'80s Metal History (August 26th)

August 26, 1986: Iron Maiden released "Wasted Years" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Somewhere In Time" in the UK (September 17th in North America), the first Maiden single solely written by guitarist Adrian Smith, who also sings backing vocals. The "Wasted Years" single B-side is a track called "Reach Out" with Smith on lead vocals. Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - August 21, 1986; [US] FMQB radio trade publication - August 29, 1986.

August 26, 1982: With "Screaming For Vengeance" racing up the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart (No. 26 this week), Judas Priest launched the North American leg of the "World Vengeance" Tour in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with opener The Rods.

August 26, 1988: The short-lived Vinnie Vincent Invasion performed their final concert together in Anaheim, California. Turmoil in the band led to the exit of singer Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum who went on to form Slaughter.

Late August 1983: Canadian rockers Helix started receiving radio airplay in North America for the single "Heavy Metal Love" from their major label debut "No Rest For The Wicked", released in May that year.

August 1985: Brandon, Florida thrash metal band Nasty Savage released their self-titled debut album. Singer "Nasty" Ronnie Galetti's over-the-top stage show performances, that included smashing television sets over his head, were a big draw. Release information source: Brandon News Weekly (the band's hometown newspaper) - September 20, 1985.

August 1985: Formed a year earlier with former Gary Moore and Ted Nugent singer Charlie Huhn and an assist from Scorpions' Rudolph Schenker, German rockers Victory released their self-titled debut album in North America. Release information source: Billboard Magazine Album Reviews - August 31, 1985.

San Francisco power thrash metal band Hexx released their debut album "No Escape" in 1984, their only LP with original singer Dennis Manzo.

August 26, 1991: Swiss thrash metal band Coroner released their third studio album "Mental Vortex" in the UK. Playing a complex style of progressive rock-infused thrash, they have been called "the RUSH of thrash metal". The LP cover image is a modified photograph of Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates from the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film "Psycho". Release date source: Kerrang! ad - August 31, 1991.

August 26, 2008: Motörhead released their nineteenth studio album "Motörizer" in North America (September 1st in Europe) featuring tracks "Rock Out" and "Runaround Man", both performed by Lemmy on BBC 6 Music's radio programme "Bruce Dickinson's Friday Rock Show" on 11 July 2008. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - August 21, 2008.

Remembering Sanctuary guitarist Sean Blosl, who died August 26, 2024 at age 58. Blosl formed Sanctuary in 1985 with his cousin, fellow guitarist Lenny Rutledge. He played on the band's first two albums, 1988's Dave Mustaine-produced debut "Refuge Denied" and 1990's "Into The Mirror Black".

August 26, 1995: Metallica, Slayer, Skid Row, Slash and more performed at Castle Donington. Billed as "Escape From The Studio", it was part of headliner Metallica's shortest tour to date, consisting of only three dates that year.

August 1989: The second single from Skid Row's debut album, "18 And Life", was a smash at American radio, along with the music video on MTV, and that got the upstart band the cover of Hit Parader Magazine. The song would reach the Top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 a month later.

August 26, 1985: In the UK, Kerrang! reported that W.A.S.P. had changed plans and instead of issuing the title track as the lead single from their forthcoming album "The Last Command", it would be "Ballcrusher". However, there is no evidence the single was released publically, only a Capitol Records/Future Disc Systems two track advance promo 12" Acetate in a company sleeve, with titles written on the front (dated July 19, 1985). An unofficial music video for the song was created featuring clips from the 1988 movie "Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark". The first single issued from "The Last Command" was "Blind In Texas" in early October 1985.