Hair Band History (February 19th)

February 19, 1988: Def Leppard played Puerto Rico for the first time, bringing the "Hysteria" Tour to San Juan. One week later, future Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell performed in Bayamon with Whitesnake.

February 19, 1992: Guns N' Roses played the first of three nights in Tokyo as part of the "Use Your Illusion" Tour. According to one fan who attended, Axl complained about the stage size, saying it was different from the contract.

Happy Birthday to guitarist Doug Aldrich [Lion, Hurricane, Whitesnake] (February 19, 1964).

Remembering Scorpions bassist [1974-92] Francis Buchholz, who would have celebrated a birthday today (February 19, 1954). Francis died in 2026 at age 71. R.I.P.

February 1990: Following up the No. 10 smash hit "Love Song", Tesla released "The Way It Is" as the fourth and final single from the album "The Great Radio Controversy". It went on to be a US Top 15 rock hit. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication ad - February 16, 1990.

February 1987: With future Tyketto singer Danny Vaughn, Waysted released "Heaven Tonight" in the UK (January '87 in North America) as a single from the album "Save Your Prayers". Release information source: Kerrang! ad - February 19, 1987.

February 1983: Michael Bolotin released his third studio album and first under his stage name "Michael Bolton" in North America. Before he became a crooner, MB was heading down Hair Band boulevard. KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick played on the album. Kulick was previously the guitarist in another band with Bolton called Blackjack and joined KISS in 1984. Release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'New LP/Tape Releases' - February 19, 1983.

February 19, 1991: Philadelphia hard rockers Tangier released their third and final studio album "Stranded" in North America. Featuring Pamela Anderson in the music video, they had a hit single with the title track, but the band fell apart the following year 🙁 Release information source: [US] CMJ New Music Report - February 22, 1991.

February 19, 1998: Van Halen released "Without You" in North America as the lead single from their forthcoming album "Van Halen III", their first with then former Extreme singer Gary Cherone, who replaced Sammy Hagar. It was the last VH song to hit number one on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Release information source: [US] R&R radio trade publication ad - February 27, 1998.

February 19, 1995: Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee married actress Pamela Anderson in Cancun, Mexico. They divorced three years later.

February 1988: While RATT were in the studio working on their fourth album, Blast! Magazine was offering a chance to win a phone call from guitarist Robbin Crosby. "Robbin was the heart of the group, the one who kept us in line, my right hand man from day one." - Stephen Pearcy in 2023.