Hair Band History (October 21st)

October 1988: Ahead of the release of the new RATT album "Reach for the Sky", the bluesy single "Way Cool Jr." was issued with sax solo to distract from the handsome, charismatic young man leading the high life while dealing in illicit drugs. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - October 28, 1988.

October 1988: With singer and founding member Kevin DuBrow replaced by Rough Cutt vocalist Paul Shortino, Quiet Riot released their sixth studio album "QR" featuring single "Stay with Me Tonight" and underrated track "Don't Wanna Be Your Fool". Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication ad - November 4, 1988.

Happy Birthday to former Britny Fox lead guitarist [1985-92] Michael Kelly Smith (October 21, 1958).

October 1987: Whitesnake released EP "1987 Versions" in Japan only, featuring a remix of "Here I Go Again" along with "Looking For Love" and "You're Gonna Break My Heart Again". The latter two songs were not available in North America until 1994.

October 21, 1988: The next big L.A. hair band Tuff were down for two shows at the Troubadour on the Sunset Strip. They would sign with Atlantic Records two years later.

October 21, 1983: Launched a week earlier in Portugal, KISS brought the "Lick It Up" Tour to the UK, their first without makeup (Kerrang!).

Hair bands on the rise, Dangerous Toys and Warrant. Billboard Magazine ad - October 21, 1989

October 21, 1988: On the road with White Lion, Stryper brought the "In God We Trust" Tour to Bristol, Tennessee while their latest single, power ballad "I Believe In You", was gaining believers on American radio stations.

October 21, 1987: Mötley Crüe brought "Girls, Girls, Girls" and apparently violence to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, as the local newspaper warned there would be, because you know, hard rock/heavy metal would corrupt us all 🤦‍♂️

October 21, 1986: Nearing the end of the "5150" Tour, Van Halen played the first of two shows in Seattle. METAL SHOP's Rich Rock was there and has clearly not worn this tee as much as his Metallica shirts 😌