'80s Metal History (February 15th)

February 15, 1980: Iron Maiden issued their first single "Running Free" in the UK. The cover art is the first official appearance of Eddie but his face is obscured as the band didn't want him unveiled until their debut album's release two months later. Release date source: Music Week ad - February 9, 1980.

February 15, 1980: EMI Records released the first "Metal For Muthas", a series of compilations made during the new wave of British heavy metal. Angel Witch, Samson and Iron Maiden are featured on Vol. I. Release date source: [UK] Music Week ad - February 9, 1980.

Happy Birthday to former Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands, Mickey Ratt and Rough Cutt guitarist Jake E. Lee (February 15, 1957).

February 15, 1986: On guitarist Jake E. Lee's birthday, Ozzy Osbourne's fourth studio album "The Ultimate Sin" debuted on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart at No. 50. On the strength of single "Shot In The Dark", the LP would peak at No. 6 two months later

February 15, 1979: Judas Priest concluded the Asia leg of the "Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather" Tour in Tokyo. The live album "Unleashed In The East" was recorded during these dates.

February 15, 1986: Megadeth began recording their second studio album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" at The Music Grinder in Los Angeles. It was completed March 20th, but not released until late September that year.

February 15, 1987: It was "A Night At The Madhouse" at London's Hammersmith Odeon with Anthrax and special guests Metal Church and Crimson Glory. The Anthrax performance was recorded and later released in the UK.

February 1986: Written by Don Dokken while sitting on a Mexican beach, Dokken released "In My Dreams" in North America as the second single from the album "Under Lock And Key". Release information source: [US] Debuted Billboard Hot 100 - February 22, 1986.

February 1990: U.D.O. released "Heart Of Gold" in Europe as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Faceless World". Former Darxon guitarist Wolla Böhm didn't play on the album, but does perform with the band in the music video.

February 1984: Featuring drummer Deen Castronovo (Ozzy, Journey, Bad English) who replaced Jamie St. James after he left to join Black 'N Blue, Portland, Oregon metal band Wild Dogs released their second studio album "Man's Best Friend". Release information source: Kerrang! - December 1, 1983.

A "de-glammed" Vinnie Vincent Invasion were gearing up for the release of their sophomore album "All Systems Go" with new singer Mark Slaughter. The LP was planned for release in late February 1988, but didn't actually hit record shops until May. Kerrang! - February 13, 1988

Happy Birthday to former Girlschool bassist [1982-87] Gil Weston (February 15, 1958).

February 15, 1983: Ozzy Osbourne brought the "Speak Of The Devil" Tour to Huntington, West Virginia. Tickets only $10 🤑

February 15, 1992: Ozzy Osbourne's "Mama, I'm Coming Home" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100. It would turn out to be his only solo Top 40 single, peaking at No. 28 in April that year. Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister wrote the lyrics.

February 15, 1991: RATT concluded the "Detonator" Tour in Osaka, Japan, which turned out to be guitarist Robbin Crosby's final performance with the band. After returning to the States, Crosby checked himself into a rehab facility for substance abuse and RATT continued on briefly with Michael Schenker, formerly of Scorpions, UFO, Michael Schenker Group, and McAuley Schenker Group.

February 15, 1992: "Wild In The yoU.thS.A.", Skid Row's Sebastian Bach was on the cover of Kerrang! and the band were showcased in an 8-page spread following their concert two weeks earlier in Charlotte, North Carolina.

February 15, 2006: The gravesite of AC/DC singer Bon Scott located at Fremantle Cemetery in Western Australia was classified with a heritage listing. The listing, traditionally reserved for heritage buildings and homes, confirmed the cultural importance of the site, which is one of the most visited in Fremantle, attracting thousands of fans every year. A statue of the rock legend is perched on the wooden piers of the Fishing Boat Harbour in Fremantle.