'80s Metal History (September 22nd)

September 22, 1990: Co-headlined by Megadeth and Slayer with support from Testament and Suicidal Tendencies, the first "Clash Of The Titans" Tour launched in Europe (Genk, Belgium) and ran through mid-October. The second Titans tour of North America began in Dallas in May 1991 and included Anthrax.

Late September 1983: After appearing on MTV without their trademark make-up, the new album from KISS titled "Lick It Up" was issued to record stores in North America (September 30th in the UK), featuring singles the title track and "All Hell's Breakin' Loose".

KISS "Lick It Up" release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - October 1, 1983; [UK] Sounds Magazine - September 17, 1983.

Happy Birthday to Whitesnake singer David Coverdale (September 22, 1951).

September 22, 1979: With their first live album "Unleashed In The East" now in stores, Judas Priest brought the "Hell Bent For Leather" Tour to Chicago, one of 32 sold out North American dates with audience reaction described as "worshipful".

September 22, 1986: In the UK, W.A.S.P. released "9.5.-N.A.S.T.Y." as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Inside The Electric Circus", while in North America "I Don't Need No Doctor" was issued as the first single. Release date source: Kerrang! ad - September 18, 1986.

Happy Birthday to BulletBoys (and King Kobra for a minute) singer Marq Torien (September 22, 1961).

September 22, 1990: Queensrÿche's fourth studio album "Empire" debuted at No. 35 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. Powered by singles "Jet City Woman", "Silent Lucidity" and the title track it would reach No. 7.

September 22, 1992: Skid Row released EP "B-Side Ourselves" in North America with five cover songs originally recorded by artists who influenced the band, including a live version of Judas Priest's "Delivering The Goods" and KISS' "C'mon And Love Me". Release date source: Billboard Magazine - September 5, 1992.

September 22, 1998: KISS released their 18th studio album "Psycho Circus" in North America (one day earlier in the UK), the first to involve all four original members since 1979's "Dynasty" (Ace Frehley and Peter Criss appeared on only a few songs). Release information source: Music Week UK - September 19, 1998 (UK release was Monday, September 21, 1998; US release was Tuesday, September 22, 1998).

September 22, 1984: After playing Philadelphia a night earlier, RATT were now in the Boston area for a show at the Centrum in Worcester where Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton paid the RATT Gang a visit backstage. "An honor to have one of our heroes come out and jam “Walkin’ the Dog” (Aerosmith version same as on our 1983 EP) with Warren DeMartini and Joe (playing Warren's skull guitar) soloing." -Stephen Pearcy social media post (December 2024)

September 22, 1985: After touring the US with Megadeth, Exciter's "Love Live The Loud" Tour was now in Europe for a show in Ludwigsburg, Germany with special guest Metal Church.

Remembering Riot and Jack Starr singer Rhett Forrester, who would have celebrated a birthday today (September 22, 1956). Rhett died in 1994. R.I.P.

September 22, 1984: "Powerslave Is Here!" This full page ad ran on page 2 of Billboard Magazine in the US promoting the new album from Iron Maiden. Rock radio was all over it with lead single "2 Minutes To Midnight" debuting in the Top 40 this week.