'80s Metal History (November 2nd)

November 2, 1981: Ozzy Osbourne released his second studio album "Diary Of A Madman" in North America (the week of October 26th in the UK) featuring singles "Flying High Again" and "Over The Mountain".

"Diary Of A Madman" release date source: [US] FMQB radio trade publication - October 23, 1981; Billboard Magazine ad - October 31, 1981; Billboard Magazine front page ad - November 7, 1981; LP debuted on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart on November 21st.

Happy Birthday to Metallica's first bassist, Ron McGovney (November 2, 1963).

November 2, 1983: Eight months after the release of "Metal Health", Quiet Riot were touring with Black Sabbath and played a show in Landover, Maryland. By the end of the month, the LP would reach No. 1 in the US.

November 2, 1990: AC/DC launched the "Razors Edge" World Tour in Worcester, Massachusetts. The band's only tour with drummer Chris Slade, it was five legs and went a full year.

November 1991: "Call it decadent, Call it indulgent, Call it opulent, Call it psychotic," Tesla released "Call It What You Want" as the second single from the album "Psychotic Supper" in North America. Release information source: [US] Debuted Billboard Mainstream Rock chart on November 16, 1991.

November 1987: "Triple Axe Attack" Leatherwolf were knocking on the door of the Top 10 at American hard rock radio with "The Calling", the first single from the album "Leatherwolf". The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - October 30, 1987

November 2, 1983: KISS brought the "Lick It Up" Tour to Munich, Germany with opener Helix. According to Gene Simmons, fan reaction in Europe was "greater than ever" and had sold out in advance.

November 2, 1979: Def Leppard released "Wasted" as a single in the UK, recorded before their first album and a different version than what ended up on their debut. It reached No. 61 on the Official singles chart, higher than "Photograph" 😲 Release date source: Music Week - November 10, 1979.

November 1985: Twisted Sister were a month out from releasing the follow-up to "Stay Hungry" and Kerrang! reported that Alice Cooper would be making a guest appearance on the song "Be Chrool To Your Scuel".

November 1987: Iron Maiden released home video "12 Wasted Years" in the UK (September 1988 in North America), the first to examine the history of the band, complete with interviews that include past and present members, promo videos, and live clips. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! ad - November 7, 1987.

November 1999: After his exit from Skid Row three years earlier, Sebastian Bach released his debut solo album "Bring 'Em Bach Alive!", featuring mostly live recordings of Skid Row songs from Bach's time with the band, plus five new songs, including singles "Superjerk, Superstar, Supertears" and "Rock 'N' Roll".

November 1984: With their latest album "Walkin' The Razor's Edge" featuring Canadian hit single "Rock You" taking the band to greater heights, Helix were featured in Hit Parader Magazine.