'80s Metal History (March 4th)

March 4, 1983: Thin Lizzy released their 12th and final studio album "Thunder And Lightning" in the UK (May '83 in North America). Guitarist John Sykes helped provide a heavier sound and guitar tone and he co-wrote single "Cold Sweat".

Thin Lizzy "Thunder and Lightning" release information source: [UK] Originally scheduled to be issued in February '83 (Record Mirror - January 29, 1983); Record Mirror ad - March 12, 1983; LP debuted on the UK Official Album Chart on March 12th; [US] Billboard Magazine Recommended LP's - May 21, 1983... Debuted Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart on May 28th.

Happy Birthday to former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted (March 4, 1963).

March 4, 1991: Megadeth released "Hangar 18" in the UK as the second single from the album "Rust In Peace". Inspired by UFO conspiracy theories, former drummer Nick Menza wrote the lyrics and Dave Mustaine composed the bulk of the music. Release date source: RAW Magazine ad - March 6, 1991.

March 1990: Iron Maiden wasted little time in recruiting a replacement for departed guitarist Adrian Smith, signing up former Gillan guitarist Janick Gers. "We've all known Janick for a number of years and all get on great with the guy. He's a superb guitarist, lives and breathes Heavy Metal and has always been a big fan of Maiden's music." -Steve Harris (Kerrang!)

March 4, 1979: Promoting the "Lovedrive" album, Scorpions played at Stadthalle, Offenbach am Main, Germany. The band was touring their home country with 24 concerts. The entire trek ran through nine nations, including 42 US shows.

March 4, 1989: W.A.S.P. debuted on the UK singles chart with "Mean Man", the lead single from their forthcoming album "The Headless Children". The special purple vinyl version featured a "special means test" on the back cover 😁

Armored Saint released "Demo 1989", a limited edition promotional EP in 1989, featuring their last recordings with guitarist Dave Prichard. The four-track demos were recorded for the band's next studio album, but Prichard was diagnosed with leukemia and succumbed to the disease a year later, shortly before the recording sessions of "Symbol Of Salvation" were to begin.

Texas metal band Helstar released their debut album "Burning Star" in 1984 with cover art a grim reaper-type figure. European and subsequent re-releases had the exploding spacecraft. It was produced by Carl Canedy [Anthrax, The Rods, Manowar).

Happy Birthday to thrash metal drummer Paul Bostaph [Slayer, Exodus, Forbidden, Testament] (March 4, 1964).

March 1986: Motörhead "Anthology" was issued in the UK by Raw Power, who licensed the recordings from Motörhead's first label, Bronze Records. There was no consultation with the band... "I am aware of the music business in all its dirty, scum-sucking, ass-kicking detail, but why not a little more consideration for the audience, who pay for it, and the artists who create it?! These people are bloody parasites feeding on us anyway." -Lemmy Kilmister (Kerrang! - March 6, 1986)

March 4, 1987: W.A.S.P. with special guest Malice played the Civic Auditorium in San Jose, California.

March 4, 1988: Prior to their show that night in Phoenix opening for DIO, Megadeth made a record store appearance to promote their latest album, "So Far, So Good... So What!"

Roots of 80s Metal

March 4, 1978: "Tired of wimpy music? Judas Priest just may be your salvation." An ad for the band's fourth studio album "Stained Class" released in February '78 in the UK (March '78 in North America).

Formed in 1972, they recorded their first two albums as Yesterday And Today (taken from a Beatles album title) before shortening it to Y&T. Promoted as "A New Source Of Energy", their debut LP was issued in late November 1976 and by March '77, rock radio stations were playing the new single "Alcohol".