January 2026
Pearl Bailey
Conclude
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Friday, January 23, 2026
Master of Puppets
3rd album
Released in March 1986
Genre considered - Thrash Metal
Cover art -
Cemetery of white crosses tethered to strings, manipulated by hands in a clouded, blood-red sky and fiery orange glow on the horizon
In lieu of a single or video in advance of release, Metallica went on a 5-month American tour in support of Ozzy Osbourne. Their European leg was cancelled after Cliff Burton's death.
Peaked at No. 29 on Billboard 200
Widespread critical acclaim
One of the greatest and most influential metal albums of all time
First metal recording for preservation in the National Recording Registry (Library of Congress)
Song themes - Control, Abuse of power, Consequences of alienation, oppression, and powerlessness
"...Metallica weren't even doing songs, they were telling stories..." - Eamonn Stack, BBC Music
300,000 copies sold in the first three weeks of release
Over 500,000 copies sold in the first year of release
Intriguing note - No radio airplay or videos
Record Score -
AllMusic - 5/5 Stars
Chicago Tribune - 4/4 Stars
Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s - B-
Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal - 10/10
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music - 4/5 Stars
The Great Rock Discography - 9/10
Kerrang! - 5/5 Stars
MusicHound Rock - 4/5 Stars
The Rolling Stone Album Guide - 5/5 Stars
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
No. 167 - 2012 ... No. 97 - 2020
Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time
No. 2 in 2017 (behind Black Sabbath's Paranoid)
Included on Time magazine's 100 Best Albums of All Time
2nd greatest rock and metal album of all time, Rock Hard
(German music magazine) ... (behind AC/DC's Back in Black)
4th Greatest Guitar Album of All Time (Guitar World, 2006)
April 2006 edition of Kerrang! dedicated to the album
Track List -
Side One -
1. Battery
2. Master of Puppetts
3. The Thing That Should Not Be
4. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Side Two -
5. Disposable Heroes
6. Leper Messiah
7. Orion (instrumental)
8. Damage, Inc.
Year-end Charts -
No. 87 Billboard 200 (1986)
No. 89 Canadian Metal Albums (2002)
No. 182 Billboard 200 (2015)
No. 13 Billboard Top Catalog Albums (2015)
No. 11 Billboard Top Catalog Albums (2016)
No. 81 Billboard Top Rock Albums (2018)
No. 37 Poland (2020)
No. 42 Poland (2021)
Certifications -
Gold in Belgium & Italy
Platinum in Argentina, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, UK
3x Platinum in Australia
6x Platinum in Canada
8x Platinum in the U.S.
Freaky Friday - Metallica
Left to right
Kirk Hammett - Lead guitar
Lars Ulrich - Drums
Robert Trujillo - Bass
James Hetfield - Vocals/Guitar
American heavy metal band
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981
Founding members/primary songwriters - James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich
Genres considered - Heavy metal, Thrash metal, Speed metal, Hard rock
Most known for fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musical style
11 studio albums, 4 live albums, 12 video albums, 1 cover album, 2 extended plays. 37 singles, 39 music videos
Master of Puppets - 3rd album (1986)
One of the best metal albums of all time
...And Justice For All - 4th album (1988)
Metallica's first Grammy nomination
Metallica - 5th album (1991)
a.k.a. The Black Album
Gained a mainstream audience
Over 16 million copies sold in the U.S. to date
72 Seasons - 11the album (2023)
Most recent album
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
2004 documentary - troubled production of the 2003 album, St. Anger, and tension within the band at the time
One of the most successful bands of all time
- Over 183 million albums sold worldwide as of 2023
- 58 million albums sold in the U.S. as of 2017
26 Grammy Award Nominations/10 Wins
6 consecutive albums debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200
61st on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2009
- History -
1981 - 1984 : Formation, early years, & Kill 'Em All
1984 - 1986 : Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and Burton's Death
- Ride the Lightning - Released in July 1984
No. 100 Billboard 200
- Master of Puppets - Released in March 1988
No. 29 Billboard 200
"the band's greatest achievement" - Steve Huey, AllMusic
- While traveling on tour in Sweden, Metallica's bus driver lost control, flipped over several times, and pinned Cliff Burton, killing him.
1986 - 1994 : Newsted joins, ...And Justice for All and Metallica
- After Burton's passing, his family gave the band's blessings to find a replacement. Of 40 auditions, Jason Newsted stood out and was ultimately invited to join.
