Hair Band History (July 30th)

July 30, 1984: Two of the hottest American hard rock bands of the moment, RATT and Twisted Sister, were touring the states together and stopped for a show in Houston. Dee Snider joined the RATT gang on stage for "Round And Round". -Kerrang!

July 1989: Tora Tora were gearing up to tour the US with a show in Tampa, Florida. Single "Walkin' Shoes" was a Top 25 rock hit, and with Top 5 requests for the music video on "Dial MTV", was now making moves at Top 40 radio.

July 30, 1984: Formally known as Movie Star, Portland, Oregon hard rockers Black 'N Blue released their self-titled debut album featuring US rock hit "Hold On To 18". Release date source: [US] Kerrang! - June 28, 1984.

Late July 1984: Helix released their fourth studio album "Walkin' The Razor's Edge" in North America featuring Canadian hit single "Rock You". For the follow up "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'", an "adult" version of the music video included then 16-year-old porn star Traci Lords. Release information source: [US] Billboard ad - August 4, 1984; [Canada] RPM radio trade publication 'LP just shipped' - August 11, 1984.

July 30, 1991: Canadian rocker Chrissy Steele released her debut album "Magnet To Steele" featuring singles "Love You 'Til It Hurts" and "Love Don't Last Forever"... The latter includes background vocals by Mark Slaughter. Release information source: [US/Canada] RPM Canadian radio trade publication - August 17, 1991; [UK] Kerrang! review -July 27, 1991.

July 1990: A moderate success in their home country, L.A.'s Love/Hate were doing big business in the UK and released "She's An Angel" as the second single from their debut album "Blackout In The Red Room". Kerrang! ad - July 28, 1990

July 30, 2002: Def Leppard released their eighth studio album "X", the first where drummer Rick Allen actively took part in song-writing. On all of the band's prior albums, he is only credited with helping co-write three tracks. Release date source: Blabbermouth.net - July 30, 2002.

July 30, 1991: Axl Rose threw a fit when his limo driver was cited for an illegal left turn as he was driving the singer to a Guns N’ Roses show at the Forum in Los Angeles. Axl told the Inglewood policeman that he would cancel the concert unless he tears up the ticket. Police say they agreed, fearing a riot might erupt if the show did not go on. Axl's publicist later said, "Before a show, Axl is volatile. It’s a sensitive time and . . . someone had told the limo driver to turn left." Later, the police reviewed the case and issue the driver a $60 ticket.

July 1986: Nikki Sixx was on the cover of Hit Parader Magazine proclaiming Mötley Crüe "The Kings Of American Metal...", but then trying to start a fight by asking "... or is RATT?" My goodness, which of your children do you love more? 😏 Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider got the centerfold.