80s Metal History (June 7th)

Alt History: Marvel needs to expand their universe of superheroes.

June 1985: Scorpions released "No One Like You Live" in Europe as a taste of their forthcoming album "World Wide Live" with "The Zoo Live" on the B-side.

June 7, 2011: Judas Priest launched the "Epitaph Farewell World Tour" which turned out NOT to be the band's finale. Guitarist K.K. Downing abruptly left the band shortly before the tour began and was replaced by then 31-year-old Richie Faulkner.

Remembering Riot founder and guitarist Mark Reale, who would have celebrated a birthday today (June 7, 1955). Mark died in 2012. R.I.P.

June 7, 1988: With original founding member Chris von Rohr back in the band, Krokus were touring the US, promoting their tenth studio album "Heart Attack" with a show in Denver. Lillian Axe opened.

June 1988: From Jonquière, Quebec, Canadian progressive thrash metal band Voivod released their fourth studio album "Dimension Hatröss" in North America (March '88 in the UK) featuring single "Tribal Convictions". A concept album that narrates the exploits of Voivod’s mascot cyborg Korgull, the word Hatröss (pronounced atroce in French) means terrible or horrible. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - June 17, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! ad - March 26, 1988.

June 1984: A trio from Country Durham featuring Venom guitarist Mantas as a guest musician on one track, "Burn The King's Road", UK metal band Warfare released their debut EP "Noise, Filth & Fury". Release information source: Kerrang! - June 14, 1984.

Happy Birthday to Damn Yankees co-founder and drummer Michael Cartellone (June 7, 1962).

James Hetfield and childhood friend and roommate Ron McGovney posed for a fake Hit Parader magazine cover in 1980/81... "James told me that he still has his copy." -McGovney