80s Metal History (May 18th)

Mid-May 1988: Flotsam and Jetsam released their second studio album "No Place For Disgrace" in North America (May 31st in the UK), their first with bassist Troy Gregory, who replaced Jason Newsted when he left for Metallica two years earlier. Three songs on the LP were co-written by Newsted including the title track.

Flotsam and Jetsam "No Place For Disgrace" release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - May 20, 1988; FMQB radio trade publication spotlight - May 27, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - June 4, 1988.

May 18, 1984: Twisted Sister released "We're Not Gonna Take It" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Stay Hungry" in the UK and the track had just started receiving airplay on North American rock radio stations. The music video debuted on MTV a few weeks later, propelling the song to No. 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 by August of that year. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - May 17, 1984; [US] R&R radio trade publication "AOR Tracks Most Added" - June 1, 1984.

May 18, 1993: Featuring tracks the band selected themselves and their comments in the sleeve-notes, Judas Priest released the compilation album "Metal Works '73–'93". All LPs were represented except the first two since they no longer owned the rights at the time. Release date source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - May 7, 1993.

May 1987: With a warning on the cover "Containing situations that will digust some and titilate others", KISS released "Exposed" on VHS featuring interviews with Gene and Paul, plus the band's 80's music videos (not "Thrills In The Night") and the Paul Stanley Workout Tape 🙃

May 18, 1993: KISS released their third live album "Alive III" recorded over multiple dates on the '92 "Revenge" tour. The liner notes include a family tree showing the various KISS lineups as well as bands then-current and former members had played with previously. Release date source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - April 16, 1993.

Featuring original Iron Maiden singer Paul Day on their debut album "Warhead" a year earlier, he was replaced by Mick Stratton and new wave of British heavy metal band More released their second studio album "Blood & Thunder" in 1982.

May 1987: Influenced by Iron Maiden and the new wave of British heavy metal, Brazilian metal band Viper, who were all teenagers at the time, released their debut album "Soldiers Of Sunrise" featuring the song "Knights Of Destruction".

May 1987: Slayer's third studio album "Reign In Blood" was finally available in the UK and the first single issued was a remix of "Criminally Insane". Release information source: Kerrang! ad - May 28, 1987.

May 18, 1988: The first artist signed to Metal Blade Records, Bitch took a brief detour with frontwoman Betsy Weiss attempting a softer and more commercial sound on "Betsy" in North America. The LP failed and the band reverted back to their heavier, S&M-themed metal. Release date source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - April 15, 1988.

Happy Birthday to former Iron Maidens guitarist Courtney Cox (May 18, 1989).

May 1987: Back in the spotlight with his first album since leaving KISS, Ace Frehley was on the cover of Kerrang!

Aspiring metal bands will take any promotion they can get, including their record being given away for free for subscribers to a magazine. Metal Church did just that with Thrasher Magazine in May 1986.

May 18, 1984: Kerrang! Magazine in the UK reported the following... "Ozzy Osbourne was run out of Jacksonville, Florida after officials didn't take kindly to his support act. (He) began the show as usual, back to the audience, his black cape spread out, but when (Ozzy) turned around to face the crowd, instead of the usual Dracula togs he was decked out in a bra, not to mention a rather attractive dress and stockings! He went on to do the whole show dressed as a woman, which resulted in the Jacksonville authorities banning him from playing in their town again." Clarification from Circus Magazine in the US... "Kerrang mag got some of the story wrong. I lived in Jax, FL at the time of the Motley Crue / Ozzy show on 5/18/84. Mayor Jake Godbold banned Ozzy from the city for doing the majority of that night’s show dressed in nothing but a jock strap. Fact."