'80s Metal History (December 11th)

Happy Birthday to Mötley Crüe co-founder, bassist and primary songwriter, Nikki Sixx (December 11, 1958).

December 11, 1989: Manowar began a series of UK shows in Wales with new guitarist Death Dealer who replaced Ross "The Boss". The October Kerrang! also reported rumours of the band dropping "the bare chests 'n' loincloths image." 😲

December 11, 2015: Motörhead brought their 40th Anniversary Tour to the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin. Sadly, it turned out to be the band’s final performance as frontman Lemmy Kilmister would pass away later that month. 😔

December 11, 1984: In the US, Krokus were a huge draw out West, headlining Long Beach Arena in Southern California with special guests W.A.S.P. and Helix.

December 11, 1990: After touring Continental Europe, Anthrax continued on in the UK opening for Iron Maiden in Edinburgh with multiple dates to follow in Birmingham and London.

December 1982: After forming Fastway with ex-Motörhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, Pete Way left the band after not being able to get out of the record contract he signed with Chrysalis and joined Ozzy Osbourne's band for the "Diary Of A Madman" Tour, replacing Rudy Sarzo.

Happy Birthday to original Fastway singer [1982-86] Dave King (December 11, 1961).

Happy Birthday to AC/DC rhythm guitarist Stevie Young (December 11, 1956). In 2014, he replaced his uncle Malcolm Young, who had retired due to dementia.

December 11, 1978: Black Sabbath ended the "Never Say Die!" Tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the band's last show with Ozzy Osbourne until the 1985 Live Aid performance in Philadelphia.

December 11, 1981: Mötley Crüe played the Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. The band had just released 900 copies of their debut album "Too Fast For Love" on their own Leathür Records label a month earlier and you could buy it at the show.