Hair Band History (August 20th)

August 20, 1982: After signing with a major label, Mötley Crüe's debut album "Too Fast For Love" was remixed and reissued by Elektra Records. Only 900 copies of the orignal on Leathür Records were released, so now the world was on notice. Release information source: Billboard Magazine front page ad - August 28, 1982.

August 20, 1988: KISS, David Lee Roth, Guns N' Roses, Megadeth and Iron Maiden performed at the "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Castle Donington. During GnR's set, two fans were trampled to death. The ground was wet and the crowd surged toward the stage. Axl Rose urged everyone, "Don’t f***ing kill each other."

August 20, 1988: Van Halen's eighth studio album "OU812" had hit No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 in late June and with single "When It's Love" a summer smash, the LP was on its way to triple platinum. Billboard Magazine ad

Remembering Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, who died August 20, 2020 at age 68. R.I.P.

August 1990: Lita Ford released single "Lisa" from her album "Stiletto". She wrote the song in honor of her mother, who was dying of lung cancer and eventually succumbed to it in 1995. "My mom was my biggest fan... She was awesome." Release information source: Hitmakers radio trade publication ad - August 10, 1990.

August 1990: Alias released power ballad "More Than Words Can Say" as the second single from their debut album. Written by singer Freddy Curci, who scored No. 1 hit "When I'm With You" the previous year with Sheriff, the track reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Release information source: HITS radio trade publication ad - August 27, 1990.

August 20, 1991: Canadian rockers Harem Scarem released their self-titled debut album in North America featuring singles "Slowly Slipping Away" and "Honestly". Release date source: RPM Canadian radio trade publication - August 24, 1991.

August 1992: W.A.S.P. released the very un-W.A.S.P. sounding single "Hold On To My Heart" in Europe with toned down vocals and acoustic undertones, not the screaming guitar hooks the band is known for, but it's a terrific ballad.

August 20, 1983: It was a warm, sunny day for the fourth "Monsters Of Rock" Festival at Castle Donington. Headliners Whitesnake controlled the P.A. so opener Diamond Head sounded almost unplugged, followed by only slightly louder DIO and Twisted Sister.

August 20, 1985: Opening with "Dangerous But Worth The Risk" and "Give It All" from their latest album "Invasion Of Your Privacy", RATT played Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. The "World Infestation" Tour also included support from Bon Jovi and Y&T.

August 20, 1989: A day after opening for Bon Jovi at the Milton Keynes Bowl, Skid Row played a one-off show at London's Marquee Club... 'the sheer lunacy of inviting the audience back to the Columbia Hotel: "We're on the fourth floor." "His mouth always gets him into trouble," claimed a member of the road crew later. "He did the same thing in the States and over 1,000 kids turned up." -Kerrang!

August 20, 1987: Mötley Crüe's "Girls Girls Girls" Tour, with support from Whitesnake, sold out Madison Square Garden in New York City. Billboard Magazine - September 5, 1987