80s Metal History (May 11th)

May 11, 1992: Iron Maiden released their ninth studio album "Fear Of The Dark" in the UK (the following day in North America), their longest at just under 60 minutes and first to be produced by bassist Steve Harris. However, longtime Maiden producer Martin Birch supervised the sound.

Iron Maiden "Fear Of The Dark" release date source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - April 25, 1992 and May 9, 1992; [US] Billboard Magazine - May 2, 1992.

May 11, 1984: The first single from W.A.S.P. "Animal (F**k Like A Beast)" was issued in the UK. It was due for release on the 16th April, 1984 but Capitol Records pulled it. The single was then released independently by Music For Nations. Quite a contrast from North America, where the song was on the PMRC "Filthy 15", so it was deleted from the band's debut LP prior to its release in August that year. Release date source: Sounds Magazine - May 12, 1984.

May 11, 1979: Scorpions launched the UK "Lovedrive" tour in Sheffield. Guitarist Michael Schenker played on the album but left the band and was replaced by Matthias Jabs who played on the UK tour. Schenker came back the next month, but then quit again.

May 1990: Mötley Crüe released "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)" as the fourth single from the album "Dr. Feelgood". The music video shows Vince Neil leaving New York City to join his bandmates in Los Angeles for rehearsal. The Gavin Report radio publication ad - May 11, 1990

May 11, 1984: Lita Ford released her second studio album "Dancin’ On The Edge" in the UK (two weeks later in North America). US rock radio stations started playing single "Gotta Let Go" in mid-June. The LP was nominated for a Grammy. Release date source: Kerrang! - April 5, 1984.

May 11, 1986: With no radio airplay or music video, Metallica's third studio album "Master Of Puppets" peaked at No. 29 on the US Billboard 200.

May 11, 2004: Judas Priest released the four CD + single DVD boxed set "Metalogy" featuring previously unreleased material such as "Heart Of A Lion" and "The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown)" live in 1981 at the Palladium in New York City. Release date source: MetalReviews.com - April 4, 2004.

May 11, 1987: Dedicated to Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott, who died a year earlier, Pretty Maids released their second studio album "Future World" in North America (one month earlier in the UK). Producer Eddie Kramer was fired because he fell asleep at the mixing console. Release information source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - May 8, 1987; FMQB radio trade publication ad - May 22, 1987.

May 1987: German metal band Rage released their second studio album "Execution Guaranteed" featuring the single "Down By Law" which was also the band's first music video.

Happy Birthday to Destruction founder and former guitarist Mike Sifringer (May 11, 1965).

May 1980: Van Halen released "And the Cradle Will Rock..." as a single from the album "Women And Children First" in North America. The song begins with what sounds like a guitar, but is really a flanger-effected Wurlitzer electric piano played through Eddie Van Halen's 1960s model 100-watt Marshall Plexi amplifier.

May 11, 1982: Iron Maiden launched the North American leg of the "Beast on the Road" tour in Flint, Michigan. According to Clive Burr, Nicko McBrain had filled in for him for several shows during the US leg of the tour.

Happy Metal Mother's Day to all the great moms around the world ❤️ 🤘