'80s Metal History (March 19th)

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne lead guitarist Randy Rhoads, who died March 19, 1982 at age 25. R.I.P.

March 19, 1983: Metallica played their second show with Cliff Burton in San Francisco. It was also their final show with Dave Mustaine in California before leaving for New York. A few weeks later, Dave would be heading back to the West Coast 😕

March 19, 1985: Metallica ended the first leg of the North American "Ride The Lightning" Tour at the old Starry Night Club in Portland, Oregon. The tour resumed in August and included "Monsters Of Rock" at Castle Donington in the UK.

March 19, 2002: Nearly 20 years after they were formed, Megadeth released their first official live album "Rude Awakening" in North America. It was originally planned to be recorded live in Argentina, but after 9/11 the band decided to record it live in the US. Release information source: CMJ New Music Report impacting radio - March 25, 2002; Debuted Billboard 200 on April 6, 2002.

March 19, 1976: Ahead of the release of their second album "Sad Wings Of Destiny", Judas Priest revealed a more powerful sound was coming with lead single "The Ripper" issued in the UK. Release information source: Melody Maker 'What's New' - March 20, 1976.

March 1989: Certified gold a month earlier, Island and Megaforce records thanked the industry for helping Anthrax "State Of Euphoria" get there and promoted the "MTV Headbangers Ball Live On The Road To Euphoria Tour" with Exodus and Helloween. Billboard Magazine ad - March 18, 1989

March 1984: "Never Before Have So Few, So New, Made This Much Noize!" At the time, Quiet Riot had the most successful metal debut album of all time with 5 million copies sold, until Guns N' Roses came along three years later. Billboard Magazine ad - March 17, 1984

March 19, 1980: Ahead of the release of their third album "Women And Children First", Van Halen launched the "World Invasion" Tour in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It was also dubbed the "Party 'til You Die" Tour by the band.

March 19, 1988: Almost a year after the release of their debut album, Frehley's Comet featuring former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, made their UK live debut with a show at London's Hammersmith Odeon. -Kerrang!

March 1975: KISS released their third studio album "Dressed To Kill" in North America, featuring single "Rock And Roll All Nite". Because the label's financial situation was not sound, the album was produced by Casablanca Records president Neil Bogart. Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'Top Album Picks' - April 5, 1975; R&R radio trade publication ad - April 18, 1975.

March 19, 1990: Saxon were "Back Big Time" and celebrating their 10th anniversary with a UK tour that brought them to The Leeds Irish Centre two days after St. Patrick's Day 🍻

March 1992: The "Wayne's World" movie was a success and the soundtrack rockin' with Cinderella, BulletBoys, Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath..."Time Machine" started getting airplay on American rock radio this month. The Hard Report US radio trade publication ad - March 20, 1992

March 19, 1990: Roadrunner issued thrash/speed metal compilation "Thrash The Wall" in the UK to celebrate the opening up of East Germany featuring King Diamond, Helloween, Motörhead, Running Wild, Annihilator, Atrophy and more. Release date source: Kerrang! - March 3, 1990.