Hair Band History (May 3rd)

May 3, 1988: Poison released their second studio album "Open Up And Say...Ahh!" in North America (May 9th in the UK), which proved to be their most successful with four hit singles: "Nothin' But A Good Time", "Fallen Angel", "Your Mama Don't Dance", and No. 1 US hit "Every Rose Has Its Thorn".

Poison "Open Up And Say...Ahh!" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - May 7, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - May 7, 1988.

The first week of May 1986, Van Halen's "5150" remained at No. 1 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. Critics couldn't get past a VH without David Lee Roth so reviews were mixed, but fans spoke loud and clear with love for Sammy Hagar.

May 3, 1988: Living Colour released their debut album "Vivid" featuring single "Cult Of Personality" which won the 1990 Grammy Award for "Best Hard Rock Performance". The LP is a mix of hard rock, funk metal and glam rock. Release information source: Billboard Magazine Album Releases - April 30, 1988.

May 3, 1988: Lita Ford's former bandmate in "The Runaways" Joan Jett released her sixth studio album "Up Your Alley" in North America (August '88 in the UK) featuring the single "I Hate Myself for Loving You" (peaked at No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100) and the follow-up "Little Liar". Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - May 7, 1988; Debuted Billboard 200 album chart on May 28, 1988 [UK} Kerrang! ad - August 13, 1988.

May 1988: With catchy hooks and some humor, Canadian hard rockers Killer Dwarfs released their third studio album "Big Deal" in North America (June 6th in the UK) featuring singles "We Stand Alone" and "Startin' To Shine". Release information source: [North America] RPM Canadian radio trade magazine ad - April 30, 1988; [UK] Kerrang! - June 11, 1988.

May 3, 1986: Released in early April, Krokus' ninth studio album "Change Of Address" debuted on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. It would peak at No. 45 in late June. Krokus replaced Bon Jovi as opener on Judas Priest's '86 arena tour.

May 1987: Newcomers Faster Pussycat were getting close to releasing their debut album... "The name says it all really, sleazewinders possessed of marinated claws that dig deep with a slovenly, sly slouch and a taste fro the loosest of morals." -Kerrang!

May 1992: Featuring Journey guitarist Neal Schon, Hardline opened select dates for Van Halen on the "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" Tour before their debut album hit stores the last week of April. The first single and video "Takin' Me Down" went on to be a US Top 40 rock hit. The Hard Report ad - May 1, 1992

May 3, 1988: "Savage Amusement", the tenth studio album from Scorpions, featuring singles "Rhythm Of Love" (with Lee Aaron on backing vocals), "Believe In Love" and "Passion Rules The Game" was now available in the UK. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - May 7, 1988.

May 3, 1990: Yngwie Malmsteen brought the "Eclipse" Tour to Offenbach, Germany. Most of the 77 shows were in Europe with just 19 in North America opening for DIO.

May 1985: Bon Jovi's new album "7800° Fahrenheit" just hit record stores in North America when Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were featured in the magazine "Guitar For The Practicing Musician".