80s Metal History (May 15th)

May 15, 1987: Mötley Crüe released their fourth studio album, arena-rock juggernaut "Girls, Girls, Girls" in North America (May 18th in the UK), featuring singles the title track (reached No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100), "You're All I Need" and MTV video smash "Wildside".

Mötley Crüe "Girls, Girls, Girls" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine New Releases - May 2, 1987; Billboard ad - May 16, 1987; [UK] Kerrang! ad "Out Next Week" - May 14, 1987.

May 15, 1990: DIO released their fifth studio album "Lock Up The Wolves" in North America (May 7th in the UK) with a totally different group of musicians from the previous "Dream Evil" LP, including 18-year-old guitarist Rowan Robertson and former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright.

DIO "Lock Up The Wolves" release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - May 12, 1990; Billboard review - May 26, 1990; [UK] Kerrang! - April 7, 1990.

May 15, 1982: With only a few shows left on the "Blackout" tour in Europe, Scorpions performed in Cologne, Germany. The first North American Leg of the tour began June 6th in Binghamton, New York.

May 15, 1989: W.A.S.P. released a cover of The Who's "The Real Me" as the second single from the album "The Headless Children". A video was made and the song was a Top 25 hit in the UK. Release date source: Kerrang! ad - May 13, 1989.

May 1984: The American ear had really latched on to Def Leppard and over a year of "Pyromania" just wasn't enough, so the band's previous record was getting a fresh listen with the re-issue of "High N' Dry" now in stores.

May 15, 1981: Samson released their third studio album "Shock Tactics", their last with singer Bruce Dickinson who would join Iron Maiden later that year. The Samson LP was recorded in the same studio at the same time as Iron Maiden's "Killers". Release information source" Record Business - May 25, 1981.

May 1990: Y&T released their ninth studio album "Ten" in North America (a month later in the UK with a different cover), their last before disbanding the following year. Rhythm guitarist Joey Alves had left the band in 1989 and was replaced by Stef Burns. Drummer Steve Smith replaced Jimmy DeGrasso. Release information source: [US] Debuted Billboard 200 album chart on June 2, 1990; Kerrang! ad - June 23, 1990.

Happy Birthday to original Fates Warning lead singer John Arch (May 15, 1959).

May 15, 2007: Megadeth released their 11th studio album "United Abominations" featuring "Gears Of War" and a more uptempo remake of 1994's "A Tout Le Monde", retitled "À Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" with Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia on backing vocals. With the exception of Dave Mustaine, the LP was recorded with an all-new line-up (guitarist Glen Drover, bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Shawn Drover). Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - February 27, 2007.

May 15, 1987: After playing Japan for the first time ever a month earlier, Megadeth were back in the states to resume the "Wake Up Dead" tour with a show in Tampa followed by two dates in Miami.

May 15, 1989: W.A.S.P. played the second of two sold out shows at London's Hammersmith Odeon with special guest from Germany, Zed Yago.

May 15, 1989: Savatage, Armored Saint, Sacred Reich, Forbidden and more played the Dynamo Open Air Festival in Eindhoven, Netherlands.