'80s Metal History (January 14th)

Happy Birthday to former Queensrÿche singer Geoff Tate (January 14, 1959).

Happy Birthday to Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde (January 14, 1967).

January 14, 1984: Good times returned for Ozzy Osbourne as his record label proclaimed "Bark At The Moon" his biggest album ever with this ad in Billboard Magazine. "Get behind Ozzy, before he gets behind you!!"

Canadian thrashers Exciter released their debut album "Heavy Metal Maniac" in North America in early 1983. The LP reached the UK in late March, but only as an import (Kerrang! chart - April 7, 1983). Formerly known as Hell Razor, which is a cool name, Exciter were named after the Judas Priest song, and that's also cool 🤘

Happy Birthday to Exciter co-founder and former guitarist John Ricci (January 14, 1956).

In 1996, we finally got to hear "Bloodied, But Unbowed", the debut album from Desperado, a group formed by Dee Snider after Twisted Sister disbanded that included former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr. Desperado dissolved in 1991.

January 1985: 13 years after their previous album, a newly reformed Blue Cheer went heavy for their 13th LP issued by Megaforce Records with three different covers and featuring re-recorded versions of their most popular songs. Release information source: [US] Kerrang! - January 10, 1985.

January 1978: Van Halen released "You Really Got Me" as the lead single from their forthcoming debut album. A killer cover of the Kinks classic, it really only sounds right when preceded by "Eruption". Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication ad - January 13, 1978.

January 14, 1986: AC/DC hit the road in the UK performing at Whitley Bay Ice Rink before London's Wembley Arena two days later. Mötley Crüe were also coming to England the following month.