Hair Band History (July 11th)

Happy Birthday to former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora (July 11, 1959).

July 1986: Because it was summer, American rock radio could not resist spinning Van Halen's "Summer Nights" from the "5150" album and we loved hearing it. This was the first song Sammy Hagar recorded with VH when he joined the band a year earlier. FMQB radio trade publication ad - July 11, 1986

July 11, 1982: Def Leppard parted ways with original guitarist Pete Willis during the making of the "Pyromania" album. He was replaced by Girl guitarist Phil Collen the next day. As of 2002, Pete was running a Sheffield property management company.

July 11, 1990: Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler was fired by the band and replaced by The Cult's Matt Sorum. A year later, Adler filed suit and was eventually awarded royalties for everything he recorded prior to his departure.

Happy Birthday to Killer Dwarfs and Helix guitarist Gerry "Dwarf" Finn (July 11, 1967).

Remembering Bonham lead singer Daniel MacMaster, who would have celebrated a birthday today (July 11, 1968). Daniel died in 2008. R.I.P.

July 1987: Whitesnake's "Is This Love" reached No. 9 on the UK singles chart. It would do even better across the pond, peaking at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in late October that year.

July 11, 2000: Returning to the style that brought them commercial success in the '80s, Mötley Crüe released their eighth studio album "New Tattoo", their only LP without Tommy Lee. Former Ozzy drummer Randy Castillo played on the album. Release date source: CMJ New Music Report - July 10, 2000.