'80s Metal History (March 8th)

March 8, 1982: Scorpions released their eighth studio album "Blackout" in North America (March 22nd in the UK). Featuring No. 1 rock hit "No One Like You", the LP debuted on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart on March 27th and peaked at No. 10 in late May that year. After losing his voice during the writing of the album, singer Klaus Meine had to undergo surgery on his vocal cords. Demos were recorded with Don Dokken, but none used and Dokken is only credited with backing vocals.

Scorpions "Blackout" release date source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - February 26, 1982; [UK] Record Mirror - March 13, 1982.

March 1980: Iron Maiden were opening for Judas Priest on the "British Steel" Tour just under way in the UK and their very first single "Running Free" was making some noise. Singer Paul Di'Anno had said the lyrics are "autobiographical". Record Mirror ad - March 8, 1980

March 8, 1989: Anthrax brought the "State Of Euphoria" Tour to the UK with the first of six shows in Manchester, England. They would return for 11 more in June and July that year. Living Colour opened.

March 8, 1982: With their new album "One Vice At A Time" in European and UK record shops since mid-February, Krokus were on the road to promote it, including a show in Hamburg, Germany.

March 8, 1985: Triumph brought the "Thunder Seven" Tour to the Los Angeles Sports Arena with support from Keel. In 2025, Keel frontman Ron Keel posted on social media... "Knocked a lot of legendary arenas off the bucket list along the way, like Madison Square Garden; but you never forget your first sold out hometown arena gig. 40 years ago today, supporting the mighty Triumph, one of my all-time favorite bands. I remember during soundcheck, going all the way up to the farthest seat in the very back to the top of the nosebleed seats, and looking down at the stage with our gear all set up and the massive KEEL backdrop hanging there...wow, what a great ride it's been."

March 8, 1986: Y&T concluded the "Down For The Count" Tour in Pomona, California.

March 1984: Twisted Sister completed recording their third studio album, at the time tentatively titled "Stay Hungry". As we all know they stuck with that and the LP hit record shops in June that year. -Kerrang!

March 8, 1990: Motörhead normally played the UK at Christmastime, but they missed a "couple of places last time round" and that included Cardiff University in Wales. "Motörhead will someday rule the world. I can't wait." -Kerrang!

Remembering former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, who would have celebrated a birthday today (March 8, 1957). Clive died in 2013. R.I.P.

Remembering Helloween co-founder and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg, who died March 8, 1995 at age 29. R.I.P.

Remembering former Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley, who would have celebrated a birthday today (March 8, 1948). He is best known for his work on the "Slide It In" album. Mel died in 2008. R.I.P.

Remembering Dark Angel guitarist Jim Durkin who died March 8, 2023 at age 58. R.I.P.

March 1985: Featuring single "Crazy Nights", the album "Thunder In The East" from Loudness was now available in the UK. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - March 7, 1985.

March 8, 1987: W.A.S.P. and Saxon played California Theater in San Diego. If you missed it, you could catch both bands two days later at Long Beach Arena, with Malice added to the bill.

March 8, 1991: With openers The Almighty and Alice In Chains, Megadeth played London's Marquee Club. The band opened with "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" from their latest album "Rust In Peace". In later years, the opening track would almost always be "Hangar 18" from the same LP. "Megadeth were beautiful." -Kerrang!

March 1988: The latest issue of Kerrang! revealed Guns N' Roses had experienced some internal turmoil (not surprising) and it seemed Axl Rose would leave the band, but they patched things up... "When you're touring in such close proximity, arguments and stuff can run deep... But we all talked it through and we're happy about the situation again." -Slash

March 8, 2024: Judas Priest released their 19th studio album "Invincible Shield" featuring singles "Panic Attack" and "Trial By Fire" and produced by the band's touring guitarist Andy Sneap, who also produced 2018's "Firepower" and contributed guitar to the album, making this the first time Judas Priest have recorded with three guitarists. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - March 1, 2024.

Remember to set your clocks a head this weekend ⌚️