'80s Metal History (March 21st)

March 21, 1980: Judas Priest released "Living After Midnight" in the UK as the lead single from their forthcoming album "British Steel". The rest of the world would have to wait a month or more for that "irresistible and glorious hook." Release information source: Record Mirror ad - March 15, 1980; Debuted Official Singles chart - March 29, 1980.

March 21, 1987: "Somewhere On Tour" in North America, Iron Maiden played the first of two shows at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, the last to include "Flight Of Icarus" in the setlist until 2018.

March 21, 1984: After receiving over 1 million postcard entries, MTV announced the winner of the "Lost Weekend With Van Halen" contest. Some dude from Pennsylvania got to spend three days tasting the VH life 🥳

March 21, 1988: With the return of original founding member Chris von Rohr, Krokus released their 10th studio album album "Heart Attack" in the UK (one month later in North America), described by Krokus as "the last attempt to keep the band together in a deep crisis". A hiatus followed for some. Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - March 19, 1988; [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - April 15, 1988.

March 21, 1986: Accept and Dokken played Essen, Germany on the "Metal Battle" European Tour. RATT was also on the bill, but canceled and were replaced by UFO. Dokken dropped off the tour after the Chernobyl disaster in late April.

Happy Birthday to Stryper drummer Robert Sweet (March 21, 1960).

March 1982: With the "Blackout" album in North American record stores and soon to be issued in the UK, Scorpions released "No One Like You" as the first single. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - March 25, 1982; [US] Debuted Billboard Rock chart on April 3, 1982 and by the end of May reached No. 1.

Meanwhile in Japan, Scorpions released "Now" as the first single with "No One Like You" on the B-side.

March 2000: DIO released their eighth studio album "Magica", a concept album that was produced by Ronnie James Dio. Guitarist Craig Goldy, who had last performed with DIO on 1987's "Dream Evil", returned to the band for this recording. Release information source: [US] CMJ New Music Report 'Loud Rock Adds' - March 20, 2000.

March 1977: AC/DC released their fourth studio album "Let There Be Rock" in Australia (June '77 in North America, October '77 in the UK). Their label Atlantic didn't like the "Dirty Deeds" album and threatened to drop the band. They were pissed, but that lit a fire.

March 21, 1986: Saxon released "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy" as the third single from the album "Innocence Is No Excuse". Release information source: Kerrang! ad - March 20, 1986.

Happy Birthday to UFO drummer [1968–83, 1988, 1993–95, 2005–2024] Andy Parker (March 21, 1952).

March 21, 1990: Savatage launched the North American leg of the "Gutter Ballet" Tour in Minneapolis.

March 21, 1986: Black Sabbath with special guest W.A.S.P. interrupted the city council meeting at Cleveland Public Hall with a huge heavy metal show. The city council part may not be true 😏