- The $5.98 E.P. - Garage Days Re-Revisited - all-covers extended play (EP)
- ...And Justice for All - Released in September 1988
No. 6 Billboard 200 ... Certified Platinum
Grammy Nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrument (anticipated favorite to win, lost to Jethro Tull) ... Tull's win was named in Entertainment Weekly's "Grammy's 10 Biggest Upsets" list
Damaged Justice tour
"One" - Debut music video ... No. 38 in MTV's Top 100 Videos of All Time
Widespread criticism
- Metallica - Delayed release in 1991 (recorded in October 1990)
No. 1 in 10 countries
650,000 copies sold in the U.S. in first week
Certified 16x Platinum (RIAA)
Wherever We May Roam Tour (U.S., Japan, & UK)
1994 - 2001 : Load, Reload, Napster controversy & Newsted's Departure
- Load - 6th album ... Released in 1996
No. 1 Billboard 200
No. 1 Australia (ARIA Charts)
Headlined Lollapalooza in mid-1996
- Reload - 7th album ... Released in November 1997
No. 1 on Billboard 200
No. 2 Canada
- In April 1999, Metallica performed two songs with the San Francisco Symphony (approached by the orchestra's conductor, Michael Kamen, in 1991).
- In 2000, "I Disappear" was leaked to radio stations by Napster, a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Metallica filed a lawsuit with allegations against Napster for violating three areas of the law - copyright infringement, unlawful use of digital audio interface device, & Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ... Settlement led to agreement that Napster would block users who shared music by artists who did not want their music shared
- In January 2001, Jason Newsted left Metallica for personal reasons.
2001 - 2006 : Some Kind of Monster, St. Anger, and Trujillo joins
- In July 2001, James Hetfield entered rehab for alcoholism, leaving the fate of Metallica uncertain. When he left in December, Hetfield was required to work four hours a day and spend the rest of his time with family.
Filmed from 2001 to 2003
Documentary released in January 2004
Premiered at Sundance Film Festival
- St. Anger - 8th album ... Released in June 2003
No. 1 Billboard 200
Mixed reviews
"St. Anger" - Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance
2-Year tour for St. Anger
Break from performing in 2005
- Robert Trujillo accepted as Metallica's new bassist
2006 - 2013 : Death Magnetic and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
- The Videos 1989-2004 DVD
Released in December 2006
28,000 copies sold in first week
No. 3 Billboard Top Videos
- Death Magnetic - 9th album
Released in September 2008 ... 2x Platinum (RIAA)
Leaked sales in France two weeks ahead of release
Metallica did not argue this leak - "...by 2008 standards, that's a victory..." - Lars Ulrich (drummer)
No. 1 Billboard 200 ... No. 1 in 32 countries outside the U.S.
With this album, Metallica became the first to have five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 in the history of Billboard 200.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2009)
Jason Newsted & Robert Trujillo performed together
Ray Burton, father of Cliff Burton, accepted on his son's behalf
- Lulu - Collaboration between Lou Reed & Metallica
Released in October 2011
- Beyond Magnetic
Digital EP released in December 2011, exclusive to iTunes
CD format released in January 2012
- Blackened Recordings
Independent record label launched in November 2012
2013 - 2019 : Metallica: Through the Never and Hardwired...to Self-Destruct
- Metallica: Through the Never
3D concert film in 2013
- "Freeze 'Em All" show in Antarctica, December 2013
First band to play on all seven continents
- "Metallica by Request" tour, March 2014
Fans requested songs for Metallica to perform
- Headlined Lollapalooza in 2015
- Hardwired...to Self-Destruct - 10th album
Worldwide release in November 2016
No. 1 Billboard 200
- WorldWired Tour, 2017
- Metallica Night invitation by the San Francisco Giants
August 7, 2017
2019 - 2023 : S&M2 and 72 Seasons
- September 2019
Performed at the grand opening of San Francisco's Chase Center with the San Francisco Symphony
- S&M2 (Symphony and Metallica 2)
- September 2019
James Hetfield re-entered rehabilitation
An Australia/New Zealand planned tour postponed as a result with hope to return in 2020.
- Benefit concert slated for March 2020 & U.S. festival appearances set for October 2020 canceled due to the COVID pandemic and Hetfield's continuing recovery
- #MetallicaMondays
Launched in March 2020
YouTube & Facebook series streaming full archived shows
Intent - Relieve impact of staying home and social distancing
- 72 Seasons - 11th album
Released in April 2023
M72 World Tour - April 27, 2023 in Amsterdam to July 5, 2026 in London
Launched in February 2017
Support workforce education, fight against hunger, and other critical local services
One of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time
One of the most commercially successful bands of all time
Over 125 million albums sold worldwide
66 million certified by the RIAA
Praise -
The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll
AllMusic
Jonathan Davis (of Korn)
Shannon Larkin (of Godsmack)
Chuck Billy (of Testament)
Robb Fynn (of Machine Head)
Corey Beaulieu & Matt Heafy (of Trivium)
M. Shadows (of Avenged Sevenfold)
System of a Down, Fear Factory, & other heavy metal bands
Metallica lineup inducted into the RRHOF -
James Hetfield
Kirk Hammett
Robert Trujillo
Lars Ulrich
---------------
Former members -
Jason Newsted
Cliff Burton
Rank -
Third, Greatest Heavy Metal Band in History (MTV)
No. 42, 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (VH1)
No. 5, 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock (VH1)
No. 1, 20 Greatest Metal Bands (VH1)
No. 61, The 100 Greatest of Artists of All Time (Rolling Stone)
Master of Puppets & Metallica - No. 167 & No. 252
...The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (Rolling Stone)
"Enter Sandman" - No. 399
...The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (Rolling Stone)
Honors -
15+ Metallica tribute albums
Inducted into the San Francisco Walk of Fame (1999)
MTV Icon award (2003)
Cover of "Nothing Else Matters"
- January 2021
- Miley Cyrus, featuring Elton John, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Yo-Yo Ma (cellist)
Current, Former, Session/Touring
Grammy Awards
Best Metal Performance
(1990, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2024)
Best Hard Rock Performance (2000)
Best Rock Instrumental Performance (2001)
Best Recording Package (2009)
Generally speaking, I am far from interest in heavy metal. However after my very detailed research of Metallica, their profound success, and influence on heavy metal bands following in their footsteps, I am left in appreciation.
