'80s Metal History (August 19th)

August 19, 1983: Produced by Michael Wagener and Udo Dirkschneider, Megaforce issued Raven's third studio album "All For One", three weeks after the band hit the road with Metallica, whose LP was out before the tour began. Release information source: UK and US Magazine Ads.

August 19, 1991: Judas Priest performed for the last time with singer Rob Halford (before his return in 2004), closing out the "Operation Rock & Roll" Tour in Toronto. Near the end of the band's set, the Metal God collided with the drum riser making an entrance on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He broke his nose, but finished the show 🤘

August 1991: Ahead of the release of their first compilation album "Decade Of Decadence 81–91", Mötley Crüe released single "Primal Scream" with uncensored music video that included a nude female dancer (edited for MTV of course). Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! - July 27, 1991; [US] R&R radio trade publication ad - August 23, 1991.

Happy Birthday to Deep Purple and former Black Sabbath singer Ian Gillan (August 19, 1945).

Remembering Grim Reaper singer Steve Grimmett, who would have celebrated a birthday today (August 19, 1959). Steve died in 2022. R.I.P.

August 19, 1983: With the new album in stores, Y&T launched the "Mean Streak" Tour in Sacramento, California. The band played 49 dates, including 25 shows in the US with opener Steeler (Ron Keel, Yngwie Malmsteen).

August 1988: Metal Blade issued "Saints Will Conquer", the first live album from Armored Saint, recorded the previous October in Cleveland during the "Raising Fear" Tour, but missing fan favorite "March Of The Saint". Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'Album Releases' - August 20, 1988; [UK] Issued on Roadrunner Records; Kerrang! review - August 20, 1988.

August 1988: American power metal band Liege Lord released their third studio album "Master Control" featuring "Eye Of The Storm" and the title track. Lead singer Joe Comeau went on to front Overkill in the '90s. Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'Album Releases' - August 20, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! review - August 27, 1988.

August 19, 1987: Aerosmith may have been the headliner, but there were a lot of t-shirts and some banners for the support act, Dokken in Portland, Maine, who could have been the main act as their star was on the rise. -Kerrang!

August 2009: From their forthcoming album "Sonic Boom", KISS released their first single since the late '90s, "Modern Day Delilah".

August 19, 1977: KISS "Love Gun" Tour (San Diego Sports Arena)

August 19, 2005: In between stops in Phoenix and a chaotic scene in San Bernardino (more on that tomorrow) on the "Eddie Rips Up The World Tour", Iron Maiden were inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk in Southern California.