'80s Metal History (June 20th)

June 20, 1983: Iron Maiden released "The Trooper" in the UK as the second single from the album "Piece Of Mind". An all-time classic, it reached No. 12 on the Official Singles Chart and was a US Top 30 rock hit. The B-Side is a killer cover of Jethro Tull's "Cross-Eyed Mary".

Iron Maiden "The Trooper" single release information source: [UK] New Musical Express - June 18, 1983; [US] Debuted Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart on July 30, 1983.

Bruce Bruce Dickinson appears on the cover of Samson's debut album "Survivors" released in June 1979, but didn't sing on it as the LP was completed before he joined the band. That's guitarist Paul Samson on vocals.

June 20, 1988: King Diamond released their third studio album "Them" in North America (one week later in the UK), the first of two fictional concept LPs about King and his mentally ill grandmother (the second "Conspiracy" '89).

King Diamond "Them" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - June 4, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! worldwide release - May 28, 1988; Kerrang! ad - June 18, 1988; Kerrang! (delayed in the UK) "due for imminent release" - June 25, 1988; [US] Billboard Magazine ad - July 2, 1988.

Happy Birthday to former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony (June 20, 1954).

Happy Birthday to Kix drummer Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant (June 20, 1957).

Remembering Girlschool lead guitarist Kelly Johnson, who would have celebrated a birthday today (June 20, 1958). Kelly died in 2007 at age 49. R.I.P.

June 20, 1981: Ozzy Osbourne was on the road in the US with the "Blizzard Of Ozz" Tour, having just played Colorado Springs and traveling to El Paso, Texas... "Everyone wants to see what bizarre feat Ozzy will perform next." Billboard Magazine ad

June 20, 1987: Tesla's debut album "Mechanical Resonance", released six months earlier, received instant support from American rock radio stations that led to hit singles "Modern Day Cowboy", "Little Suzi" and "Gettin' Better", but three was not enough, so "Rock Me To The Top" was issued as a promotional single. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication ad - June 12, 1987.

June 20, 1988: Detroit metal band Seduce released their second studio album "Too Much Ain't Enough" featuring singles "Any Time Or Place" and "Crash Landing". The band was featured in the '88 documentary "The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years". Release date source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - May 27, 1988.

New York City metal band Agentz released their only album "Stick To Your Guns" featuring the song "Time Will Tell" in 1987. The band toured with Cinderella and Kix, but a year later gave up the dream.

June 20, 1981: AC/DC's "Back In Black" had sold over seven million copies worldwide. Today, that total is over 30 million, good for second place all-time behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Billboard Magazine ad

June 20, 1982: After playing Norman, Oklahoma one night earlier opening for 38 Special, Iron Maiden had a few days off before resuming the North American "Beast On The Road" Tour in Canada, where the band would move to headliner status for a show in Ottawa with support from Anvil. -Kerrang!