'80s Metal History (October 4th)

October 4, 1988: Ozzy Osbourne released his fifth studio album "No Rest For The Wicked" in North America (October 10th in the UK), the first with new guitarist Zakk Wylde. While it was being recorded, the LP was provisionally titled "Son Of A Nun". Bassist Bob Daisley returned for the LP, but was replaced by Ozzy's former Black Sabbath bandmate Geezer Butler for the tour.

Ozzy Osbourne "No Rest For The Wicked" release date source: [US] Record label promo + Kerrang! - September 17, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - October 8, 1988.

October 4, 1993: Iron Maiden released live single "Hallowed Be Thy Name" in the UK, recorded over the summer that year in Moscow during the "Real Live" Tour, the band's last with singer Bruce Dickinson until his return six years later. Release date source: Kerrang! ad - October 2, 1993.

October 4, 1984: With Queensrÿche opening, DIO brought "The Last In Line" Tour to London for the first of three nights performing at Hammersmith Odeon. Images: Kerrang! review of Hanley show from September 8, 1984.

October 4, 1971: If we only knew then, "3 Great Progressive Bands" would become two legendary hard rockin'/metal bands, Judas Priest opening for Thin Lizzy at Stafford Borough Hall, with Strife, who with that name, not surprisingly went nowhere.

October 4, 1988: Metal Blade issued the EP "Surf Nicaragua" from Phoenix thrashers Sacred Reich in North America (October 24th in the UK), featuring the title track and a cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs".

Sacred Reich "Surf Nicaragua" release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication 'Hard Hitters' chart debut - October 21, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - October 8, 1988.

October 4, 1987: With former Accept guitarist Herman Frank, German hard rockers Victory released their third studio album "Hungry Hearts" in the UK featuring the title track and "The Bigger They Are (The Harder They Fall)". Release date source: Kerrang! - September 3, 1987.

Happy Birthday to Triumph drummer/co-vocalist Gil Moore (October 4, 1953).

October 4, 1986: Saxon launched the the "Rock The Nations" Tour in Preston, England with special guests from Japan, Loudness.

October 4, 1987: As "Welcome To The Jungle" was hitting the UK singles chart, Guns N' Roses launched a short tour in Newcastle with Faster Pussycat. Four days later they were playing London's Hammersmith Odeon.

October 4, 1984: Quiet Riot brought the "Condition Critical" Tour to Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver with Whitesnake and Kick-Axe.

October 4, 1980: Supporting their latest album "Ready An' Willing", Whitesnake embarked on their first US tour in Salisbury, Maryland.

October 4, 2015: After 39 shows, Van Halen completed their "2015 North American Tour" at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Sadly, this ended up being the final Van Halen concert ever.