80s Metal History (May 17th)

May 17, 1988: Judas Priest released their 11th studio album "Ram It Down" in North America (May 16th in the UK). Two years earlier, the band planned to release a double album "Twin Turbos" but their record label objected and the project was split into "Turbo" (1986) and "Ram It Down".

Judas Priest "Ram It Down" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - May 7, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - May 21, 1988.

May 1976: Rainbow released their second album "Rising" in North America with only singer Ronnie James Dio retained from the band's 1975 debut. Band leader Ritchie Blackmore recruited Cozy Powell (drums), Jimmy Bain (bass), Tony Carey (keyboards) and producer Martin Birch. Release information source: Debuted Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart - June 5, 1976.

Remembering former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno who would have celebrated a birthday today (May 17, 1958). Paul died in 2024. R.I.P.

May 17, 1982: Over six months after its release in the UK, Saxon's "Strong Arm Of The Law" was now available in North America. The title track was inspired by the band being pulled over and searched by Margaret Thatcher's security detail. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - May 7, 1982.

May 17, 1990: On a nine-gig European tour, Metallica played Dortmund, Germany with DIO. The first stop was a private show six days earlier at the Marquee Club in London, where Metallica were billed as "The Frayed Ends."

Most sites show Megadeth releasing their debut album "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" on June 12, 1985. However, there is some evidence that it may have been released two months earlier. The LP appears in the New Releases section of the April 6, 1985 issue of Billboard Magazine and one Megadeth flyer shows the album "Coming April 26". Adding fuel to the fire is this ad that appeared in the May 16, 1985 issue of UK rock magazine Kerrang! 🤔

Happy Birthday to former DIO keyboardist [1984-87] Claude Schnell (May 17, 1955).

Recorded in January 1984, The Rods later released their fourth studio album "Let Them Eat Metal" in North America (August '84 in the UK). A cousin of Ronnie James Dio, singer and guitarist David Feinstein has said the model on the cover "is a girl I went to school with...a bit risqué but ended up being a great cover." Release information source: [US] Unknown; [UK] Kerrang! ad - August 23, 1984.

May 1999: Iron Maiden released video game and greatest hits compilation "Ed Hunter" featuring songs selected by Maiden fans via the band's website. The tour that followed was Bruce Dickinson's first with the band since 1993.

May 1980: Original KISS drummer Peter Criss left the band. Dozens of replacement candidates auditioned, including future Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres, but they settled on a little-known drummer-guitarist-pianist-keyboardist-singer from Brooklyn named Paul Caravello, who adopted the stage name Eric Carr.

Remembering Tank founder, bassist and singer Algy Ward, who died May 17, 2023 at age 63. R.I.P.

May 17, 1980: On the road in the UK, Scorpions brought the "Animal Magnetism" tour to Glasgow. "Make It Real" was also issued as a single.

May 17, 1985: With their '84 five-song EP upgraded to a full-fledged album and close to release in the US, "Triple Axe Attack" Leatherwolf played Fender's Ballroom in Long Beach, California.

"The Ultimate Sin" may not have been Ozzy Osbourne's favorite solo record, but fans were none the wiser and less than three months after its release, propelled the LP to platinum in the US sales (Certification Date: April 14, 1986). Image: Billboard Magazine - May 17, 1986

May 1987: Guitarist Jake E. Lee parted company with Ozzy Osbourne's band. Replacement candidates at the time included Vinnie Moore and Chris Impellitteri. "One thing is certain... one of the finest guitarists around today and whatever he decides to turn his hand to in the future will be worthy of instant investigation." -Kerrang! Years later Jake said he found out he was fired from his guitar tech.