'80s Metal History (August 3rd)

Happy Birthday to Metallica co-founder, singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield (August 3, 1963).

August 3, 1984: "A Midsummer's Night Scream!!!" Anthrax and Metallica opened for Raven at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Metallica performed "For Whom The Bell Tolls" live for the first time that night.

August 3, 1984: Ahead of their "Monsters Of Rock" appearance at Castle Donington on the 18th, a still relatively unknown Mötley Crüe released "Looks That Kill" as a 12" single in the UK that included a free iron on transfer. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - August 9, 1984.

August 1986: Many American rock radio stations were playing Queensrÿche's "Walk In The Shadows" from their latest album "Rage For Order". A cover of Canadian artist Dalbello's "Gonna Get Close To You" was also issued as a single.

August 3, 1986: Metallica's last show opening for Ozzy Osbourne in Hampton, Virginia was also the final US performance for bassist Cliff Burton. Roadie John Marshall filled in for James Hetfield who was sidelined with a broken arm (skateboarding).

August 1974: The legend began here... Ahead of the release of their debut album "Rocka Rolla", Judas Priest released the title track as their debut single. No leather and studs yet as their wardrobe was very "hippified" as described by one journalist.

Early August 1984: Ahead of their new album "The Blitz", Krokus released "Midnite Maniac" in North America as the lead single, and it went on to be a US Top 10 rock hit, plus the band became the first Swiss act to hit the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Release information source: R&R radio trade publication 'Most Added' - August 10, 1984.

August 1986: Jack Starr's Burning Starr recruited former Savatage bassist Keith Collins and released their second studio album "No Turning Back" featuring the title track. Release information source: Kerrang! review - August 7, 1986.

Remembering original Y&T guitarist Joey Alves, who would have celebrated a birthday today (August 3, 1955). Joey died in 2017. R.I.P.

August 3, 1991: Guns N' Roses brought the "Use Your Illusion" tour to the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Skid Row opened and during GnR's encore, Sebastian Bach guested on "You're Crazy"... "I tell ya, being a part of a band this big was awesome, traveling with Skid Row was so much fun. That was my kind of tour... In a nutshell: Total Outrage." -Slash

Birthday boy James Hetfield was on the cover of Metal Forces Magazine this month in 1988.