'80s Metal History (November 14th)

November 14, 1983: After a delay, Ozzy Osbourne's third studio album "Bark At The Moon" was released in North America (December 2nd in the UK). "The hold-up was due to the entire album being re-mixed in New York by Tony Bongiovi (Jon Bon Jovi's uncle), after the original production by Max Norman had failed to meet the expectations of both Ozzy and his label, Epic" (Kerrang! - December 1, 1983). European, Australian, and New Zealand pressings of the album contain the song "Spiders", while US and other pressings contain "Slow Down" instead, and the song "Forever" is titled "Centre Of Eternity" on the North American release.

"Bark At The Moon" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - November 5, 1983; [UK] Record Mirror - November 26, 1983.

November 1986: Iron Maiden released "Stranger In A Strange Land" in the UK as the second single from the album "Somewhere In Time", one of only five Maiden songs that fade out. All the rest just stop cold! Release information source: Kerrang! ad - November 13, 1986.

November 14, 1984: Originally titled "Turn Of The Wheel", but changed not to be confused with REO Speedwagon's latest, Triumph released their seventh studio album "Thunder Seven" in North America featuring single "Spellbound".

Triumph "Thunder Seven" release date source: Billboard Magazine - November 3, 1984; Kerrang! - October 18, 1984.

November 14, 1988: Floridian metal band Crimson Glory released their second studio album "Transcendence" in the UK (April 1989 in North America) featuring tracks "Lonely", "Lady Of Winter" and "Red Sharks". Release date source: Kerrang! - November 19, 1988.

Fates Warning released their third studio album "Awaken The Guardian" in North America in late 1986, their last with original singer John Arch and first to enter the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, debuting on February 7, 1987 and remaining on the chart for four weeks.

Venom released a series of Assault EPs (Canadian, American, Japanese) in 1985, featuring studio material and previously unreleased live tracks. Others were also released without permission from the band (French, German and Scandinavian).

Remembering Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, who would have celebrated a birthday today (November 14, 1951). Frankie died in August 2020. R.I.P.

Remembering Helix guitarist Paul Hackman, who would have celebrated a birthday today (November 14, 1953). Paul died in July 1992. R.I.P.

November 14, 1979: With special guest Judas Priest, AC/DC brought the "Highway To Hell" European Tour to Hannover, Germany. "The fact that AC/DC took Priest out 40 years ago on a European tour, that really broke the band in Europe. You never forget that. Those are very, very special moments that mean a lot." -Rob Halford (Ultimate Classic Rock - Jan. 21, 2024).

November 14, 1981: AC/DC launched the "For Those About To Rock" Tour with the first of three shows in Detroit and featuring two cannons on stage, although some venues refused to let the band fire them off 🙄

November 1980: Shortly after the release of "Ace Of Spades" on Bronze Records, Motörhead's first label Big Beat Records issued EP "Beer Drinkers And Hell Raisers", featuring outtakes recorded in 1977 for the first album. The band didn't authorize it, but also didn't oppose it. In 1982, extra tracks were added, including "Vibrator," "White Line Fever," and "Motörhead", and with a different cover, released in France and Germany.

November 14, 1992: Ozzy Osbourne ended the "No More Tours" Tour with two shows in Costa Mesa, California. Black Sabbath opened, but Ronnie James Dio quit one day earlier, so Judas Priest's Rob Halford filled in. Ozzy also performed four songs with Sabbath that night.