'80s Metal History (June 15th)

June 15, 1981: After three albums and touring for five years, Motörhead released their first live album "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith" in the UK (September '81 in North America). On the heels of "Ace Of Spades", it debuted at No. 1 on the UK album chart on June 27, 1981.

Motörhead "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith" release information source: [UK] Originally due June 5th (Record Mirror - May 30, 1981), then June 12th (Music Week - June 6, 1981), the LP finally hit record shops on June 15th and debuted on the Official album chart on June 27th; [US] Billboard Magazine 'Recommended LPs' - September 12, 1981.

June 15, 1993: Ozzy Osbourne released the album "Live & Loud" in North America (one day earlier in Europe). Featuring songs recorded during the "No More Tours" farewell tour, it was to be Ozzy's final LP before retiring. The track "Black Sabbath" includes the original Sabbath line-up. Release date source: Billboard Magazine ad - June 12, 1993.

June 15, 1981: In the UK, Iron Maiden released "Purgatory" as the second single from the album "Killers". The artwork for the subsequent "The Number Of The Beast" LP was originally created for the Purgatory single, but the band thought better of it. Release information source: Record-Mirror ad - June 20, 1981; Debuted UK Official singles chart on June 27, 1981.

June 15, 1984: With opener RATT, Mötley Crüe ended the US leg of the "Shout At The Devil" tour in Springfield, Massachusetts. With some time off, they all bought houses in California. Nikki Sixx was living with RATT's Robbin Crosby and dating Lita Ford.

June 15, 1987: From the album "Among The Living", Anthrax released the second single "Indians", about the plight of Native Americans forced to live on reservations. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - June 25, 1987; Debuted UK singles chart on June 27, 1987.

June 15, 1986: Judas Priest brought the "Fuel For Life" tour to Atlanta, and along with a show in Dallas two weeks later, used the recordings to make up their second live album "Priest...Live!" in-stores a year later.

June 15, 1984: With the "Stay Hungry" album just released in the UK one week earlier, Twisted Sister played London's Hammersmith Odeon.

Happy Birthday to former Ozzy Osbourne (briefly) and Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis (June 15, 1957).

Happy Birthday to former Queensrÿche drummer Scott Rockenfield (June 15, 1963).

Happy Birthday to former MTV Headbangers Ball host [1990-95] Riki Rachtman (June 15, 1965).

June 15, 1984: Michael Schenker Group released their second live album "Rock Will Never Die" in the UK, recorded at London's Hammersmith Odeon over two nights in October '83. Scorpions Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker guest on "Doctor Doctor". Release information source: Kerrang! ad - June 14, 1984; Debuted UK Official album chart on June 23, 1984.

June 1982: In response to the commercial failure of 1981's "Music From The Elder", record label Phonogram requested hard rock songs from KISS for a compilation album and the result was "Killers" featuring classics "Cold Gin", "Love Gun" and more, plus four new songs. It was only offically released outside the US, but was issued to American radio a month earlier and became available as an import. Release information source: [UK] Debuted Official album chart on June 26, 1982; Kerrang! ad - July 1, 1982; [US] FMQB radio trade publication - April 16, 1982.

Mid-June 1993: In the US, Metal Blade issued "In The Shadows", the third studio album from a reunited Mercyful Fate, featuring single "Egypt". Unlike their previous albums, the lyrics are focused more on conceptual horror-themes. Release information source: The Hard Report radio trade publication "album is just out" - June 18, 1993.

June 15, 1999: Dokken released their seventh album "Erase The Slate", their only studio album with Winger guitarist Reb Beach and the last Dokken LP with long time bassist Jeff Pilson. Former Europe guitarist John Norum replaced Beach for the tour. Release information source: CMJ New Music Report radio trade publication 'Loud Rock Adds' - June 21, 1999.

June 15, 2018: Lizzy Borden released their seventh studio album "My Midnight Things", their first LP in 11 years. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - April 18, 2018.

June 15, 1985: Touring the West Coast USA, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force performed at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, California with guests Billy Sheehan's Talas and Wild Dogs from Portland.

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads around the world ❤️ 🤘