'80s Metal History (September 28th)

Happy Birthday to former Dokken guitarist George Lynch (September 28, 1954).

Late September 1988: American rock radio stations were playing "Miracle Man" as the lead single from Ozzy Osbourne's forthcoming album "No Rest For The Wicked" due in stores October 4th. The song is aimed at disgraced televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who had long been critical of Ozzy's music. In the music video, the Oz dons a mask in the likeness of Swaggart and stands in a church surrounded by pigs. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication 'Most Added' - September 30, 1988.

September 28, 1983: Black Sabbath released "Born Again" in North America (September 12th in the UK), their only studio album with former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan and last with drummer Bill Ward. It reached the Top 40 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart. Release date source: CMJ New Music Report magazine - September 26, 1983.

September 1987: Guns N' Roses released "Welcome To The Jungle" as the second single from the album "Appetite For Destruction" in the UK, where it would hit the Official singles chart on October 3rd. It would be another year before it charted in the US.

September 28, 1988: A year after its release in the UK, Iron Maiden video "12 Wasted Years" was available in North America on VHS, the first to examine the history of the band, complete with interviews, promo videos, and live clips.

L.A. hard rockers London released their debut album "Non-Stop Rock" in 1985. Shortly before recording began, the band included Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses). Drummer Fred Coury plays on the LP, but left after to join Cinderella.

September 1976: Featuring songs from their first two albums that were exclusive to the band's native Australia, AC/DC's first international release "High Voltage" was available in North America (May '76 in Europe). Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'Recommended LPs' - October 23, 1976.

Black Sabbath's "Never Say Die" Tour with Van Halen began in May 1978, but the album didn't hit stores until Autumn. Debuting on the UK album chart October 14th and US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart on October 28th, it was the band's last album with Ozzy Osbourne until 2013.

September 28, 1991: Tesla's third studio album "Psychotic Supper"; featuring singles "Edison's Medicine", "Call It What You Want", "What You Give" and Steve Clark tribute "Song & Emotion", debuted and peaked at No. 13 on the US Billboard 200. The LP was certified platinum on November 5, 1991.

September 28, 1991: Mötley Crüe's first compilation album "Decade Of Decadence 81–91" was close to release and one of the three newly recorded songs, "Primal Scream", was already a Top 25 US rock hit. Billboard Magazine ad - September 28, 1991

September 28, 1991: One of the biggest concerts to ever take place, Metallica played to an estimated 1.6 million fans at the "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Tushino Air Field in Moscow, Russia. AC/DC, Pantera and the Black Crowes also performed.