012 at age 56. R.I.P.

January 1989: Gary Moore released the album "After the War" in the UK (March '89 in North America) featuring a guest line-up of Bob Daisley, Cozy Powell, Don Airey and Ozzy Osbourne on three songs, including "Led Clones" (although not mentioned on the cover). Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - February 4, 1989.

January 25, 1983: The album wouldn't be out until March, but Saxon were already on the road for the "Power & The Glory" Tour with a show in Nottingham.

January 25, 1991: Slayer and Testament brutalized Houston with a show at The Unicorn. Testament prepped the headliners closing with "Into The Pit". Slayer then opened with "Raining Blood" 🤘

January 25, 1989: From the ashes of The Misfits and the burning embers of Samhain, Danzig played the Antenna Club in Memphis.

January 1985: UK metal band Warfare released their debut album "Pure Filth". Later that year they were asked to open for Metallica at London's Hammersmith Odeon, but expected to pay their own expenses. In protest, they played in the parking lot during the show. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - January 24, 1985.

January 25, 1986: Close to signing a new major label record deal with Island, "Triple Axe Attack" Leatherwolf played The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California with Hostage and the American Blitzkrieg.

Happy Birthday to Dark Angel singer Ron Rinehart (January 25, 1965).

January 25, 1993: Metallica performed "Wherever I May Roam" and won "Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist" at the American Music Awards over Def Leppard and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

January 25, 2014: A tribute concert celebrating the work of Randy Rhoads was held in Santa Ana, California with performances by members of Anthrax, Extreme, Guns N' Roses, L.A. Guns, DIO and Whitesnake.

January 1990: "Up Yours!" Skid Row was on the cover of RAW (Rock Action Worldwide) and the band was the mags pick for the '90s.