'80s Metal History (February 1st)

February 1, 1988: AC/DC released their 11th studio album "Blow Up Your Video" in North America and the UK, featuring singles "Heatseeker" and "That's The Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll", their biggest seller since "For Those About To Rock".

AC/DC "Blow Up Your Video" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - February 6, 1988; [UK] Record Mirror Magazine - January 30, 1988.

February 1, 1985: W.A.S.P. headlined a show at Royal Oak Music Theatre in Michigan with openers Armored Saint and Metallica. “People still talk about that ’85 tour to this day.” -John Bush, Armored Saint. Read More

February 1, 2023: "This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans…" A heartbroken Ozzy Osbourne canceled all concert dates and declared himself "not physically capable" of touring anymore. Photo: Ross Halfin

Ozzy Osbourne originally planned to quit touring in 1992 after being incorrectly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While he can still sing, real health issues will keep him off the road. Thanks for the concert memories Oz 🤘

February 1, 1994: DIO released their sixth studio album "Strange Highways" in North America (October 1993 in Europe and Japan), their first since Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice's short-lived reunion with Black Sabbath. Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine - February 5, 1993.

February 1, 2005: After announcing in December 2004 they had reunited, Mötley Crüe released compilation album "Red, White & Crue" in North America, featuring two new songs: "If I Die Tomorrow" and "Sick Love Song". Release date source: [US] Blabbermouth.net - February 1, 2005.

Remembering Megaforce records co-founder Jon "Jonny Z" Zazula, who died February 1, 2022 at age 69. R.I.P. Megaforce released the first albums from Metallica, Anthrax, Overkill and many others.

Remembering Warrant singer Jani Lane, who would have celebrated a birthday today (February 1, 1964). Jani died in 2011. R.I.P.

February 1, 1984: Michael Schenker Group launched the North American leg of the "Built to Destroy" Tour at Reseda Country Club in Southern California. MSG then returned for two more shows at this venue on February 4th and 5th.

February 1985: It was reported that Twisted Sister were negotiating a movie deal and a script was written revolving around the band's first album. That didn't happen, but they did get a small part in "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" that summer 😀

Ahead of the release of his debut solo album "Baptizm By Fire", Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton issued single "Kill Or Be Killed" in 1997. Glenn plays guitar and, sings on this record.

Founded by former Virgin Steele guitarist Jack Starr, Jack Starr's Burning Starr released their fourth and final self-titled album, aka "The Orange Album" in 1989, featuring single "Send Me An Angel". Release information source: Kerrang! review - January 27, 1989.

German power metallers Grave Digger released their third studio album "War Games" featuring "Heaven Can Wait" in 1986. A triple headline tour with Celtic Frost and Helloween followed to promote the record.

February 1988: Keel ad for Peavey in Circus Magazine. Guitarists Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay would soon leave the band (both returned 10 years later and again in 2008).

February 1, 1992: "White-Eyed Whiskered" KISS' Gene Simmons on the cover of the UK's Kerrang!