Hair Band History (July 25th)

July 25, 1989: Alice Cooper released his 11th studio album "Trash" in North America (the following week in the UK) featuring hit single "Poison", his first top ten hit since 1977's "You and Me", that drove the LP into the Top 10 in six countries, including No. 2 in the UK.

Alice Cooper "Trash" release information source: [US] Billboard Magazine ad - July 29, 1989; [UK] Kerrang! review - August 5, 1989.

Alice Cooper has said he "wrote six songs with Jon (Bon Jovi) and Richie Sambora," but only one "Hell Is Living Without You" appears on the album. Jon Bon Jovi also sings on "Trash". Record Mirror - August 19, 1989.

July 1986: Van Halen released power ballad "Love Walks In" as the third single from the album "5150". The first song the band wrote with Sammy Hagar, it reached No. 4 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and No. 22 on the Hot 100. Release information source: R&R radio trade publication ad - July 25, 1986.

July 1985: Dokken released "Alone Again" as the third single from the album "Tooth And Nail" in Japan. Written by Don Dokken in the mid-'70s, it was forgotten about until a power ballad was needed for the LP and reworked with bassist Jeff Pilson.

Stryper released their debut EP "The Yellow And Black Attack" in North America in 1984. Unsure of the potential market for Christian metal, only 20,000 copies were pressed. Two years later, it was re-recorded, then re-released with a different cover and extra tracks on July 25, 1986. Release date source: FMQB radio trade publication - July 10, 1986.

July 25, 1980: KISS performed their first concert without drummer Peter Criss, introducing Eric Carr at the Palladium in New York City. "He seemed like a good soul"... others who auditioned "acted like rock stars. Eric was sweet." -Paul Stanley

July 1989: Dirty Looks released their second studio album "Turn Of The Screw" in North America. The recordings originally started with producer Beau Hill (RATT, Winger, Warrant) but the band felt he was not capturing the street sound they were looking for. Release information source: The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - July 21, 1989.

July 1991: With singles "Give It To Me Good" (No. 1 on Dial MTV), "Surrender" and "One In A Million" from Trixter's self-titled debut album, it was a great year for the New Jersey rockers.

July 1988: Released in early May, the third studio album from Canadian hard rockers Killer Dwarfs, "Big Deal", was gaining steam in North America behind singles "We Stand Alone" and "Startin' To Shine". Faces magazine ad - July 1988

July 1988: Bon Jovi had over 40 songs ready for their next album and considered releasing a double LP, but ended up recording 22 of those songs for the forthcoming "New Jersey" with remaining songs to be used as B-sides or promotional releases. -Kerrang!