'80s Metal History (December 3rd)

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne, who would have celebrated a birthday today (December 3, 1948). The Prince of Darkness died in 2025 at age 76. R.I.P.

Slayer released their debut album "Show No Mercy" in North America in 1983 (June 1984 in the UK) featuring tracks "Die By The Sword" and "Black Magic". Although criticized for its poor production quality, it became Metal Blade Records' best selling release.

Slayer "Show No Mercy" release information: [US] Most sites show Saturday, December 3, 1983 as the release date for "Show No Mercy", but there is no available evidence to support this and albums have never been issued on a Saturday; [UK] Kerrang! 'just issued' - June 14, 1984.

December 3, 1979: Motörhead appeared on the popular British TV show "Top Of The Pops". Check out the Lemmy lip sync of "Bomber".

December 3, 1986: Metallica brought the "Damage Inc." Tour to Montreal for the first of five dates in Canada with support from Metal Church and local favorites Sword.

December 1982: Suffering badly from vocal problems, former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan was told to take at least a year off. It ended up being less than that and when he returned, he was fronting Black Sabbath.

Released to promote their second album "Guardians Of The Flame", Virgin Steele issued EP "Wait For The Night' (titled "A Cry In The Night" in Europe) in 1983. Guitarist Jack Starr left the band soon after to record his first solo album.

December 1986: Canadian rockers Kick-Axe released their third studio album "Rock The World" in Canada featuring the band's cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain". The CD was a sought-after collectible before it was reissued in 2004. Release information source: [Canada] RPM radio trade publication review - December 20, 1986.

Happy Birthday to former Skid Row singer Erik Grönwall (December 3, 1987).

Remembering Manilla Road founder, singer and guitarist Mark "The Shark" Shelton, who would have celebrated a birthday today (December 3, 1957). Mark died in 2018 at age 60. R.I.P.

December 3, 1981: AC/DC brought the "For Those About To Rock" Tour to Hartford, Connecticut, where the band's stage effects nearly landed them in jail as the local police threatened to arrest them if they fired their two canons on stage. 40 state troopers marched into the concert hall and even handcuffed their tour manager. Fan Memory from AC/DC website: "In between acts I think, there was a thunderous BOOM! I think I heard later that they were testing the cannon sound or whatever and those in charge refused to let them use it during the concert. I hadn't heard the album yet so I wasn't aware that I was missing something, but the next day I think Brian Johnson made mention that he felt the fans were cheated or something like that. I didn't feel cheated! It was great!!"

As we celebrate the memory of Ozzy Osbourne on his birthday, remember this famous quote published in Kerrang! in November, 1989? "One more tour... then I quit... I'm 40 years old now and I honestly can't see myself up there onstage doing anymore." 😏