'80s Metal History (May 5th)

May 5, 1984: Billboard Magazine reported that a complaint from major retailer Walmart brought Scorpions back to familiar territory in the US where they had to change the cover of their latest album. In 1979, it was "Lovedrive", now "Love At First Sting". The inner sleeve was used.

May 5, 1986: Ozzy Osbourne released "Lightning Strikes" as the third and final single from the album "The Ultimate Sin" in North America. Although Jake E. Lee and Bob Daisley contributed to the song, only Ozzy was officially credited 😏 Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - May 2, 1986.

May 5, 1986: Loudness released the album "Lightning Strikes" in North America, two months after being available in the band's native Japan where the LP there is known as "Shadows Of War". "Let It Go" was the only single issued. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - May 2, 1986.

May 5, 1978: AC/DC released their fifth studio album "Powerage" in the UK (May 30, 1978 in North America), their first with new bassist Cliff Williams and the first AC/DC release with the same cover art worldwide. Release information source: Music Week ad - May 6, 1978; Debuted UK Official album chart on May 20, 1978.

Happy Birthday to original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward (May 5, 1948).

Happy Birthday to former Megadeth drummer [2004–14] Shawn Drover (May 5, 1966).

Happy Birthday to Billy Idol and former Vince Neil guitarist Steve Stevens (May 5, 1959).

Happy Birthday to Dream Theater lead vocalist Kevin James LaBrie (May 5, 1963).

Considered one of the co-founders of German heavy metal in the late '70s, Trance released their debut album "Break Out" in 1982. The nearly eight-minute long song "Loser" unexpectedly turned into the band's first hit. They toured with Accept.

May 5, 2009: Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath) launched the "The Devil You Know" Tour in Bogota, Columbia. It would be Ronnie James Dio’s final tour. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2009. R.I.P.

May 1987: So much metal on the Megaforce label... Overkill, Testament and just released in late April, some hard rock from Frehley's Coment.

May 1986: Kerrang! reported that Megadeth had completed work on their second album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" with plans to release it early summer that year. However, we wouldn't get to hear it until September '86.