'80s Metal History (July 31st)

July 31, 1982: "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", the first single from the new Judas Priest album "Screaming For Vengeance", debuted at No. 37 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and by early September would reach No. 4. The single was officially released in the UK the following week (Kerrang! ad - August 12, 1982).

The last week of July 1984, this ad ran in the UK's Kerrang! Magazine promoting the release of DIO's "We Rock" as the next single from the album "The Last In Line", available beginning August 1st, but don't wait if you want that colour poster.

Late-July 1990: Mötley Crüe released "Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)" as the fifth and final single from the album "Dr. Feelgood". The music video was shot in early July during a concert in East Troy, Wisconsin and is dedicated to their fans. Release information source: R&R radio trade publication 'New & Active' - July 27, 1990.

July 31, 1990: "Straight forward bonafide thrash," Boston metal band Meliah Rage released their second studio album "Solitary Solitude" in North America featuring the song "The Witching". Release date source: CMJ New Music Report - July 20, 1990.

Late-July 1983: Released in North America in May, the third studio album from Helix, "No Rest For The Wicked", was now available in the UK, featuring singles "Does A Fool Ever Learn", "Never Want To Lose You" and US rock hit "Heavy Metal Love". Release information source: Kerrang! ad - July 28, 1983.

July 31, 1970: In the UK, Black Sabbath released the title track as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Paranoid" (October '70 in North America). The song drew controversy for apparently encouraging suicide... Particularly, the lyric "I tell you to enjoy life" was misheard as "I tell you to end your life". Release date source: [UK] Melody Maker - July 25, 1970; Melody Maker ad - August 1, 1970; [US] Cashbox Magazine 'Newcomer Picks' - October 24, 1970.

Happy Birthday to guitarist John 5 [David Lee Roth Band, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson] (July 31, 1970). In 2022, John 5 replaced Mick Mars in Mötley Crüe

July 31, 1985: Mötley Crüe launched the North American leg of the "Theatre Of Pain" tour in upstate New York. The band traveled from show to show in a private plane, painted black with a giant penis and testicles emblazoned on the tail.

July 31, 1983: Iron Maiden brought the "World Piece" tour to Little Rock, Arkansas. American metalheads were losing their brains over Maiden's latest album "Piece Of Mind", which was now in the Top 20 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart when this ad appeared in Circus Magazine.