'80s Metal History (June 10th)

June 1977: One year after winning a poll for "Best Worst Band In The World" in UK music magazine NME, Motörhead released the first single "Motörhead" from their forthcoming debut album. The single didn't chart, but the live version did in 1981. Release information source: Four weeks on the UK "Star Breakers" list from 16 Jul 1977, peaking in 2nd place.

June 10, 1982: Appearing on the first pressing of Metal Blade's "Metal Massacre", you could now listen to Metallica in the car and at home, but their live shows were not to be missed. And six years later, not much had changed... greater demand and a bigger stage.

June 10, 1989: Skid Row were having success at rock radio with their debut album's first single "Youth Gone Wild", that was now crossing over to pop and making its debut on the US Billboard Hot 100, just days before the release of the next single "18 And Life".

June 1983: Influenced by KISS and Van Halen, glam metal band Pantera released their debut album "Metal Magic". The LP was produced by 16 year old Diamond Darrell and 19 year old Vinnie Paul's dad Jerry Abbott, under the alias "The Eld'n".

June 10, 1983: Tank released their third album "This Means War" in the UK. Often compared to Motörhead with their first two LPs, the trio expanded to a four-piece with the addition of a second guitarist that resulted in longer, more melodic compositions. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - June 17, 1983.

June 1985: Portland, Oregon metal band Glacier (came from a street name at Black Butte Ranch in Bend, Oregon) released their debut EP "Glacier" featuring the song "Vendetta".

June 1991: Ahead of the release of the new album from Alice Cooper "Hey Stoopid", the title track was issued as the lead single. Slash and Ozzy Osbourne make guest appearances on the song that went on to be a Top 15 rock hit in the US. Release information source: R&R radio trade publicaton "Most Added" - June 21, 1991; The Gavin Report radio trade publication ad - June 28, 1991.

June 10, 1991: Featuring former Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee, Badlands released their second studio album "Voodoo Highway" in the UK (the following day in North America) featuring singles "Time Goes By" and "Last Time". Prior to recording the LP, drummer Eric Singer left the band to join KISS and was replaced by Jeff Martin. Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! - June 1, 1991; Kerrang! review - June 8, 1991.

June 10, 2014: Tesla released their seventh studio album "Simplicity" in North America (June 6th in Europe) featuring the song "So Divine..." Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - June 18, 2014.

June 1989: Doro Pesch and Lita Ford were on the cover of RIP Magazine. Lita has said "We were the first women to ever be on the covers of these Rock Mags. Back when women were just not allowed to Rock!! Lita / Doro, the heavy rock/metal Queens!"

June 10, 2010: Slash was tackled by a fan in Milan while playing the "Sweet Child O’ Mine" solo. He handled it well though and even continued playing after changing guitars. He said afterwards, "What’d I say? Rowdy crowd for sure. But amazing! The guy who nailed me didn't take me down but he busted my poor [guitar]. Ah well, it was a kick-ass rock show in the first order!"

June 10, 1984: It was Sunday funday as Metallica played the Heavy Sound Festival in Poperinge, Belgium with Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Twisted Sister, Lita Ford...my goodness, what a lineup 🤘