'80s Metal History (February 5th)

February 5, 1984: American metal band Manowar released their third studio album "Hail To England" in the UK, a tribute to where they formed the band and the NWOBHM. The cover art though actually features the flag of the United Kingdom not England 😲 Release date source: Kerrang! - January 26, 1984.

February 5, 1982: Black Sabbath released "Turn Up The Night" in the UK as the second single from the album "Mob Rules". Ronnie James Dio had said the song was a subconscious attempt to create "Neon Knights" part two. Release information source: Debuted Official Singles chart on February 13, 1982.

February 1989: With only two weeks of US dates remaining, Ozzy Osbourne abandoned the "No Rest For The Wicked" Tour because he was fed up with the constant pressure media and fundamentalist Christian groups put upon him and his band in practically every town he visits to play live. Ozzy had returned to the UK, saying then "I've had enough" and threatening never to play in America again. -Kerrang!

February 5, 1989: Metallica brought the "Damaged Justice" Tour with special guest Queensrÿche to Reunion Arena in Dallas. The show was broadcast in the US on Z-Rock.

Happy Birthday to Guns 'N Roses bassist Duff McKagan (February 5, 1964).

Happy Birthday to former Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch (February 5, 1962).

Happy Birthday to Sanctuary guitarist Lenny Rutledge (February 5, 1964).

Happy Birthday to Tyrant founder and bassist Greg May (February 5, 1960).

Remembering original Slaughter guitarist Tim Kelly, who died February 5, 1998 at age 35. R.I.P.

Forerunners of the new wave of British heavy metal in the late '70s and inspiration for the black metal subgenre, Witchfynde released their debut album "Give 'Em Hell" in 1980.

February 1988: Featuring guitarist Axel Rudi Pell and named after the Judas Priest song, German metal band Steeler released their fourth and final album "Undercover Animal" in the UK. Release information source: Kerrang! review - February 6, 1988.

February 1991: Megadeth released "Rusted Pieces" on VHS, a collection of six music videos, including "Peace Sells" and "In My Darkest Hour", that also feature Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson giving insights into the recording of the videos.

February 5, 1984: The North American leg of the "Bark At The Moon" Tour with Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe and Waysted arrived in Cincinnati. One lucky fan posted on social media in 2022... "I was there won a look-a-like contest got to meet both warm up bands and hang out with Ozzy. Walked across the stage during 'Centre of Eternity' dressed as a musical monk. Saved the clipping out of the newspaper. Never forget."

February 5, 1985: W.A.S.P., Metallica and Armored Saint played Headliners in Madison, Wisconsin.

Play It Loud! Six months after the major label release of their debut album "Too Fast For Love", Mötley Crüe were getting exposure in US rock magazines, including the February 1983 issue of Hit Parader.