'80s Metal History (January 31st)

January 31, 1989: Tesla released their second studio album "The Great Radio Controversy" in North America (one day earlier in the UK) featuring metal tracks with a grittier, bluesier edge like "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" and "Hang Tough". Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - January 7, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! - December 10, 1988; Kerrang! ad - February 4, 1989.

Remembering Slayer co-founder and lead guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who would have celebrated a birthday today (January 31, 1964). Jeff died in 2013. R.I.P.

January 31, 1987: Iron Maiden saddled up for San Antonio as they galloped through Texas, opening with "Caught Somewhere In Time" from their latest album.

January 1986: One year after the release of "Thunder In The East" that brought them success in North America, this ad was placed in US radio trade magazines proclaiming Loudness will be thundering again in 1986. "Lightning Strikes" hit record stores in May that year.

January 31, 1989: Warrant released their debut album "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich" in North America (June 5th in the UK). The cover depicts the fattest of all fat cats, a man called "Fugazi". Release information source: [US] Cashbox Magazine Weekly Ear Ringer - February 11, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! - May 27, 1989.

Happy Birthday to guitarist Jimi Bell (January 31, 1958), who almost landed the Ozzy gig in 1987, finishing second to Zakk Wylde. Jimi most recently played with Autograph.

Happy Birthday to Meliah Rage founder and guitarist Anthony Nichols (January 31, 1963).

Happy Birthday to Vandenberg and former Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg (January 31, 1954).

January 31, 1985: Bruce Dickinson was on the cover of Circus Magazine. Inside were features on Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister and RATT, plus "How Kevin DuBrow Patched Up His Feud With Mötley Crüe"