'80s Metal History (August 20th)

August 20, 1982: After signing with a major label, Mötley Crüe's debut album "Too Fast For Love" was remixed and reissued by Elektra Records. Only 900 copies of the orignal on Leathür Records were released, so now the world was on notice. Release information source: Billboard Magazine front page ad - August 28, 1982.

August 20, 1988: Iron Maiden headlined the "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Castle Donington for the first time. The lineup also included KISS, David Lee Roth, Megadeth, Guns N' Roses and Helloween. During GnR's set, two fans were trampled to death. The ground was wet and the crowd surged toward the stage. Axl Rose urged everyone, "Don’t f***ing kill each other."

August 20, 1983: It was a warm, sunny day for the fourth "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Castle Donington. Headliners Whitesnake controlled the P.A. so opener Diamond Head sounded almost unplugged, followed by only slightly louder DIO and Twisted Sister.

August 20, 1987: Metallica played played a secret gig at 100 Club in London, two days before their appearance at "Monsters Of Rock '87" at Castle Donington. Cover songs from the "Garage Days Re-Revisited EP" were performed.

August 20, 2005: Iron Maiden played their last Ozzfest show in San Bernardino, California, losing power and having eggs thrown at them... Sharon Osbourne later called Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson a "prick" and accused him of disrespecting Ozzy.

August 20, 1982: One week before supporting Iron Maiden at the Reading Rock Festival, Tygers Of Pan Tang released their fourth and most successful studio album "The Cage" in the UK. Before recording started, guitarist John Sykes quit to audition for Ozzy Osbourne's band, later joining Whitesnake. Release date source: Record Mirror - August 7, 1982.

Remembering Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, who died August 20, 2020 at age 68. R.I.P.

Remembering Thin Lizzy co-founder, lead vocalist and bassist Phil Lynott, who would have celebrated a birthday today (August 20, 1949). Phil died in 1986. R.I.P.

Remembering Pantera guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott, who would have celebrated a birthday today (August 20, 1966). Dimebag died in 2004. R.I.P.

Happy Birthday to Fates Warning singer Ray "Alder" Balderrama (August 20, 1967).

August 20, 1990: Just over a year after issuing the "Headless Cross" LP and another new player added to the band in bassist Neil Murray, Black Sabbath released their 15th studio album "TYR" (an allude to Norse mythology) in the UK (September 4th in North America), their third with singer Tony Martin and second with drummer Cozy Powell. It was a dramatic departure from their traditional sound, with only traces of it found in the occasional riff. Release date source: [UK] Music Week ad - August 18, 1990; [US] CMJ New Music Report - August 31, 1990.

August 1992: W.A.S.P. released the very un-W.A.S.P. sounding single "Hold On To My Heart" in Europe with toned down vocals and acoustic undertones, not the screaming guitar hooks the band is known for, but it's a terrific ballad.

August 20, 1987: With the "Abigail" LP in stores since mid-June, King Diamond were touring America and with special guests Trouble, played the Cameo Theatre in Miami Beach, Florida.

August 20, 1989: A day after opening for Bon Jovi at the Milton Keynes Bowl, Skid Row played a one-off show at London's Marquee Club... 'the sheer lunacy of inviting the audience back to the Columbia Hotel: "We're on the fourth floor." "His mouth always gets him into trouble," claimed a member of the road crew later. "He did the same thing in the States and over 1,000 kids turned up." -Kerrang!

"Don't worry, head-banging doesn't last" screamed this headline in the Daily Mail (August 20, 1988) and they were right! It stops when we're dead. "Metal 'Til We Die" 🤘 Thanks for listening to METAL SHOP