'80s Metal History (April 10th)

April 1986: Nearly a year after it was recorded, we finally got to hear the song "Stars" from Hear 'n Aid (the metal charity record for famine relief in Africa) on American rock radio stations. It was delayed because of contractual issues with the different artists' record labels. The music video premiered on MTV on April 17th, the single was officially released on April 21st in North America (April 11th in the UK) and the album that included additional songs was issued on May 26th.

Hear 'n Aid "Stars" release information source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication radio spotlight + upcoming release date - April 18, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! - April 3, 1986.

April 10, 1982: With new singer Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden hit number one on the UK Official Album Chart with "The Number Of The Beast", holding the top spot for two weeks. The LP also went Top 10 in seven countries and Canada was so close, peaking at No. 11.

Happy Birthday to former RATT guitarist Warren DeMartini (April 10, 1963).

Happy Birthday to Exodus drummer Tom Hunting (April 11, 1965).

April 10, 1990: Produced by Max Norman, Death Angel released their third studio album "Act III" in North America (April 2nd in the UK) featuring singles "Seemingly Endless Time" and "A Room With A View", which both music videos received regular rotation on MTV Headbangers Ball.

Death Angel "Act III" release date source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - March 30, 1990; [UK] RAW Magazine ad - April 4, 1990 and Kerrang! Mayhem - April 7, 1990.

Released April 10, 1981 in the UK (North America would have to wait another year), Girlschool's second album "Hit And Run" was the hot sound. Powered by the title track and "C'mon Let's Go", the LP debuted on the UK Official Album Chart on April 25th. Release date source: Record Mirror - February 28, 1981; New Musical Express ad - April 11, 1981.

April 10, 1981: Tygers Of Pan Tang released their second studio album "Spellbound" in the UK (August '81 in North America) featuring singles "Hellbound" and "Gangland". This was the first Tygers LP with John Sykes as a second guitarist, who left for Thin Lizzy two years later. Release information source: [UK] Record Mirror ad - April 11, 1981; Debuted UK Official album chart on April 18, 1981; [US} Billboard Magazine review - August 22, 1981.

April 10, 1982: Scorpions eighth studio album "Blackout", featuring singles "No One Like You" and "Can't Live Without You", debuted on the UK Official Album Chart at No. 11. That night, the band played Assembly Rooms in Derby, England.

Metal Blade issued the first EP from Omen titled "Nightmares" in 1987, the last with original singer J.D. Kimball who was replaced by Coburn Pharr the following year.

April 10, 2014: KISS were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 15 years after they first became eligible. Paul Stanley felt the Hall “begrudgingly let us in” — but only certain members of the band. KISS chose not to perform at the ceremony.

Remembering comedian Sam Kinison who died today in 1992 at age 38. He received a Grammy nomination in 1988 for the single "Wild Thing". The music video featured Jon Bon Jovi, Sebastian Bach and other '80s rockers.

April 10, 1984: On the road in the US, Saxon and Accept brought the "Crusader/Balls To The Wall" Tour to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

April 10, 1985: Touring in support of their debut album "Ready To Strike" just released in February that year, King Kobra played Studio 54 in New York. After the show, the band led by drummer Carmine Appice were joined backstage by Paul Stanley from KISS plus RATT's Stephen Pearcy and Robbin Crosby.

"We're the heaviest band in America," cackles sneering Slayer guitarist Kerry King. Kerrang (April 4-17 No 91)