'80s Metal History (October 18th)

October 18, 1990: Judas Priest launched the North American leg of the "Painkiller" Tour in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, their first with former Racer X drummer Scott Travis. Openers were Megadeth and Testament.

October 18, 1993: A companion to "A Real Live One" issued seven months earlier, Iron Maiden released the live album "A Real Dead One" in the UK (one day later in North America) featuring songs from the very beginning through 1984's "Powerslave", recorded at various European venues during the 1992 "Fear Of The Dark" Tour. Singer Bruce Dickinson played his final show with the band the previous month. Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! - September 25, 1993.

October 18, 1994: Four years after their successful "Empire" LP, Queensrÿche released their fifth studio album "Promised Land" in North America (one day earlier in the UK), which turned out to be their highest charting record to date, reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard 200.

Queensrÿche "Promised Land" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - October 1, 1994; [UK] Kerrang! cover + ad - October 15, 1994.

October 18, 1984: Motörhead released compilation album "No Remorse" in North America (September '84 in the UK), an overview of the band's time with Bronze Records. Four new tracks, highlighted by "Killed By Death", were also included. Release date source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - October 12, 1984.

October 18, 1982: Not yet calling San Francisco home, Metallica were special metal guests from L.A. playing the Waldorf with Lȧȧz Rockit. Dave Mustaine penned "The Mechanix" was the second song played.

October 18, 1984: Mercyful Fate from Copenhagen and Slayer from L.A. brought the pain to Portland, Oregon for an all ages show that changed many kids lives forever 🤘

October 1984: Released in North America in July, Grim Reaper's debut album "See You In Hell" had sold over 100,000 copies and "Metal Shops were two cuts deep" with the title track and "Dead On Arrival", and now the new single, "The Show Must Go On". Release information source: FMQB radio trade publication ad - October 18, 1984.

October 1984: Following up on their biggest hit in the US, "Midnite Maniac", Krokus released "Our Love" as the second single from the album "The Blitz". It went on to be a Top 25 rock hit in the states. Release information source: FMQB radio trade publication ad - October 18, 1984.

Happy Birthday to Nuclear Assault bassist Danny Lilker (October 18, 1964). Danny also co-founded Anthrax with Scott Ian and founded Stormtroopers Of Death with Ian and Charlie Benante.

Happy Birthday to Girlschool drummer Denise Dufort (October 18, 1958).

October 1992: Featuring former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Widowmaker released their debut album "Blood And Bullets" in North America. The band formed a year earlier follwing the demise of Snider's previous band, Desperado. Release information source: The Hard Report radio trade publication 'Most Added' - October 30, 1992.

October 18, 1989: Opening for the Rolling Stones, the band nearly broke up on stage when Axl Rose announced unless certain people "get their shit together, these will be the last Guns N’ Roses shows...too many people dancing with Mr. Brownstone."

If social media was around back in the day, someone somewhere probably would have posted something like this. Kerrang! 1984 😁