'80s Metal History (April 4th)

April 4, 1980: Saxon released their second studio album "Wheels Of Steel" in the UK (Summer '80 in North America). Featuring the title track and "747 (Strangers In The Night)", it turned out to be the band's highest charting LP, peaking at No. 5.

Saxon "Wheels Of Steel" release date source: Sounds Magazine ad - April 5, 1980.

April 4, 2009: Metallica were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, the late Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo were included. They performed "Master Of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman" with Newsted.

April 1986: "'Locked In' is burning up the phones!" exclaimed one American rock radio program director in this ad for the first single from Judas Priest's new album "Turbo"... "You'll always get typical metal requests, but we're seeing the people that drive BMW's calling also!" 😁 FMQB US radio trade publication ad - April 4, 1986

April 1988: Scorpions released "Rhythm Of Love" (with Lee Aaron on backing vocals) in North America (one month later in the UK) as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Savage Amusement". A US Top 10 rock hit, the futuristic video featured model/actress Joan Severance, who was in the Lethal Weapon movie a year earlier. Release information source: [US} The Hard Report radio trade publication - April 1, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! ad - May 21, 1988.

April 4, 2006: 18 years after "Operation: Mindcrime", Queensrÿche released the sequel, "Operation: Mindcrime II". Vocalist Pamela Moore reprised her role as Sister Mary for this album, but the role of Dr. X went to Ronnie James Dio. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - March 21, 2006.

Happy Birthday to former Accept bassist and sometimes lead singer Peter Baltes (April 4, 1958).

Happy Birthday to Jag Panzer singer Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin (April 4, 1962).

Remembering guitarist Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy), who would have celebrated a birthday today (April 4, 1952). Gary died in 2011. R.I.P.

Remembering Manowar drummer Scott "Drums Of Doom" Columbus, who died April 4, 2011 at age 54. R.I.P.

German metal band Running Wild released their sixth studio album "Blazon Stone" in 1991, which revealed a slight shift in their overall sound, as the band brought a more speed metal approach that would be prevalent on subsequent releases.

April 4, 1986: Venom played the first of two nights at The Ritz in New York City with openers Overkill and Carnivore the first night, Cro-Mags and Voivod the second night.

April 4, 1988: AC/DC brought the "Blow Up Your Video" World Tour to Karlsruhe, Germany with special guest Dokken.

Bavarian party metal band Railway released their third studio album "Climax" in 1987 featuring the song "Take The Chance" that sounds similar to early Accept. Original guitarist Herman Janowitz died of cancer a year later.

Polish metal band Kat released their debut album "Metal And Hell" in 1986. The word "kat" means executioner. The LP was sung in English, but a Polish-language version was also released the same year with a different title, "666".

April 2011: King Kobra semi-reunited and released their fourth studio album "King Kobra" in Japan with Paul Shortino on vocals. It was also the band's first LP since 1986 to feature bassist Johnny Rod, guitarist Mick Sweda and guitarist Dave Henzerling (formerly David Michael-Philips). Founder Carmine Appice returned on drums.

April 4, 2006: Judas Priest released "Live Vengeance '82" on DVD (orignally issued in 1983 on VHS). The show was recorded in December 1982 on the "World Vengeance" Tour in Memphis, Tennessee. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - February 27, 2006.

April 4, 2007: A Swedish couple tried to name their baby girl "Metallica", but tax officials dub the name "inappropriate." Under Swedish law, both first names and surnames need to win the approval of authorities before they can be used. Eventually, the name was officially accepted 🤘