'80s Metal History (January 11th)

January 11, 1985: Iron Maiden veered away from the North American "World Slavery" Tour to jet to Rio De Janeiro and perform at the very first "Rock In Rio". AC/DC, Ozzy, Scorpions and Whitesnake also performed.

Having OZZY spelled out anywhere on your issued license plate in 1985 was a score, but even better was a chance to add a photo of the Madman 😁 The police were not okay with it though and the fine was $25, but totally worth it 🤘

January 11, 1988: Mötley Crüe were scheduled to begin a sold out European tour, but it was canceled after Nikki Sixx nearly died of a heroin overdose a month earlier. The band members all agreed to go to rehab and be sober before recording the next album.

Def Leppard released their first recording, "The Def Leppard EP" in 1979. Featuring the songs "Ride Into The Sun", "Getcha Rocks Off" and "The Overture", 1,000 copies were made with money that Joe Elliott borrowed from his dad.

January 1988: AC/DC released "Heatseeker" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Blow Up Your Video", with music video showing Angus Young exploding from a life-sized television set. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - January 22, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! ad - January 9, 1988.

After leaving Accept in 1987, singer Udo Dirkschneider with his new band U.D.O., released the single "They Want War" from their debut album "Animal House" a year later.

January 1987: With new singer Shmoulik Avigal, The Rods released their fifth and final pre-hiatus studio album "Heavier Than Thou" featuring tracks "Make Me A Believer" and "Cold Sweat And Blood". Release information source: Kerrang! - January 23, 1987 + ad - February 5, 1987.

French metallers Attentat Rock released the album "Strike" in 1985. The following year, the band changed their name to Pink Rose.

Making his non rock 'n' roll acting debut, KISS' Gene Simmons played the villain opposite Tom Selleck in "Runaway" released to theaters in December 1984 and co-starring the late Kirstie Alley.