'80s Metal History (July 16th)

July 16, 1981: Def Leppard released their second studio album "High 'n' Dry" in North America (the week of July 13th in the UK), their first with producer "Mutt" Lange and featuring rock hit "Let It Go" and power ballad "Bringin' On the Heartbreak". "It was the start of where we wanted to go." - Joe Elliott

Def Leppard "High 'n' Dry" release information source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - July 10, 1981; Debuted Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart on August 8, 1981; [UK] Smash Hits Magazine ad - July 23, 1981 and Music Week ad - July 25, 1981; Debuted Official album chart on July 25, 1981; Record Mirror review - August 1, 1981.

July 16, 1984: The success of "Metal Health" was a tough act to follow and Quiet Riot's rushed follow up "Condition Critical" didn't match expectations, but it still went platinum and produced US Billboard Hot 100 hit single "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" and rock hit "Sign Of The Times". Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - June 30, 1984; R&R radio trade publicaton - July 12, 1984 [UK] Kerrang! ad - July 26, 1984.

July 1986: Ozzy Osbourne with guitarist Jake E. Lee were on the cover of Faces Magazine. At the time, the band was touring the US Midwest with Metallica and "The Ultimate Sin" was a Top 10 album.

July 16, 1981: Judas Priest and Iron Maiden were touring together, but when they played Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Whitesnake was added and Maiden bumped to open for them as well. #PayYourDues

July 16, 1983: Twisted Sister played the first of two nights at L'Amour in Brooklyn. Two weeks later, a "Special Mystery Concert For True Headbangers Only" turned out to be Motörhead and a week after that Raven and Metallica... Wow! Mind blown! 🤘

July 16, 1983: After 70 dates, Triumph ended the "Never Surrender" tour at "Oregon Jam" in Eugene. The band went on to play one more show that year in late August at "Day On The Green" in San Francisco.

Remembering Deep Purple and Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord, who died July 16, 2012 at age 71. R.I.P.

July 16, 1990: Facing charges that lyrics from two songs on the "Stained Class" album drove two young fans to suicide, members of Judas Priest stood trial in a Reno, Nevada courtroom. The civil suit was dismissed on Aug. 24, 1990.

July 16, 2001: Judas Priest released their 14th studio album "Demolition" in Europe (July 31st in the USA/Canada), the second and final Priest LP with Tim "Ripper" Owens on vocals. Rob Halford reunited with the band two years later. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - May 1, 2001.

July 16, 1983: London's Record Mirror Magazine featured a profile of Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris... Height: 5 feet, 8 inches; Weight: 10 stone; Haircut: Don't have them 👍