'80s Metal History (December 6th)

Remembering legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads [Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot], who would have celebrated a birthday today (December 6, 1956). Randy left us too soon in 1982 at age 25. R.I.P.

December 6, 1988: Metallica filmed their very first music video for the song "One" in Long Beach, California with clips from the 1971 anti-war movie "Johnny Got His Gun". The black and white footage is striking.

December 6, 1986: Rising thrash metal juggernaut Slayer played the first of three shows at The Ritz in New York City. A newspaper review referred to them as a band of Southern California surfers turned rockers. 🤪

December 6, 2004: Mötley Crüe reunited with Tommy Lee and announced the "Red, White & Crüe...Better Live Than Dead Tour", along with new single "If I Die Tomorrow" from their forthcoming compilation album "Red, White & Crüe".

December 6, 1986: On the road in Europe, Queensrÿche played Stockholm on the "Rage For Order" Tour, opening for Bon Jovi. The band would play two nights later in Helsinki before a break for the holidays, followed by January and February dates in the States.

Metal Blade issued "Torture Knows No Boundary", the debut EP from Heretic, in 1986. Shortly after it's release, singer Julian Mendez was replaced by future Metal Church vocalist Mike Howe.

Finland's Tarot released their debut album "The Spell Of Iron" featuring the track "Wings Of Darkness" in 1986. Tarot was popular in their home country during the '80s. Singer and bassist Marko Hietala has been with Nightwish since 2001.

Happy Birthday to former Grave Digger [1987-2000] and Accept [2014-2025] guitarist Uwe Lulis (December 6, 1965). On July 31, 2025, Lulis joined Grave Digger on stage at the Wacken Open Air Festival to celebrate the bands 45th anniversary, marking the first time he has played with the band in 25 years.

December 1985: In support of the "Hellbound" album, Germany's Warlock hit the road in their home country with a date in Bonn, followed by Hamburg, Hannover and more that got frontwoman Doro Pesch the cover of Metal Hammer Magazine.

If it wasn't for The Web, we'd forget most birthdays, including our own... Appreciate the reminder, and Happy Birthday to us! 22 years ago today METAL SHOP began streaming online. Thanks to everyone who makes this go... Most importantly, METAL SHOP LISTENERS... Can't thank you enough and your support is much appreciated. Rock On! 🤘