'80s Metal History (February 10th)

Remembering Metallica bassist Cliff Burton on his birthday (February 10, 1962). Cliff died in 1986. R.I.P.

February 1978: Judas Priest released their fourth studio album "Stained Class" in the UK (March '78 in North America) featuring precursor to speed metal "Exciter" and early classic "Beyond The Realms Of Death".

Judas Priest "Stained Class" release information source: [UK] New Musical Express review - February 11, 1978, NME ad - February 18, 1978; [US] Billboard Magazine ad - March 4, 1978.

Anthrax released their first EP "Armed And Dangerous" in early 1985 featuring new singer Joey Belladonna and new bassist Frank Bello. The song "Armed And Dangerous" also appears on the album "Spreading The Disease" issued later that year with a different mix. Kerrang! feature - April 17, 1985

February 10, 1984: Megaforce Records issued the second album from Canadian thrashers Exciter "Violence & Force" in the UK. The record was produced by The Rods drummer Carl Canedy who had just finished producing Anthrax's debut album "Fistful Of Metal". Release date source: Kerrang! - January 26, 1984.

February 10, 1999: Iron Maiden announced the return of singer Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith. Steve Harris stated then that he hoped this would be the final lineup. It lasted until drummer Nicko McBrain's retirement from touring in 2024.

February 1987: Dokken released the single "Dream Warriors" from the soundtrack "A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors". In the video, Dokken saved Patricia Arquette's character from Freddy Krueger with the power of rock 'n' roll 🤘 Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - February 20, 1987.

A year after forming near Philadelphia, Cinderella released the original "Shake Me" as an independent single in 1984. At the time, the band included guitarist Michael Schermick and drummer Tony Destra who left in 1985 to form Britny Fox.

February 10, 1978: Van Halen released their self-titled debut album in North America, mostly recorded live and featuring some of their most well-known songs. The record liner notes thank KISS bassist Gene Simmons, who is usually credited with discovering the band 🤔 Release information source: [US] Record World Magazine ad - February 18, 1978; Billboard Magazine ad - June 3, 1978.

Hailing from Belgium, Crossfire released their debut album "See You In Hell" featuring the song "Demon Of Evil" in 1983. They started out as a punk band called The Onion Dolls but in 1982 decided to ascend the speed metal pyramid.

February 10, 1989: Metallica with Queensrÿche played Lakeland, Florida. The "Damaged Justice" Tour was a massive 219 shows in 20 countries.

February 1992: Just as Mötley Crüe were starting work on the follow-up to their most successful album "Dr. Feelgood", singer Vince Neil was out, fired per a statement from the band to pursue his longtime hobby of car racing. Vince went on MTV after and said he was "dumbstruck" by Crüe's decision to ask him to leave the band so soon after they'd celebrated 10 years together. He refused to voice his grievances with his former bandmates... "We were a great band, and we were together 10 years. I wouldn't slag them off."