'80s Metal History (August 13th)

August 1981: Kerrang! reported rumours that Paul Di'Anno may not be the singer for Iron Maiden much longer... "Seems they've been auditioning new vocalists out there." Di'Anno made his last appearance with Maiden the following month in Denmark.

August 13, 1979: An ad for Scorpions "Lovedrive", with instrumental "Coast To Coast" on the flip side, appeared in the UK's Music Week Magazine. The single was released on July 20th from the album where the band first exhibited their "classic style".

August 13, 1986: "Featuring ex-Metallica songwriter and guitairst Dave Mustaine" (and he wouldn't let us forget about it), Megadeth opened for King Diamond at the El Dorado Saloon in Carmichael, California.

August 13, 1985: One day after releasing their new album in the US, DIO launched the "Sacred Heart" Tour at Oakwood Lake Amphitheatre in Manteca, California.

August 13, 1983: Def Leppard's "Rock Of Ages" from the "Pyromania" album, peaked at No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. That same night, the band played the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, North Dakota. In June '83, the band completed filming the video for their next single "Foolin'".

August 1989: Baltimore bashers Wrathchild America released their debut album "Climbin' The Walls". Three years later, they changed their name to Souls at Zero and drummer Shannon Larkin left to join Godsmack. Release information source: The Hard Report radio trade publication - August 25, 1989.

Happy Birthday to former Overkill drummer [1987-92] Sid Falck (August 13, 1964).

August 13, 1984: A Top 15 US rock hit in April, Scorpions "Big City Nights" was issued as a single in the UK. It was composed by singer Klaus Meine and guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who also performs the solo.

August 13, 1986: Moving quickly across the Southern US, AC/DC brought the "Who Made Who" Tour to Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine, California with special guest Queensrÿche.

August 13, 1982: Playing seven dates in Texas, Iron Maiden brought the "Beast On The Road" Tour to the Summit in Houston, opening for Scorpions.