'80s Metal History (August 16th)

August 16, 1980: The very first "Monsters Of Rock" Festival took place at Castle Donington in Derbyshire, United Kingdom. Rainbow, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Saxon, Riot and April Wine performed for over 30,000 fans.

August 16, 1986: Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Def Leppard, Motörhead and Warlock played the "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Castle Donington. Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen returned to the stage for the first time since the accident that took his left arm and when Warlock's Doro Pesch took the stage, that was the first time a woman performed at the festival 🤘

August 1982: Ahead of the major label re-release of their debut album "Too Fast For Love", Elektra Records issued "Live Wire" as the first single from Mötley Crüe. The video shows Nikki Sixx setting himself on fire and Mick Mars drooling blood.

August 16, 1984: Krokus released their eighth studio album "The Blitz" worldwide featuring singles "Midnite Maniac", "Ballroom Blitz" (The Sweet cover) and "Our Love". The song "Boys Nite Out" was co-written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - August 4, 1984; [UK] Kerrang! - July 12, 1984.

August 16, 1980: Four months after its release, Saxon's second studio album "Wheels Of Steel" made them "The Fastest Selling Heavy Metal group in the World". Featuring the title track and "747 (Strangers In The Night)", it is Saxon's highest charting LP, peaking at No. 5 in the UK.

August 16, 1988: King Diamond on the "Them" Tour played First Avenue & 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis with special guests Flotsam and Jetsam who were supporting their major label debut "No Place For Disgrace".

August 16, 1980: Touring the Midwestern US, Black Sabbath brought the "Heaven And Hell" Tour to Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Riot were scheduled to open but canceled at the last minute.

August 16, 2010: Iron Maiden released their 15th studio album "The Final Frontier" internationally (one day later in North America). After 30 years, it was their last with EMI Records, as well as the last Maiden LP to use the band's alternate logo. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - June 10, 2010.

August 16, 1994: Savatage released their eighth studio album "Handful Of Rain", their first since the death of co-founder and guitarist Criss Oliva, who contributed two songs before his passing. The LP was recorded as a three-piece. Release date source: CMJ New Music Report - August 15, 1994.

August 1982: Someone, somewhere decided there would be math for this contest 😏 but we really wanted one of these.