'80s Metal History (October 26th)

Ozzy Osbourne's second studio album "Diary Of A Madman" was released the week of October 26, 1981 in the UK (November 2nd in North America). Although bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Tommy Aldridge are credited in the liner notes and pictured on the inner sleeve of the American release of the album, it was bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake who performed all bass and drum parts on the original release. Aldridge has stated, "I think it's pretty obvious that it's not my drumming on that album. I have never taken credit for that recording and have always given Lee Kerslake, whenever asked or interviewed, the credit he rightly deserves."

Ozzy Osbourne "Diary Of A Madman" release information source: [UK] Record Mirror Woolworth ad - October 31, 1981; Debuted on the UK Official album chart on November 7, 1981; [US] FMQB radio trade publicaton 'New Releases' - October 23, 1981.

October 26, 1981: One month after officially joining the band, singer Bruce Dickinson performed his first show with Iron Maiden in Bologna, Italy, one of seven dates remaining on the "Killer" World Tour.

Late October 1983: The music video for Mötley Crüe's "Looks That Kill" began playing on MTV in the US... A group of women fleeing the band in a post-apocalyptic setting, captured and put in a cage, then rescued by a woman wielding a pentagram 🙃

October 26, 1983: With special guest Queensrÿche on the "You Can't Stop Rock'N'Roll" Tour, Twisted Sister played the Wax Museum in Washington, DC. Dee Snider wrote in his book that Queensrÿche's tour bus was awesome compared to Twisted Sister. On some dates, there would be an all ages show in the afternoon, followed by 21+ in the evening. "We had no merch, but handed out these little newspapers after the show." 🤭 (thanks to James Pappaconstantine for the newspaper and memory) -Queensrÿche Facebook Page.

October 1988: Raven released their seventh studio album "Nothing Exceeds Like Excess" in the UK (November '88 in North America), their first with Joe Hasselvander, who replaced original drummer and founding member Rob 'Wacko' Hunter.

Raven "Nothing Exceeds Like Excess" release information source: [UK] Kerrang! - September 24, 1988; RAW ad - October 26, 1988; [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication - November 11, 1988.

October 1988: Ahead of the release of the first live album from Dokken titled "Beast From The East", Elektra issued the live version of power ballad "Alone Again" as a single in North America. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - November 4, 1988.

October 1977: AC/DC released their fourth studio album "Let There Be Rock" in the UK (June '77 in North America). In late 1976, their label Atlantic didn't like the "Dirty Deeds" album and threatened to drop the band. They were pissed, but that lit a fire. Two years later on this date, AC/DC launched the UK leg of the "Highway To Hell" Tour at Newcastle Mayfair. The tour was supposed to begin a day earlier, but a literal fire erupted inside the venue shortly before the soundcheck.

October 1988: Comedian Sam Kinison released a more than credible cover of "Wild Thing" with a backup band consisting of members of RATT and Bon Jovi, plus an epic music video. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - October 28, 1988.

October 1988: "A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master" was in theaters over the summer, but with Halloween close, American radio stations were giving Vinnie Vincent Invasion's "Love Kills" from the soundtrack more on-air spins.

October 1985: Canadian rockers Kick Axe released their second studio album "Welcome To The Club" in the US (November '85 in Canada), featuring the title track plus single "Comin' After You". Release information source: [US] Kerrang! - October 31, 1985; [Canada] RPM radio trade publication ad - November 30, 1985.

October 26, 1988: Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris performed with Def Leppard on the "Hysteria" Tour in Portland, Oregon, a cover of CCR's "Travelin' Band". Joe Elliott has said Harris was blown away by all of the women in the crowd.

October 26, 1991: Ozzy Osbourne broke his foot onstage after doing one of his famous "frog leaps" during a concert at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom. After three more shows, infection set in, causing him to postpone the "Theatre Of Madness" Tour.

October 26, 1985: The new album from W.A.S.P., "The Last Command", was about to hit record stores and just in time, MTV in the US began playing the music video for first single "Blind In Texas".