'80s Metal History (November 16th)

Slayer released their first live album "Live Undead" in late 1984, recorded in New York City in front of a dozen people in a room who had won a radio station contest to attend. The LP was originally intended to be recorded in front of a live audience, but things went wrong. When asked if the crowd noise was fake, producer Bill Metoyer said, "I don't know if I should tell you." 🤔

November 16, 1987: Black Sabbath released their 13th studio album "The Eternal Idol" in the UK (December '87 in North America) originally recorded with future Badlands singer Ray Gillen, but re-recorded when he was replaced by Tony Martin. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! - November 7, 1987; [US] Billboard Magazine ad - December 5, 1987.

November 16, 1985: Iron Maiden's double live album "Live After Death" debuted at No. 44 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. A month later, it would reach the Top 20 and No. 2 in the UK. Around here, it ranks as one of the greatest live records ever 🤘

November 16, 1988: After a UK club tour to "see how the band would fit", Ozzy Osbourne launched the first North American leg of the "No Rest For The Wicked" Tour in Pensacola, Florida with opener Anthrax. "I remember Ozzy coming down from the ceiling,'' said Scott Caputo of Pensacola, who was 17 at the time. Even then, Osbourne was already legend. "He was old metal then (1988),'' Caputo said. "He was already the king of metal." -Pensacola New Journal - July 7, 2025

A live gig with Celtic Frost and Kreator in their prime and Coroner at their birth happened at Volkshaus in Zürich on November 16, 1986.

Happy Birthday to Pretty Maids co-founder and lead singer Ronnie Atkins (November 16, 1964).

Remembering UFO, Michael Schenker Group and Waysted keyboardist/guitarist Paul Raymond, who would have celebrated a birthday today (November 16, 1945). Paul died in 2019. R.I.P.

November 16, 1987: Considered among the first rap metal songs, Anthrax released the title track to their forthcoming EP "I'm the Man". For live performances, Joey Belladonna and Charlie Benante would switch places with Benante performing some of the raps and Belladonna drumming.

November 16, 1987: The soundtrack to the film "Less Than Zero" was released in North America featuring Slayer's cover of Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". The song was recorded at the insistence of "Reign In Blood" producer Rick Rubin. Although the band was not happy with the final product (Jeff Hanneman deemed it "a poor representation of Slayer" and Kerry King labeled it "a hunk of shit"), it was one of the band's first songs to garner radio airplay. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - November 7, 1987.

The "Less Than Zero" soundtrack also featured the track "Life Fades Away" performed by Roy Orbison and co-written by a young Glenn Danzig, who had just signed with producer Rick Rubin and Def Jam Records. Danzig's debut album, featuring tracks "Mother" and "Twist Of Cain" would be released a year later. Billboard Magazine - November 21, 1987

November 1985: Formed from the ashes of early '80s cult favorite Talon, Lancaster speed metal band Cobra released their debut album "Warriors Of The Dead" in the UK. Release information source: Kerrang! - November 14, 1985.

November 1986: Featuring the track "Ain't Life A Bitch", Bitches Sin released their second studio album "Invader" in the US only. The band broke up soon after. Release information source: Kerrang! - November 27, 1986.

November 1984: Seattle metal band TKO released their second studio album "In Your Face" in the UK featuring track "Give In To The Night". Kerrang! called the LP "a glorified golden nugget of hyperactive noise". But that cover... "This picture degrades women." -Brad Sinsel (TKO frontman). Can't agree enough Brad 💯💯💯💯 Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - November 15, 1984.

November 16, 1991: Kerrang! Magazine reported that KISS drummer Eric Carr had "collapsed with a brain hemorrhage and is in intensive care in hospital in the US." Eric passed away just over a week later ☹️ R.I.P.

November 16, 1981: "They're not sure why we didn't just do another 'Dynasty'," KISS diverged from "a tried and true formula" and released concept album "(Music From) The Elder", their first LP with new drummer Eric Carr. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - November 21, 1981.

Featuring a 32 year old Ronnie Dio, Elf released their second studio album "Carolina County Ball" in August 1974 and by November were gaining some radio attention for single "L.A. 59" while touring with Deep Purple (Elf's 1972 debut and follow up were produced by Deep Purple's Roger Glover). Most of the Elf lineup later joined Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. (Billboard Magazine Ad - November 16, 1974).

"They get street recognition regardless of airplay... Isn't it time you gave the people what they want?" This was the message sent to American radio stations via this ad (FMQB - November 16, 1984) regarding the first two singles from Iron Maiden's "Powerslave" album. "(Age) 12-30 men and women" (Hey! That was us!) "just can't wait for '2 Minutes To Midnight'".