Hair Band History (October 8th)

October 8, 1988: Def Leppard power ballad "Love Bites" hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 (also Top 5 in Canada and New Zealand). When producer "Mutt" Lange brought the song to the band's attention, it was a country ballad.

October 8, 1988: Bon Jovi's fourth studio album "New Jersey" debuted at No. 8 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. One week later, it was already in the top spot and would remain there for a month, spending 77 weeks total on the chart.

October 1988: Released three months earlier, Cinderella's second studio album "Long Cold Winter" was a smash in North America and already platinum in sales thanks to hit singles "Gypsy Road", "Coming Home", "The Last Mile" and power ballad "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)". Billboard Magazine ad - October 8, 1988

October 1988: Femme Fatale's Lorraine Lewis made a splash on the heart throb circuit with her steamy video and gritty vocal approach on lead single "Waiting For The Big One" in August and now the follow up was getting the attention of American rock radio. Release information source: [US] The Hard Report radio trade publication spotlight - October 21, 1988.

October 8, 1984: Finnish rockers Hanoi Rocks released their fifth studio album "Two Steps From The Move" in the UK (September '84 in North America) featuring singles "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" and "Don't You Ever Leave Me". Release date source: [UK] Kerrang! - June 14, 1984 (Originally scheduled for July 9th in the UK); Kerrang! - September 6, 1984; [US] FMQB radio trade publication ad - September 21, 1984.

October 8, 2002: Bon Jovi released their eighth studio album "Bounce" in North America (September 23, 2002 in Europe) featuring singles "Misunderstood" and "Everyday", the latter was nominated for a Grammy the following year. Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - September 28, 2002; [Europe] Music & Media Magazine ad - September 21, 2002.

So many rock magazines back in the day and some were free, including Southern California's "Screamer" that featured RATT on the cover in October 1988.