'80s Metal History (December 25th)

December 25, 1975: Frustrated his bandmates wouldn't perform his original material, "too many time changes", bassist Steve Harris left "Smiler" and formed "Iron Maiden". And we are eternally grateful 🤘

After the break up of Mercyful Fate, the newly formed King Diamond released their first single "No Presents For Christmas" in 1985, a twisted metal take on a Christmas carol.

December 25, 1981: Christmas night, two restless and very hungry bands played the infamous Country Club in Reseda, California... RATT and Mötley Crüe, plus Yesterday & Today (later shortened to Y&T). Really need a time machine right now 🤔

December 25, 1984: Dru Rigney from Santa Ana, California was the winner of MTV's "Metal Christmas" contest that included Quiet Riot spending Christmas day at his house and bringing a truckload of stereo and video equipment 🎄

December 1988: It was a big year for hard rock music in America with Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Cinderella, RATT and more all in the Top 25 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. -Kerrang!

December 1986: Crüe For Yüe! Mötley Crüe were in the studio in San Francisco recording the "Girls, Girls, Girls" album. In a Kerrang! interview Nikki Sixx said they were going for a dirtier, nastier edge and would be done recording by Christmas.

December 1980: "Roksnax" was issued featuring NWOBHM bands Hollow Ground, Samurai and Saracen planting the seeds of speed, thrash and death metal. The cover art may have also inspired many of the fantasy power metal themes that followed.

Rockin' the holidaze, Anvil's Lips with a Christmas poem from 1983 to make you feel all metal inside 🤘 -Kerrang!

Having a simply Lazy Christmastime (in bed)... The early days of Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi lounging in a natural Christmas sweater 😆🎄

Christmas carols not your style? Prefer your music a bit more ballsy? Well then treat yourself to METAL SHOP this holiday season and be sure to tell your '80s metal-loving friends. Thanks for listening! 🤘