'80s Metal History (June 14th)

June 1982: Metal Blade released the first pressing of "Metal Massacre" featuring unsigned, underground metal bands Steeler, Bitch, Malice and more... oh, and Ratt... And Metallica (listed as "Mettallica"). The version of "Hit The Lights" on the first pressing features a solo by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich's friend Lloyd Grant who contributed to the track as a guest. Dave Mustaine plays the solo on the second pressing.

Happy Birthday to King Diamond and Mercyful Fate frontman King Diamond (June 14, 1956).

Happy Birthday to former Queensrÿche guitarist Chris DeGarmo (June 14, 1963).

Happy Birthday to Hellion singer Ann Boleyn (June 14, 1960).

June 14, 1980: With new singer Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath's ninth studio album "Heaven And Hell" debuted on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart at No. 63. A tour of the states would begin July 2nd and the album would rise into the Top 30 that summer.

June 14, 1982: Manowar released their debut album "Battle Hymns" in North America (September '82 in the UK). Formed two years earlier, band co-founder and bassist Joey DeMaio was a bass tech and fireworks manager on Black Sabbath's "Heaven And Hell" tour. Release date source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - June 11, 1982; [UK] Kerrang! review - September 9, 1982.

Four years earlier in San Antonio, Texas they were known as Slayer, but after a lawsuit threat from the L.A. Slayer, they changed their name to S.A. Slayer and released their debut album "Go For The Throat" in 1988.

Two years earlier yet another band known as Slayer ("Texas Slayer") was forming in Oklahoma, but wisely changed their name to Firstryke and released their debut album “Just A 'Nightmare'" in 1986.

German metal band Wallop released their debut album "Metallic Alps" featuring the title track in 1985. Drummer Stefan Arnold joined Grave Digger a year later and that was the end until Wallop issued "Alps On Fire" in 2020.

June 14, 1993: Megadeth's "Angry Again" from the "Last Action Hero" movie soundtrack was issued as a single in the US. Release date source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - May 14, 1993.

Remembering Rigor Mortiss co-founder and guitarist Mike Scaccia, who would have celebrated a birthday today (June 14, 1965). Mike died in 2012. R.I.P.

June 1987: Bassist Rudy Sarzo has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and Quiet Riot, but his home has always been with the latter and while still touring with Whitesnake, it was announced that Sarzo would be returning to QR to replace his successor, Chuck Wright. Rudy rejoined Quiet Riot again in 2021.

June 14, 1989: Before joining Skid Row and Ozzy Osbourne's band, singer Sebastian Bach and guitarist Zakk Wylde teamed up at the wedding reception for rock photographer Mark Weiss to jam on Led Zeppelin classic "Rock & Roll" at the Molly Pitcher Hotel in Red Bank, New Jersey. Weiss' book "The Decade That Rocked" released in 2020 is a must-have. The 378 page book covers the biggest names from the ’80s hard rock scene—including Ozzy, Twisted Sister, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses and more. Click Here for details.

June 14, 2016: Shown in select theaters, Mötley Crüe "The End" concert movie, documenting their last show ever where it all began 35 years earlier in their hometown of Los Angeles... Actually, disregard all that 🙃 Source: Blabbermouth.net - June 13, 2016