'80s Metal History (March 23rd)

With a modern glam look and sound that would help propel them to greater fame, Whitesnake released their seventh studio album in North America in late March 1987 (March 30th in the UK). Frontman David Coverdale almost folded the band two years earlier, but continued working with guitarist John Sykes.

Drummer Cozy Powell had left the band after the last tour and "Whitesnake" was recorded by David Coverdale, John Sykes, Neil Murray and Aynsley Dunbar, but by the time of the album's release, only Coverdale remained and he recruited new members: Adrian Vandenberg, Vivian Campbell, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge.

"Whitesnake" release information source: [US] The March 7, 1987 issue of Billboard shows a US release date of March 16, 1987. However, a review of the album did not appear in the magazine until April 4th and it debuted on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart on April 18th. That would be over a month from release to chart debut, and with lead single "Still Of The Night" (issued in late February '87) already a huge success at American rock radio, not likely. There is some information pointing to a March 23rd release date; [UK] Music Week - March 28, 1987.

March 23, 1987: For the second time in less than a year, Metallica's James Hetfield broke his wrist while skateboarding. The band was scheduled to perform on Saturday Night Live and close to completing the "...And Justice For All" album.

March 1983: Lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent replaced Ace Frehley on KISS' "Creatures Of The Night/10th Anniversary" Tour. "The Wiz" was featured in the latest issue of Kerrang!, who reported that Ace was "due to produce the debut album by Los Angeles OTTers Wasp." That didn't happen as Mike Varney produced the W.A.S.P. debut, but Wow!

March 1981: Originally released in 1976 everywhere but the US, Atlantic Records, who didn't like it and almost dropped the band, finally issued AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", more than a year after lead singer Bon Scott's death. Release information source: Billboard Top Album Picks - April 4, 1981; Debuted Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart on April 18th.

March 23, 1993: Iron Maiden released live album "A Real Live One" in North America (one day earlier in the UK) featuring songs from "Somewhere In Time" '86 through "Fear Of The Dark" '92, recorded at nine different European venues during the "Fear Of The Dark" Tour. Release date source: The Hard Report - March 5, 1993.

March 1988: Going with a more powerful sound, while setting aside the fantasy themes and atmospheres, progressive metal band Fates Warning released their fourth studio album "No Exit" with new singer Ray Alder who replaced original vocalist John Arch. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report -February 26, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - February 6, 1988.

March 23, 1984: Composed by Bob Halligan Jr., who also contributed "(Take These) Chains" on "Screaming For Vengeance", Judas Priest released "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" as the second single from the album "Defenders Of The Faith" in the UK (February '84 in North America). Release information source: Debuted UK Official Charts on March 31, 1984.

March 23, 1985: With an assist from the "Vision Quest Soundtrack" and a sightly different version, DIO peaked at No. 30 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart with the song "Hungry For Heaven", also found on DIO album "Sacred Heart".

March 23, 1979: Van Halen released their second studio album "Van Halen II" in North America with more "feel-good party" songs like "Dance The Night Away" and "Beautiful Girls" (an early version was known as "Bring On The Girls"). It reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart. Release information source: Billboard Magazine ad - March 31, 1979.

March 23, 1998: Iron Maiden released their 11th studio album "Virtual XI" in the UK (the following day in North America). The second of two efforts with singer Blaze Bayley, it was also the first Maiden album to use a slightly modified logo that continued through 2010's "The Final Frontier". Release date source: IronMaiden.com

Following a reunion of the classic '80s lineup, Quiet Riot released their ninth studio album "Alive And Well" in 1999 with eight new songs plus updated versions of six classics including "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Metal Health".

March 23, 2010: Scorpions released their 17th studio album "Sting In The Tail" in North America (March 19th in Europe). At the time it was supposed to be a farewell album, followed by a farewell tour, but when you're "Raised On Rock", you leave it all on stage. Release date source: [US] Blabbermouth.net - January 26, 2010.

March 23, 1984: The "Bark At The Moon" Tour was howling in Vancouver with Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe and Waysted performing at P.N.E. Coliseum.

March 1984: Having made its way to the UK, "Fistful Of Metal", the debut album from Anthrax was making waves across the pond. -Kerrang!