'80s Metal History (February 16th)

Iron Maiden released their second studio album "Killers" the week of 16 February 1981 in the UK (May '81 in North America), their last with singer Paul Di'Anno and first with guitarist Adrian Smith and producer Martin Birch.

Iron Maiden "Killers" release information source: [UK] Originally scheduled to be issued on February 9, 1981 (Music Week - Feb. 7, 1981), for unknown reasons it was delayed (UK Magazine ad); Music Week 'New Albums' - February 28, 1981; Debuted on the Official Album chart on February 28, 1981; [US] Billboard Magazine ad - May 23, 1981.

February 1987: Helloween released their second studio album "Keeper Of The Seven Keys: Part I" in Europe (June 1st in North America), their first with vocalist Michael Kiske. Kai Hansen had a difficult time singing and playing guitar during the previous tour. Release information source: Kerrang! review - February 19, 1987.

Happy Birthday to the Godfather of Double Bass, former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo (February 16, 1965).

Happy Birthday to Def Leppard co-founder and former guitarist Pete Willis (February 16, 1960). Pete co-wrote many tracks and played guitar on the band's first three albums.

February 1990: After recruiting Racer X drummer Scott Travis, Judas Priest were in Spain rehearsing and writing material for what would become their 12th studio album "Painkiller", released in September that year. -Kerrang!

February 1993: Megadeth released single "Sweating Bullets" in North America (May '93 in the UK). "It was pointed out to me that I'm kind of schizophrenic and I live inside my head. Which is something I don't subscribe to, but I enjoyed the theory nonetheless." -Dave Mustaine. Release information source: [US] Debuted Billboard Mainstream Rock chart on February 27, 1993; [UK] Debuted Official Singles chart on May 29, 1993.

February 16, 1984: New Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes was getting ready for his stage debut with the serpents the following night in Dublin and would soon be recording new guitar parts for the American version of the "Slide It In" album. -Kerrang!

February 16, 1990: Overkill brought "The Years Of Decay" Tour to the UK for a show at The Astoria in London. Less than a week later, Savatage played The Marquee. Kerrang! review - February 24, 1990.

Hawk released their self-titled debut album in 1986. Future Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum played on the record. Other rockers who were with the band at one time included Marq Torien (BulletBoys) and Travis Scott (Racer X, Judas Priest).

Featuring future Racer X guitarist Paul Gilbert, Black Sheep released their debut album "Trouble In The Streets" in 1985. Other rockers who were once a part of this band included Slash and drummers Randy Castillo and James Kottak.

In 1983, Swedish power metal band Torch released their self-titled debut album (sometimes referred to as "Sinister Eyes") featuring the song "Warlock" with backing vocals by The Bathroomboozers. Probably had a good time making this record.

Remembering former Running Wild guitarist [1985–90] Majk Moti, who died February 16, 2023. R.I.P.

Remembering Helix drummer Greg "Fritz" Hinz who died February 16, 2024. R.I.P.

February 16, 1983: With a song on "Metal Massacre II", Armored Saint were working the club scene hard, including this show at The Roxy in West Hollywood with Black N' Blue and Sound Barrier.

February 16, 1987: Iron Maiden played the first of three nights at Long Beach Arena in Southern California during "Somewhere On Tour" with support from Vinnie Vincent Invasion, who were joined backstage by former KISS drummer Peter Criss and Lizzy Borden.

February 1987: Metallica had brought the "Damage, Inc." Tour to Germany a month earlier and that got them the cover of Deutschland's Crash Magazine.

Attic Records released the compilation album "Metal For Breakfast" in 1984 featuring killer stuff from Judas Priest, Accept, Ozzy Osbourne, Anvil and more, plus some comedy from a band called Blotto with the song "Metal Head" (the music video aired on MTV). Two years later, the follow up "Metal For Lunch" was issued, but sadly, there would be no dinner.