'80s Metal History (January 7th)

January 7, 1987: Iron Maiden launched the North American leg of the "Somewhere In Time" Tour in Hampton, Virginia, their most ambitious to date with flying space ships, laser guns, pyrotechnics and monumental Eddie appearance.

January 7, 1986: Megadeth launched the "Wake Up Dead" Tour in Milwaukee, over eight months before the release of the "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" album, of which they performed a number of songs.

January 1971: Black Sabbath released their second studio album "Paranoid" in North America (September 1970 in the UK) featuring several of their signature songs, including "Iron Man" and the title track, their only US pop hits. Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine review - February 6, 1971; Magazine ad - February 20, 1971.

The very first single from W.A.S.P., "I Wanna Be Somebody", was finally released in North America in November 1984. The follow up, "Sleeping (In The Fire)", was issued as a promotional single only to North American rock radio stations in early 1985. The band was close to launching the "Winged Assassins" Tour of the US and Canada with support from Metallica and Armored Saint.

A late NWOBHM arrival, Chateaux, featuring Grim Reaper vocalist Steve Grimmett, released their debut album "Chained And Desperate" in 1983. For reasons unknown, the band insisted that Grimmett's appearance was simply that of a guest.

January 7, 1986: Florida metal merchants Savatage were in London recording their next album "Fight For The Rock", but took timeoff to play a one-off gig at the Marquee Club.

Remembering Y&T Bassist Phil Kennemore, who died January 7, 2011 at age 57. R.I.P.

Remembering producer/engineer Chris Tsangarides (Anvil, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and many more), who died January 7, 2018 at age 61. R.I.P.

January 7, 1984: Blue Oyster Cult and Zebra played Philadelphia with Dokken, who had just released their debut album "Breaking The Chains" in the US in September '83, opening at the Spectrum. Ozzy Osbourne and Mötley Crüe rolled in a week later for two shows.

Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee appeared in this 1987 ad for Pearl drums. Fun fact: the kid is Cinderella guitarist Jeff LeBar's little brother. R.I.P. Jeff.

If you still need a new calendar, this one from 1984 featured in a Van Halen ad for the "1984" album won't work, but save it because you can re-use it in 2040 🤪