Hair Band History (July 14th)

July 14, 1986: Featuring single "The Wild And The Young", Quiet Riot released their fifth studio album "QR III" in North America (August 8th in the UK), their last with singer Kevin DuBrow until 1993 and first with bassist Chuck Wright as an official member, who replaced Rudy Sarzo.

Quiet Riot "QR III" release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - July 5, 1986; [UK] Kerrang! ad - August 7, 1986.

July 14, 1986: Bon Jovi launched the "Slippery When Wet" Tour in the Canadian city where they recorded the album, Vancouver, opening for Judas Priest. The band would later support 38 Special before moving to headliner status.

July 14, 1985: Poison were working the L.A. club scene. These may have been the last shows with original guitarist Matt Smith, who had gotten his girlfriend pregnant and quit the band, replaced later that year by C.C. DeVille.

Remembering Cinderella guitarist Jeff LeBar, who died July 14, 2021 at age 58. R.I.P.

July 1988: Living Colour released "Cult of Personality" as the second single from their debut album "Vivid", but it didn't catch on until early 1989 when it became the most requested track at rock radio and the music video went to No. 1 on MTV. Why did the track take so long to reach the masses? Release information source: The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - August 12, 1988; The Hard Report spotlight - August 19, 1988; The Hard Report ad - September 2, 1988; The Hard Report spotlight - November 18, 1988.

July 14, 1992: Canadian hard rockers Killer Dwarfs released their fifth studio album "Method To The Madness" in North America featuring singles "Hard Luck Town" and "Driftin' Back". The band toured for several years after, but then parted ways until 2001. Release date source: The Hard Report - June 26, 1992.

July 1998: With all original members present, Night Ranger released their eighth studio album "Seven" featuring single "Sign Of The Times". Great White singer Jack Russell is credited with background vocals. Release information source: Billboard Magazine "Sign Of The Times" single review - June 27, 1998.

July 14, 1982: In support of their fifth studio album "Diver Down", Van Halen launched the "Hide Your Sheep!" Tour in Augusta, Georgia. 96 shows later the tour ended with VH headlining the US Festival's "Heavy Metal Day" on May 29, 1983.

July 14, 1984: Summertime and the livin' was easy with a Saturday night Scorpions show in South Florida. "Love At First Sting" was a Top 10 album in the US and opener Bon Jovi was making a splash with their debut.

Released in May 1988, Poison's second album "Open Up And Say... Ahh!" was a certified smash just over a year later as the LP reached quintuple platinum sales in both the US and Canada. R&R radio trade publication - July 14, 1989