Hair Band History (March 23rd)

With a modern glam look and sound that would help propel them to greater fame, Whitesnake released their seventh studio album in North America in late March 1987 (March 30th in the UK), featuring singles "Still of the Night", "Here I Go Again", "Is This Love" and "Give Me All Your Love".

Drummer Cozy Powell had left the band after the last tour and "Whitesnake" was recorded by David Coverdale, John Sykes, Neil Murray and Aynsley Dunbar, but by the time of the album's release, only Coverdale remained and he recruited new members: Adrian Vandenberg, Vivian Campbell, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge.

"Whitesnake" release information source: [US] The March 7, 1987 issue of Billboard shows a US release date of March 16, 1987. However, a review of the album did not appear in the magazine until April 4th and it debuted on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart on April 18th. That would be over a month from release to chart debut, and with lead single "Still Of The Night" (issued in late February '87) already a huge success at American rock radio, not likely. There is some information pointing to a March 23rd release date; [UK] Music Week - March 28, 1987.

March 23, 1987: Night Ranger released their fourth studio album "Big Life" featuring singles "Hearts Away", "Color Of Your Smile" and "The Secret Of My Success". The latter was written for the film of the same name starring Michael J. Fox. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - March 7, 1987.

March 23, 1979: Van Halen released their second studio album "Van Halen II" in North America with more "feel-good party" songs like "Dance The Night Away" and "Beautiful Girls" (an early version was known as "Bring On The Girls"). It reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart. Release information source: Billboard Magazine ad - March 31, 1979.

March 1983: Lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent replaced Ace Frehley on KISS' "Creatures Of The Night/10th Anniversary" Tour. "The Wiz" was featured in the latest issue of Kerrang!, who reported that Ace was "due to produce the debut album by Los Angeles OTTers Wasp." That didn't happen as Mike Varney produced the W.A.S.P. debut, but Wow!

March 23, 1985: With an assist from the "Vision Quest Soundtrack" and a sightly different version, DIO peaked at No. 30 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart with the song "Hungry For Heaven", also found on DIO album "Sacred Heart".

Following a reunion of the classic '80s lineup, Quiet Riot released their ninth studio album "Alive And Well" in 1999 with eight new songs plus updated versions of six classics including "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Metal Health".

March 23, 2010: Scorpions released their 17th studio album "Sting In The Tail" in North America (March 19th in Europe). At the time it was supposed to be a farewell album, followed by a farewell tour, but when you're "Raised On Rock", you leave it all on stage. Release date source: [US] Blabbermouth.net - January 26, 2010.

March 1985: Mötley Crüe were in the studio in L.A. recording the "Theatre Of Pain" album. -Kerrang!