'80s Metal History (November 18th)

Happy Birthday to Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett (November 18, 1962).

Kirk with Exodus in 1981. He had formed the band two years earlier.

November 1988: Manowar released their sixth studio album "Kings Of Metal" featuring the title track and "Hail And Kill". It was their last LP with guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman and drummer Scott Columbus until 1996.

Manowar "Kings Of Metal" release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - November 18, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! ad - November 19, 1988.

Helloween released their debut album "Walls Of Jericho" in Europe in late 1985, their only LP with Kai Hansen on lead vocals until 2021. The creature on the cover art is called "Fangface", who was intended to be the band’s mascot. The LP reached the UK as an import the following spring - Kerrang! review - April 3, 1986

Remembering AC/DC co-founder and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who died November 18, 2017 at age 64. R.I.P.

November 18, 1986: Megadeth filmed the music video for "Peace Sells" at the infamous L’Amour in Brooklyn, New York. The strobing effect in the video was reported to cause epileptic seizures and was banned in the UK.

November 18, 1983: Thin Lizzy released double live album "Life" in the UK (January 1984 in North America), recorded primarily at London's Hammersmith Odeon with John Sykes on guitar, but also featuring appearances by former guitarists Eric Bell, Brian Robertson and Gary Moore.

Thin Lizzy "Life" release date source: [UK] Music Week - November 12, 1983; Record Mirror ad - November 19, 1983; [US] Billboard Magazine Recommended LPs - January 14, 1984.

Happy Birthday to bassist Rudy Sarzo [Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Whitesnake] (November 18, 1950).

November 18, 1988: Iron Maiden brought the "Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour" home to the UK beginning at Newport Centre in Wales. Killer Dwarfs opened all UK dates.

November 18, 1982: Van Halen brought the "Hide Your Sheep" Tour to Dallas, part of 100+ shows that also took VH to South America for the first time before concluding with their US Festival appearance in May 1983.

November 18, 1986: With opener Overkill, Slayer brought the "Reign In Blood" Tour to the Sports Palace in St. Louis. The last song they played that night? Exactly what you would expect from Slayer, "Jesus Saves".

November 18, 1991: King Diamond released "In Concert 1987: Abigail". Recorded at various shows during the '87 "Abigail" Tour, it includes a live version of "No Presents For Christmas".

Happy Birthday to former Scorpions drummer [1977-95] Herman Rarebell (November 18, 1949).

November 18, 1997: Metallica continued to switch gears from the sound they established in the '80s with the release of their seventh studio album "Reload", featuring singles "Fuel", "The Unforgiven II" and "The Memory Remains". It debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - November 1, 1997.

November 18, 2016: Metallica released their 10th studio album "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct", their sixth LP in a row to debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - November 16, 2016.

November 18, 2002: Iron Maiden box set "Eddie's Archive" was issued in the UK that included an embossed metal casket with the face of mascot Eddie, three double CDs, the Iron Maiden family tree and a shot glass 🤘