'80s Metal History (August 2nd)

August 2, 1979: AC/DC released their sixth studio album "Highway To Hell" in North America (one day later in the UK), their last with singer Bon Scott, who would pass on six months later. Rock hits "Touch Too Much", "Girls Got Rhythm" and the title track made it the band's second highest-selling album.

AC/DC "Highway To Hell" release date source: [US] Record World Magazine - August 4, 1979; [UK] Atlantic Promotional Letter.

August 2, 1985: DIO released "Rock 'n' Roll Children" in the UK (three days later in North America) as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Sacred Heart". The track went on to become the band's biggest hit in the UK, reaching No. 26 on the Official singles chart. It also reached No. 26 on the US Billboard Rock chart. Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! blurb + ad - July 25, 1985; [US] FMQB radio trade publication - August 2, 1985.

August 2, 1982: Almost a year before "Kill 'Em All" was released, Metallica played the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California and some of us just knew... "Potential To Become U.S. Heavy Metal Gods."

August 2, 1985: Megadeth were touring the US opening for Exciter, but for shows in Portland and Seattle, Exodus also joined the bill and Megadeth opened for them as well. My how everything changed not long after.

Ahead of the release of the new Y&T album "Mean Streak", the title track was issued as a single in the UK the first week of August 1983 and was already receiving airplay on American rock radio. By early September, the song would become a Top 25 hit on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication 'Significant Action' - August 5, 1983; [UK] Kerrang! ad 'Out Next Week' - July 28, 1983.

Happy Birthday to former Yngwie Malmsteen and Rainbow singer Joe Lynn Turner (August 2, 1951).

August 1983: Cobra released their debut album "First Strike" featuring single and music video shown on MTV in the US, "Blood On Your Money". The band was fronted by Jami Jamison who went on to sing for Survivor. Release information source: The Commercial Appeal (Memphis) - August 1983.

L.A. hard rockers London released their second studio album "Don't Cry Wolf" in 1986. The band was originally co-founded by Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx and briefly included Blackie Lawless before he formed W.A.S.P.

Happy Birthday to Heir Apparent founder and guitarist Terry Gorle (August 2, 1959).

August 2, 1980: Two weeks after the release of the debut album from Iron Maiden in North America, a full-page ad appeared in Billboard Magazine. The LP didn't chart in the US, but the band also didn't tour the states until the summer of 1981.