'80s Metal History (November 8th)

November 8, 1986: "Here’s the new fucker!"... Bassist Jason Newsted performed with Metallica for the first time at a club gig in Reseda, California. The band appeared unbilled as support for their friends Metal Church.

So who was this new fucker? Flotsam and Jetsam had just released their debut album "Doomsday For The Deceiver" four months earlier and record stores slapped on a sticker as a reminder of who was in that band. If you had not heard of 'em then, you would not be disappointed 🤘

November 8, 1984: Supporting the "Shout At The Devil" album and bringing "Wild Dreams Of Rock", Mötley Crüe were touring Europe with Iron Maiden and nearing the end of 10 dates in Germany with a show in Russelheim.

November 8, 1988: Queensrÿche had been touring Europe with Metallica including a show in Paris on the 1st, but not the UK, so they made up for it with three shows in Nottingham and London.

November 8, 1980: Motörhead's fourth studio album "Ace Of Spades" debuted on the UK Official album chart. It was NOT RELEASED On This Day as recordings cannot chart on the same day they are issued. 7-10 days is needed to calculate sales.

November 1984: After the demise of Steeler a year earlier, singer Ron Keel started a new band under his own name and they released their debut album "Lay Down The Law" in North America, featuring the track "Speed Demon" which was re-recorded for the next LP "The Right To Rock". Release information source: Kerrang! import review - November 29, 1984.

November 1982: The first official release from Mercyful Fate was their self-titled EP, aka "Nuns Have No Fun", only available as an import until re-issued in 1987 on "The Beginning" compilation. Release information source: Hank Shermann website

German "Pirate Metal" band Running Wild released their fifth studio album "Death Or Glory" in late 1989, their most successful with concert favorites "Riding The Storm" and "Bad To The Bone".

Remembering original Riot singer Guy Speranza [1975-81], who died November 8, 2003 at age 47. R.I.P.

November 1989: From their forthcoming compilation album "Best Of Rockers 'n' Ballads", Scorpions released a cover of The Who's "Can’t Explain" as a single in North America that went on to be a US Top 5 rock hit. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - November 3, 1989.

November 8, 1979: AC/DC with special guest Def Leppard played New Bingley Hall in Stafford, England. AC/DC also issued "Girl's Got Rhythm" as the second single from the album "Highway To Hell" the same month in the UK, one of two songs on the LP with lyrics written by Bon Scott about lust ("Love Hungry Man").

November 8, 1993: Originally released as a limited edition triple vinyl set in Brazil, Japan and several other countries, Iron Maiden issued "Live At Donington" in the UK, documenting the band's second headlining appearance at the "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Donington Park. Guitarist Adrian Smith, who had left Maiden in 1990, joined the band on this version of "Running Free".