'80s Metal History (July 8th)

July 1985: Founded two years earlier by brothers Greg Harges and Joey Scott, Lizzy Borden released their debut album "Love You To Pieces" (issued by Metal Blade) featuring killer cuts "Psychopath", "Godiva" and "American Metal". Release information source: Gatefold of "Best Of Metal Blade, Vol. 1" issued 1987.

July 8, 1988: On the road in the US, Iron Maiden brought the "Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour" to East Rutherford, New Jersey and if you missed it, they were in Long Island the following week 🤘

Happy Birthday to former Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo (July 8, 1957).

July 1986: After the poor reception and lackluster sales for the "The Pack Is Back" album released only six months earlier, Raven went right back to the studio and returned to a more aggressive and metallic sound that resulted in the EP "Mad". Release information source: [US] Kerrang! - June 26, 1986; Cashbox Magazine 'Records To Watch' - July 26, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! review - September 18, 1986.

A cousin of Ronnie James Dio, singer and guitarist David Feinstein formed The Rods and they independently released their debut album "Rock Hard" in 1980. The following year, they signed with Arista and the LP was re-released as "The Rods".

Remembering Crimson Glory singer Midnight (John Patrick Jr. McDonald), who died July 8, 2009 at age 47. R.I.P.

July 8, 1977: KISS launched the North American "Love Gun" tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Near the end of August, they would play three Los Angeles shows that were recorded for "Alive II" and released in October that year.

July 8, 2000: While performing in Mannheim, Germany, Iron Maiden guitarist Janick Gers lost his footing onstage and fell head first into the photographer's pit hitting the concrete and knocking him unconscious. He was back on stage a week later.

July 8, 2014: Judas Priest released their 17th studio album "Redeemer Of Souls" in North America (July 11th in Europe, July 14th in the UK), their first without founding guitarist KK Downing, who quit the band in 2011 and was replaced by Richie Faulkner. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - July 8, 2014.