'80s Metal History (June 12th)

In 1985, K-Tel released "Metal Wars" "A Heavy Metal Assault!" with what was considered metal back in the day 🤔 Only Judas Priest and Queensrÿche pass the test here, then hard rockers Y&T, Helix, Krokus, Quiet Riot... Bon Jovi is pushing it.

Most sites show Megadeth's debut album "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" was released on June 12, 1985. However, there is quite a bit of 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 in the US and one Megadeth flyer shows the album "Coming April 26". Adding fuel to the fire is a blurb in the March 7, 1985 issue of Kerrang! that notes a UK release date of May 3, 1985 and then an ad that appeared in the May 16, 1985 issue of Kerrang! There is no documentation supporting the June 12, 1985 release date 🤔 Legend has it the band produced the album themselves after blowing half the budget on drugs. Despite the poor production, it was a well-received.

June 12, 1982: Iron Maiden were in Jackson, Mississippi on the "Beast On The Road" tour still opening for Krokus and 38 Special, but with worldwide sales of "The Number Of The Beast" album exceeding one million less than three months after its release, they wouldn't be a support act much longer.

June 12, 1987: Guns N' Roses released "It's So Easy" in the UK as the lead single from their forthcoming debut album "Appetite For Destruction". Written by Duff McKagan with help from band friend West Arkeen, the original song was more Country/Western. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - June 11, 1987; Debuted UK Official singles chart on June 20, 1987.

June 12, 1988: After 26 shows in Europe in support of their new album "Ram It Down", Judas Priest brought the "Mercenaries Of Metal" tour home to Birmingham, England for the first of nine UK concerts.

June 1987: Great White released breakout hit "Rock Me" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Once Bitten". At the time, American radio played an edited version of the 7-minute song with some lyrics different from the original. Release information source: The Gavin Report radio trade publication ad - June 12, 1987.

June 1985: Summer's comin' and Y&T brought a pop metal anthem with single "Summertime Girls". The music video shows the band walking a crowded beach, but at the end leaving with four women all dressed in black leather to show their metal cred.

June 1985: Featuring the song "We Got The Edge", British metal band Savage released their second studio album "Hyperactive" in the UK, their last until a reunion many years later. The band toured with Metallica and Venom. Release information source: Kerrang! review - June 27, 1985; Music Week ad - June 29, 1985.

June 1990: "The Adventures Of Ford Fairlane" opened in US theaters. The members of the fictional band Black Plague are played by Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil, Ozzy bassist Phil Soussan and drummer Randy Castillo; and Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazzo.

June 12, 1984: With two shows left on the US "Shout At The Devil" tour, Mötley Crüe played the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh with special guest Accept.

Judas Priest "Turbo" was selling big, especially after they came through your town. "Get ready for the explosion!!!!" On June 12, 1986, Priest was "Burning on Turbo Power" in Hampton, Virgina.