Hair Band History (May 26th)

May 1986: Europe released their third studio album "The Final Countdown" in Europe (October '86 in North America, November 3rd in the UK). A Billboard Magazine review (June '86) called the band "Sweden's answer to Duran Duran" 🙃 Release information: Debuted US Billboard 200 album chart on November 1, 1986; Debuted UK Official album chart on November 22, 1986.

Bon Jovi's "She Don't Know Me" from their debut album, first appeared on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on May 26, 1984, the only song in their entire catalog not written or co-written by a member of the band (Mark Avsec/Wild Cherry).

May 1983: RATT released their debut EP on their own Time Coast record label in North America (one month later in the UK) featuring "You Think You're Tough" and an earlier recording of "Back For More". The legs of Tawny Kitaen grace the cover. "Aerosmith fans will be foaming at the mouth and Aerosmith themselves will be quivering nervously, but Ratt are Ratt and don't you forget it." -Kerrang! The EP was remixed and re-released by Atlantic Records in 1984.

RATT EP release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine 'Recommended LPs - June 11, 1983; [UK] Kerrang! 'just released' - July 1, 1983; Kerrang! ad - July 28, 1983.

May 1982: "We're ready to rock, we're ready to roll", Scorpions released "Can't Live Without You" in North America as the third single from the album "Blackout". Release information source: Debuted Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart on June 19, 1982.

May 26, 1986: Over a year after it was recorded, the album "Stars" from Hear 'n Aid, the metal charity record for famine relief in Africa was released in North America with additional songs. It was delayed because of contractual issues with the different artists' record labels. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - May 23, 1986.

May 26, 1986: It was a "Rock & Roll Beast Feast" at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines as Aerosmith headlined Iowa Jam that also included Dokken and Metallica.

May 26, 1989: "5 Great Bands! 6 Hours Of Rock!", Day 1 of the second annual "World Series Of Rock" took place at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin with headliner Whitesnake and special guests Skid Row, Great White and Bad English.

May 26, 1992: Fronted by vocalist Ron Young, who had previously worked as a nightclub bouncer, Hollywood-based blues rockers Little Caesar released their second studio album "Influence" featuring single "Turn My World Around". Release date source: Kerrang! - May 9, 1992.

Night Ranger's successful '80s run hit a wall when Jack Blades left the band to form Damn Yankees with Tommy Shaw. As the remaining members took some time to reset, MCA issued Night Ranger "Greatest Hits" in 1989.

May 26, 1986: Worldwide fame was coming, but they were already a big deal in their home country as Europe played the second of two shows in Solna, Sweden that was filmed for a concert video "The Final Countdown Tour '86" released in Japan.