'80s Metal History (September 24th)

September 24, 1990: Megadeth released their fourth studio album "Rust In Peace" in the UK (October 2nd in North America), their first with lead guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza and featuring singles "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" and "Hangar 18". Inspiration for the album title came from a bumper sticker Dave Mustaine saw in California: "Nuclear Weapons - May They Rust in Peace".

Megadeth "Rust In Peace" release date source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - September 29, 1990; [US] Billboard Magazine - October 6, 1990.

September 24, 1988: Launched two weeks earlier in Budapest, Metallica brought the "Damaged Justice" Tour to Scotland for the first of two shows in Edinburgh... "GOD BLESS Metallica! If you could only afford to catch one tour this year, you'd better wish it was this one." -Kerrang!

September 24, 1982: With their debut album "Too Fast For Love" re-released a month earlier on major label Elektra, Mötley Crüe continued to grind it out on the L.A. scene with two shows at The Roxy in West Hollywood.

September 24, 1984: A month after the release of their debut album and now on their first world tour, W.A.S.P. played London's famous Lyceum that was recorded and released in May '85 on home video. Kerrang! review - October 18, 1984

September 24, 1984: Manowar released their fourth studio album "Sign Of The Hammer" in the UK, just seven months after their previous effort "Hail To England". The LP features single "All Men Play On 10". Release date source: Kerrang! - September 6, 1984.

September 24, 1987: A solid triple-bill of real metal dubbed the "Hell On Wheels" Tour rolled into Providence, Rhode Island with Helloween, Armored Saint and headliner Grim Reaper. Armored Saint had just released the single "Isolation" from their latest album "Raising Fear".

Armored Saint posted on social media in 2023 "HELL ON WHEELS Tour in 1987! Both bands minus Michael Weikath. Tour was so much fun... we got along like brothers w/ both bands, sealed a lifelong friendship in particular with GR guitarist Nick Bowcott. Helloween's 1st ever tour of USA."

September 1993: Drummer Steven Adler reached a 2.5-million dollar settlement with Guns N' Roses. After getting kicked out for being addicted to heroin, he signed away his partnership, but sued the band claiming he was high when he signed it.

September 24, 1991: The Cult released their fifth studio album "Ceremony" in North America (one day earlier in the UK) featuring US Top 15 rock hit "Wild Hearted Son". Inspired by Native American culture, the band was sued for millions by the parents of the boy pictured on the cover. Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - September 6, 1991; [UK] Kerrang! - September 14, 1991.

Happy Birthday to bassist Sean McNabb [Quiet Riot, Dokken, House of Lords, Great White, Lynch Mob, Rough Cutt] (September 24, 1965).

Happy Birthday to former Frehley's Comet keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist Tod Howarth (September 24, 1957).

Since the principal players reunited, Guns N' Roses have dabbled a little with new music, including the single "Hard Skool" released on September 24, 2021. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - September 24, 2021.

September 24, 1988: Iron Maiden were on the road in Europe with the "Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour" and headlined the "Monsters Of Rock" in Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy, Paris with special guests Anthrax, Helloween, and Trust.

September 1983: With their debut album "Holy Diver" a critical and commerical success, DIO were featured in the most recent issue of the UK's Kerrang! Magazine... "Any resemblance between the whip-wielding fiend (Murray) behind 'em and Ozzy or Tony Iommi is said to be pure coincidence!"