80s Metal History (May 14th)

May 14, 1991: Armored Saint released their fourth studio album "Symbol of Salvation" in North America (one week earlier in the UK), written and demoed in '88/'89 with original guitarist Dave Prichard who died of leukemia prior to the recording. Jeff Duncan plays on the LP. Release date source: [US] Cashbox Magazine - April 27, 1991; [UK] Kerrang! ad + review - May 4, 1991.

May 14, 1990: Mötley Crüe played the first of three nights at Budokan in Tokyo. After the third show, a bachelor party was held for Nikki Sixx at a Tokyo disco and Mick Mars got engaged to Crüe backup singer Emi Canyn.

May 14, 1976: Featuring songs from their first two albums exclusive to the band's native Australia, AC/DC's first international release "High Voltage" was now available in the UK (September '76 in North America). Release information source: Record Mirror ad - May 22, 1976.

May 1980: "Rock Brigade" from Def Leppard's debut album "On Through The Night" was issued as a promo single to American rock radio stations.

May 1984: Canadian rockers Kick Axe released their debut album "Vices". Produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot "Metal Health"), music videos were made for "Heavy Metal Shuffle" and "On The Road To Rock". "Dreamin' About You" was also played on American rock radio. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication "New & Active" debut - May 25, 1984; [Canada] RPM radio trade publication review - June 2, 1984.

Happy Birthday to Testament guitarist Eric Peterson (May 14, 1964), the only remaining original member.

Happy Birthday to The Cult singer Ian Astbury (May 14, 1962).

Happy Birthday to former Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot singer Paul Shortino (May 14, 1953).

May 1990: Megadeth confirmed that ex-Cacophony axeman Marty Friedman was the band's new guitarist. Dave Mustaine also recruited drummer Nick Menza. -Kerrang!

May 1992: Kerrang! reported that Motörhead drummer "Philthy" Animal Taylor had quit the band, for the second time (the first was in 1983).

May 14, 2022: A museum honoring the legacy of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton opened in Sweden, near where he died in a tragic tour bus accident in 1986 at just age 24.