'80s Metal History (October 29th)

October 29, 1984: After his one off with Black Sabbath for the "Born Again" album, frontman Ian Gillan reunited with Ritchie Blackmore and the rest of Deep Purple and they released their 11th studio album "Perfect Strangers" worldwide. Release date source: Kerrang! - October 4, 1984.

October 29, 1983: A Mötley Crüe in-store appearance at Tower Records in West Covina, California to promote the "Shout At The Devil" album drew 3,000 fans. Rowdier types tried to smash the shop windows and the band's limo when they left 🤦‍♂️

October 29, 1983: Twisted Sister and Queensrÿche performed at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York. One fan at the show commented on social media... "I was there too & the night before for Blackfoot. (Queensrÿche's) Degarmo, Rockenfield, & Tate were at the Blackfoot show too, I talked to them for a while, I recognized them from their first Kerrang feature about their EP. Twisted Sister was great as usual, You Can’t Stop Rock N Roll!!"

Remembering Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow, who would have celebrated a birthday today (October 29, 1955). Kevin died in 2007. R.I.P.

Happy Birthday to Death Angel lead guitarist Rob Cavestany (October 29, 1968).

October 29, 1990: What a killer first decade it was for Iron Maiden who marked it with the release of "The First Ten Years: The Videos", featuring all of the band's '80s music videos. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - October 31, 1990.

October 29, 1990: With the "Imperial" Tour aka "Building Empires" Tour launching in Dublin, followed by shows in Belfast and Edinburgh, Queensrÿche released as a single the title track from the album "Empire" in the UK. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - October 27, 1990.

October 29, 1980: In the UK, the "Ace Of Spades" album was in record shops and Motörhead in Newcastle for a show at the Mayfair. The band toured their home country through the end of November that year.

October 29, 1982: In the UK, Whitesnake released the original version of "Here I Go Again" as the lead single from their forthcoming fifth studio album "Saints & Sinners". The song was re-recorded with a slight change in lyrics and the bluesy pace for "Whitesnake 1987". Release information source: Record Mirror review - October 30, 1982.

October 1982: Stourbridge, England metal band Witchfinder General released their debut album "Death Penalty". The cover features topless model Joanne Latham and was shot in the yard of St. Mary the Blessed Virgin Church in Enville, Staffordshire, without the permission of the local Reverend. For the photo, the three-piece band brought in a member of their road crew to pose as a fourth band member.

October 29, 2001: Michael Schenker Group, with new vocalist Chris Logan, released the album "Be Aware Of Scorpions" in Europe (November 13th in the US). Not a dig at brother Rudolph, Michael actually lived in Arizona at the time... Sure. 😏 Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - August 6, 2001.

October 29, 2021: German "pirate metal" band Running Wild released their 17th studio album "Blood On Blood" featuring singles "Diamonds And Pearls" and "Wings Of Fire". Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - August 13, 2021.

October 29, 1984: KISS performed in Hannover, one of six dates in Germany, on the "Animalize" World Tour. Earlier that day, the band visited the Polygram CD plant in Langenhagen. Along with "Unmasked" and "Lick It Up", "Animalize" was one of the first KISS albums issued on CD.

October 29, 1990: Cruising across Canada, Judas Priest brought the "Painkiller" Tour to Edmonton with Megadeth and Testament.

October 29, 2022: W.A.S.P. launched their first tour in more than a decade to celebrate their 40th anniversary in Anaheim, California, not far from where it all began all those years ago. Armored Saint opened all dates.

Less than 2 days until METAL SHOP's official holiday and you're invited to the loudest Halloween party! 24 hours of Killer '80s Metal cuts and Alice Cooper hosting Headbangers Ball from 1989. We can't wait 🎃