Hair Band History (November 16th)

November 16, 1987: Def Leppard released the title track from "Hysteria" as the third single from the album in the UK (January 1988 in North America). Joe Elliott revealed on VH1 Storytellers in 1999 that Rick Allen came up with the title. Release information source: Kerrang! ad - November 21, 1987.

November 16, 1991: Guns N' Roses' power ballad "Don't Cry" peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It did even better in reaching No. 1 in Ireland, Finland and Portugal.

November 1986: Europe guitarist John Norum left the band to pursue a heavier musical direction. He would go on to release multiple solo albums but also return to play with his old band in 2003.

November 1990: Winger released a 3-track EP in the UK featuring "Can't Get Enuff" and "Loosen Up" from their second album plus "Time To Surrender" off their debut. A rare find, even an online photo of the cover was a challenge. Release information source: RAW Magazine ad - November 16, 1990.

November 16, 1990: Vixen were revving it up on the road with RATT as they opened for the rodents at Cobo Arena in Detroit, opening with "Streets In Paradise" from their latest album "Rev It Up".

November 16, 1987: The soundtrack to the film "Less Than Zero" was released in North America featuring Poison's cover of KISS' "Rock And Roll All Nite". At the start of the "Nothin' But A Good Time" music video, Poison's rendition of "Rock And Roll All Nite" is heard on the radio. Release date source: [US] Billboard Magazine - November 7, 1987.

November 16, 1991: Kerrang! Magazine reported that KISS drummer Eric Carr had "collapsed with a brain hemorrhage and is in intensive care in hospital in the US." Eric passed away just over a week later ☹️ R.I.P.

November 16, 1981: "They're not sure why we didn't just do another 'Dynasty'," KISS diverged from "a tried and true formula" and released concept album "(Music From) The Elder", their first LP with new drummer Eric Carr. Release date source: Billboard Magazine - November 21, 1981.

After peaking at No. 7 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in July 1985, RATT's second studio album "Invasion Of Your Privacy", featuring singles "Lay It Down" and "You're In Love", was certified gold shortly after and then platinum by the end of the year. The LP reached double platinum in 2000. Image: Billboard Magazine - November 16, 1985.

November 16, 1991: "The giant leap from New Jersey street punks to international HM stars seemed but a small step for the mighty Skid Row - but in reality, the band have had it anything but easy after what looked like a dream start with a helping hand from Jon Bon Jovi." To celebrate the band's current UK tour, Kerrang! featured a sizzlin' Skid Row 12-page pullout.