'80s Metal History (February 13th)

Happy Birthday to Derek Riggs (February 13, 1958), who is a contemporary British artist best known for creating Iron Maiden mascot "Eddie"!

February 13, 1987: After crossing the Iron Curtain to perform two concerts in Poland, Metallica concluded the "Damage, Inc." Tour in Gothenburg, Sweden. Following Cliff Burton's death, new bassist Jason Newsted joined the band in late October 1986.

February 13, 1987: W.A.S.P. with special guests Slayer and Raven played The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

February 13, 1970: On Friday the 13th, Black Sabbath released their debut album in the UK (June 1st in North America). Widely regarded as the first heavy metal album, guitarist Tony Iommi has said it was recorded in a single day in October 1969. Release information source: [UK] Vertigo Records promo letter - February 1970; Melody Maker ad - February 14, 1970; [US] Cashbox Magazine ad - July 11, 1970.

February 13, 1981: Judas Priest released "Don't Go" in the UK as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Point Of Entry". Release date source: Music Week - February 14, 1981.

February 1990: Don Dokken was sued by his former bandmates over Don's proposed continued use of the name Dokken as his new band's name. "It's my given name" said Don, who ended up going by "Don Dokken" on "Up From The Ashes" issued later that year.

Happy Birthday to former Ozzy Osbourne bassist Bob Daisley (February 13, 1950). Bob also played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Happy Birthday to Annihilator founder and guitarist Jeff Waters (February 13, 1966).

Happy Birthday to former Riot drummer [1979-86] Sandy Slavin (February 13, 1954).

February 13, 1981: In the UK, Bronze Records issued the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" EP, recorded by members of Motörhead and their labelmates Girlschool. The bands covered each other, Motörhead performed "Emergency" and Girlschool played "Bomber". Release date source: Record Mirror - February 7, 1981.

Virginia Beach thrash metal band At War released their debut album "Ordered To Kill" in 1986. After releasing a demo a year earlier entitled "Eat Lead", At War was dubbed by Spin Magazine as "America’s answer to Motorhead." 🙃

February 13, 1987: Opening for Queensrÿche, Malice brought massive metal energy to L'Amour in Brooklyn. The crowd was "obviously looking to the headline act for their evening's entertainment. They were happily and pleasantly served up an extra, maybe unexpected, appetiser" from Malice. -Kerrang!

February 13, 1990: King Diamond brought the "Conspiracy" Tour to Bonn, Germany with a slew of raging special guests that included Venom and Savatage. Kerrang! review, Mar 10, 1990.

February 13, 1987: Time Bandits Iron Maiden arrived in Sacramento for the first of eight California shows that would include three in Long Beach and the band's last in Oakland until 30 years later.

February 13, 1986: Mötley Crüe played Sheffield, England on the UK leg of the "Theatre Of Pain" Tour that would conclude two days later in London.

February 13, 1985: W.A.S.P., Metallica and Armored Saint brought a "Monster Metal Showdown" to Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Happy World Radio Day! We've come a long way (this is me in 1987) and streaming online has really connected us the world over as we share our love of '80s Metal. Thanks for listening and supporting METAL SHOP! -Rich Rock 🤘