'80s Metal History (November 3rd)

November 3, 1986: After three shows in Birmingham, Iron Maiden brought the "Somewhere In Time" Tour to London's Hammersmith Odeon for five shows. Bruce Dickinson's old band Samson "Paul Samson's Empire" opened all UK dates.

November 3, 1984: Megadeth performed at Ruthie’s Inn in Berkeley, California as a three-piece, one of four shows with just Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson and Gar Samuelson (post-Kerry King/pre-Chris Poland).

November 1991: Ronnie James Dio confirmed he had rejoined Black Sabbath along with drummer Vinny Appice and stressed at the time he regarded "the Sabbath reformation as an ongoing project." -Kerrang! (November 2, 1991)

November 3, 1986: Produced by Michael Wagener (Accept, Metallica...), Warlock released their third studio album "True As Steel" in North America (August '86 in the UK) featuring single "Fight For Rock", which was also the band's first music video. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - October 24, 1986.

November 1987: Following his departure from Accept, Udo Dirkschneider's new band U.D.O. released their debut album "Animal House" in the UK (April 1988 in North America). A tour followed in early '88 with Guns N' Roses and Lita Ford. Release information source: [UK] Kerrang! - October 17, 1987; [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication "Most Added" - March 11, 1988..

November 1986: One year after the release of the album "Under Lock And Key", "Dokken - Unchain The Night" was issued on VHS in North America with all their music videos plus tour footage shot by the band.

November 3, 1986: With new singer Mark Boals, Yngwie Malmsteen released his third studio album "Trilogy" in the UK (September 1986 in North America) featuring single "You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget" and epic instrumental "Trilogy Suite Op: 5". Release date source: Kerrang! ad - October 30, 1986.

November 1981: From their third album "Fire Down Under" released in North America in August, the first single "Swords And Tequila" was a big rock hit for Riot, and "Outlaw" would follow as the next single when the band arrived for a show in Cleveland. Billboard Magazine ad - November 7, 1981

November 1984: Y&T's latest album "In Rock We Trust", featuring their first big radio hit in the US, "Don't Stop Runnin'", took the band to another level and that meant more record store appearances. The music video for follow up single "Lipstick & Leather" had just began receiving airplay on MTV. Billboard Magazine - November 3, 1984

November 3, 1984: Thrust released their debut album "Fist Held High" on Enigma/Metal Blade Records in North America. Opening for bands like Motörhead and Twisted Sister in their native Chicago, they moved to L.A. after the first LP, but quickly moved back to Chicago 🙃 Release date source: CMJ News Music Report - October 29, 1984.

November 1996: Slash announced he was leaving Guns N' Roses, later admitting "It was a hard band to quit. But if I hadn’t, I’d be in the very same rut that Axl’s stuck in right now, which is going nowhere." Slash returned to GnR in 2016.

November 3, 2009: Slayer released their 11th studio album "World Painted Blood", their last with guitarist Jeff Hanneman who died in 2013. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - September 15, 2009.

November 3, 2009: The Metal God released a collection of traditional Christmas favorites made into heavy metal fashion with "Halford III: Winter Songs" in North America (November 9th in the UK). Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - November 3, 2009.

November 3, 1988: AC/DC brought the "Blow Up Your Video" World Tour to the Five Seasons Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Fan Memory from AC/DC website: "Great show. Cinderella opened and did a fine job getting the crowd ready for the greatest rock band on earth. It was general admission and the crowd was packed like sardines near the front of the stage. I managed to stay there most of the show. It was my first time seeing them and I was disappointed that Malcolm was taking that tour off but Stevie did a fine job filling in. Angus played with amazing energy especially considering it was near the end of the North American tour."

November 3, 1984: Iron Maiden brought the "World Slavery" Tour to Gothenburg, Sweden with special guest Mötley Crüe. After performing "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner", Maiden followed with "Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)" from the "Powerslave" album, then two songs later, did a guitar solo anyway 😎