'80s Metal History (October 28th)

The last week of October 1985, W.A.S.P. released their second studio album "The Last Command", their first with new drummer Steve Riley and last with founding member and guitairst Randy Piper. Featuring singles "Blind In Texas" and "Wild Child", the LP was produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot "Metal Health").

W.A.S.P. "The Last Command" release information source: [UK] Music Week new albums - October 26, 1985, Sounds Magazine ad - November 2, 1985; Debuted Official album chart on November 9, 1985; [US] Billboard Magazine ad - November 2, 1985; Debuted Billboard Top Pop Albums chart on November 23, 1985.

In early 1981, Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield met after James responded to Lars' newspaper ad looking for "other metal musicians..." Then sometime that fall, they began practicing in Ron McGovney’s garage and Metallica was born.

Metallica business card. -Original bassist Ron McGovney

October 28, 1986: Just three weeks after Cliff Burton's funeral, Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Jason Newsted officially became a member of Metallica, performing his first gig with the band two weeks later.

Iron Maiden's new double live album "Live After Death" reach the New World in late October 1985 (the UK had it October 14th) and the companion video made it a pretty sweet Halloween that year. No trick, just treats! Up the Irons! 🤘 Release information source: Billboard Magazine ad - October 26, 1985; Circus Magazine ran a similar ad featuring artist Derek Riggs' original artwork for the album.

October 28, 1979: After ending the "Overkill" Tour just two days earlier in Germany, Motörhead launched the "Bomber" Tour in France. If you got to see the band then you were probably really young and couldn't hear a thing at school the next day.

October 1988: Bay area thrashers Forbidden released their debut album "Forbidden Evil" (the title referring to their original name before shortening it a year earlier) featuring singles "Chalice Of Blood" and "Through Eyes Of Glass". Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - October 29, 1988; [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - November 11, 1988.

October 28, 1988: RATT released their fourth studio album "Reach For The Sky" in North America (the following week in the UK) featuring singles "I Want A Woman" and the bluesy "Way Cool Jr.".

RATT "Reach For The Sky" release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'Hot Album Releases' - October 1, 1988; Billboard ad - November 5, 1988 [UK] Kerrang! ad - November 5, 1988; Debuted UK Official album chart on November 12, 1988.

October 28, 1989: Mötley Crüe's "Dr. Feelgood" the song, peaked at No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, the band's first American Top 10 hit.

October 28, 1986: Vinnie Vincent Invasion joined the Alice Cooper "Nightmare Returns" Tour as opening act in Lansing, Michigan. "Vinnie claims he'll be going out with an all-girl road crew. After the former KISS guitarist made that announcement on a radio station in L.A., he received hundreds of polaroids and almost 300 pieces of lingerie from job applicants." -FMQB radio trade magazine

October 28, 2016: Testament released their 12th studio album "Brotherhood Of The Snake" produced by Judas Priest touring guitarist Andy Sneap. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - August 28, 2016.

October 1997: Judas Priest released their 13th studio album "Jugulator" in North America, their first with singer Tim "Ripper" Owens who replaced Rob Halford. The guitars were tuned down resulting in a more thrash metal sound. Release information source: Debuted Billboard 200 on November 15, 1997.

October 28, 1978: "KISS Meets The Phantom Of The Park" was on TV in America and if you missed it then, you probably couldn't see it again for a very long time or until it was out on VHS in 1986. As a kid, it was awesome. Now 😜

The official METAL SHOP holiday is almost here and once again a Killer setlist is planned for Halloween. Evil cuts from Maiden, Priest, Helloween and more. We'll startup the chainsaw Thursday 😱🤘