'80s Metal History (January 4th)

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

Judas Priest "Defenders Of The Faith" release date source: [US] R&R radio trade publication (5th most added LP) - January 6, 1984; R&R ad - January 13, 1984; Billboard Magazine review - January 21, 1984; Billboard ad - February 11, 1984; [UK] Kerrang! - January 12, 1984.

January 4, 1982: Ozzy Osbourne brought the "Diary Of A Madman" Tour to the San Diego Sports Arena. A disclaimer in the ad read "Eating Before Concert Not Recommended". Best to ignore that today since we can now drink at the show 🥴

Remembering Thin Lizzy co-founder, lead vocalist and bassist Phil Lynott, who died January 4, 1986 at age 36. R.I.P.

January 1988: L.A. Guns released their self-titled debut album in North America (February 22nd in the UK). After signing their record deal, except for Tracii Guns, all the players in the band were replaced or changed instruments 😯

L.A. Guns debut release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - January 22, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! ad - February 27, 1988.

January 4, 1986: Upstarts Guns N' Roses played the Troubadour in L.A. The flyer got you $2 off at the door, but the entry price was only $6! Maybe GnR were hoping you would donate the savings to the "Guns N' Roses Keep Us Out Of Jail Fund" 😁

January 4, 1988: Mötley Crüe released "You're All I Need" in the UK as the third single from the album "Girls, Girls, Girls" ahead of a European tour that ended up being canceled after Nikki Sixx nearly died of a heroin overdose. Release date source: Kerrang! ad - December 24, 1987.

January 4, 1988: Whitesnake released "Give Me All Your Love" in the UK as a single. The '88 Mix featured a new guitar solo recorded by the band's newest member Vivian Campbell, who later said "That’s the only thing I recorded with Whitesnake". After concluding a run of UK dates in Edinburgh, Scotland on January 8th, the band launched a new US tour on the 22nd in New York. Release date source: Kerrang! - December 26, 1987.

January 4, 1985: It was "An Evening of Heavenly Metal" as Stryper played Wolfgang's in San Francisco. "And some 'Billies' still had the nerve/cheek to turn up in Mercyful Fate T-shirts" -Kerrang!

January 4, 1985: RATT concluded the "Out Of The Cellar" Tour in Honolulu, Hawaii. After a little time off, the band would head back into the studio to record the follow up to their debut, "Invasion Of Your Privacy".

Happy Birthday to orignal Leatherwolf frontman Michael Olivieri (January 4, 1964).

Happy Birthday to former Metal Church guitarist [1986-96, 98-2001] John Marshall (January 4, 1962).

Happy Birthday to Virgin Steele singer David DeFeis (January 4, 1961). David collects swords and during concerts usually burns one on stage.

January 4, 1983: After taking a three week break for the holidays, Judas Priest resumed the "World Vengeance" Tour in Fort Wayne, Indiana... Old dudes playing for the kids... We were the kids then! 😎