'80s Metal History (August 12th)

August 12, 1985: DIO released their third studio album "Sacred Heart" in North America (August 16th in the UK) featuring singles "Rock 'n' Roll Children", "Hungry For Heaven" and the title track. It was the last DIO LP with guitarist Vivian Campbell, who was fired during the "Sacred Heart" Tour.

DIO "Sacred Heart" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - August 3, 1985; [UK] Kerrang! - July 25, 1985.

August 12, 1983: A year after recording their debut EP and releasing it on their own label (206 Records), Queensrÿche were signed by EMI America and the EP re-released in the US. "The Lady Wore Black" was being played on American rock radio stations and "Queen Of The Reich" would follow. EP re-release date source: Mike TheRycher

August 12, 1977: And the legend begins... Motörhead released their debut album two years after an LP recorded with United Artists was shelved. Intending to be a four-piece lineup, "Fast" Eddie Clarke was originally hired as a second guitarist. Release date source: Chiswick Records ad - August 1977.

There’s something really dreamy when watching Metallica live in the early days... Check out a bootleg from August 12, 1983 when they played Chicago on the "Kill 'Em All For One" Tour with Raven.

August 12, 1991: Metallica released their fifth studio album "Metallica" (aka the "Black Album") worldwide. Featuring lead single "Enter Sandman", the band gained more fans than anyone could have imagined, while thrash purists are still pouting. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - August 3, 1991.

August 12, 1989: The two-day "Moscow Music Peace Festival" began in the former USSR, the first time hard rock acts from abroad were granted permission to play there. Skid Row, Cinderella, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne and Scorpions all performed.

August 12, 1983: DIO released the title track from their debut album "Holy Diver" as the first single in the UK (Source: Record Mirror - August 11, 1983). In North America, "Rainbow In The Dark" was issued first. American radio began playing the song "Holy Diver" in late September that year.

August 1984: After leaving Virgin Steele, a band he co-founded, guitarist Jack Starr released his first solo album "Out Of The Darkness" with Rhett Forrester, formerly of Riot, on vocals.

Happy Birthday to former Krokus bassist [1986] Tommy Keiser (August 12, 1957).

August 12, 1986: Judas Priest's "Fuel For Life" Tour trucked on through the Midwestern US with special guests Krokus, stopping in Indianapolis for a show at Market Square Arena.

August 1991: Vince Neil was on the cover of Kerrang! The hair bands were hangin' on in the early '90s, but with Mötley Crüe scheduled to perform August 17th, the mag wondered if Vince was "a Donington type dude?" 🤔