As with so many, Metallica was not immune to difficulties but they have been able to bounce back on every occasion.
Rest in peace, Cliff Burton
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Journey - Open Arms (Official Video - 1982)
Background
Single from Journey's 1981 album, Escape
Released in January 1981
Genre considered - Soft rock
Theme - Attempt to renew a drifting relationship
Lyrics co-written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry
One of Journey's most recognizable radio hits
No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 2 in Canada
Cover versions by Mariah Carey (most successful, No. 4 in the UK), Barry Manilow, Boyz II Men, Dolly Martin, and Celine Dion
"Open Arms" is a favorite on such reality television competitions as The Voice, American Idol, and the UK's The X Factor.
"...one of the greatest love songs ever written..."
Greatest power ballad of all time - VH1
"...a sentimental ballad featuring some delicate keyboard work and Steve Perry's seductive vocals..." - Billboard
"...one of rock's most beautiful ballads...gleams with an honesty and feel only Steve Perry could muster..." - Mike DeGagne, AllMusic
Point of intrigue - "Open Arms" was almost left off the album:
Neil Schon - "...it was so far removed from anything Journey had ever attempted to record before..."
Most of the band members were against the idea of performing ballads.
On the other hand,
"...I felt so proud of the song..." - Steve Perry, retrospective
Further,
Neil Schon recanted his opinion of "Open Arms" following audience reaction to a live performance and two encores while on the band's Escape tour.
Escape Personnel
Steve Perry - Lead vocals
Neal Schon - Electric guitar, Roland guitar synthesizer, backing
Jonathan Cain - Piano, Backing
Ross Valory - Bass, Backing
Steve Smith - Drums
Revelation Personnel
Arnel Pineda - Lead vocals
Neal Schon - Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Jonathan Cain - Keyboards, Rhythm guitar, Backing
Ross Valory - Bass, Backing
Deen Castronovo - Drums, Backing vocals
Year-end Charts (1982)
No. 21 Canadian RPM Top Singles
No. 34 Billboard Top Pop Singles
No. 21 Cashbox Top 100
No. 169 UK Singles (2009)
Certifications -
Gold in Canada & New Zealand
4x Platinum in the U.S.
Happy Birthday, Steve Perry
Stephen Ray Perry
b. January 22, 1949
American singer and songwriter
Lead singer of Journey
1977-1987 & 1995-1998
Noted Journey songs -
"Any Way You Want It", "Don't Stop Believin'", "Open Arms", "Who's Crying Now", "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
Full-time return to music in 2018
No. 76 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time
No. 30 on Billboard's 50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers of All Time
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey in April 2017
- Career -
- Early career
Pieces - a progressive rock band, formed in Thousand Oaks, California, included Tim Bogert, Denver Cross, and Eddie Tuduri, disbanded after a year and a half when they could not secure a record deal
Alien Project - based in Banta, California...nearly gave up music when the band's bassist, Richard Michaels, died in a car accident
- Journey era
Herbie Herbert - Manager of (struggling) San Francisco band, Journey...upon receiving an Alien Project demo of "If You Need Me, Call Me", he was informed by producer Scott Matthews that Perry would be a great replacement for frontman Robert Fleischman (never signed with Herbert and did not fit well with Journey's progressive rock style)
Herbie Herbert - Informed the band that Perry was their new lead singer after a soundcheck performance in Long Beach, California
Steve Perry
- Pop-influenced style
- Public debut on October 28, 1977 in San Francisco to mixed reception
- First album with Journey:
Infinity..."Lights" co-wrote with lead guitarist, Neal Schon
"Perry's arrival was fully accepted"
- Lead vocals on 9 Journey albums:
- Infinity (1978)
- Evolution (1979)
- Departure (1980)
- Dream, After Dream (Japanese film soundtrack, 1980)
- Captured (live album, 1980)
- Escape (1981)
- Frontiers (1983)
- Raised on Radio (1986)
- Trial by Fire (1996)
- Escape...No. 1 on Billboard Top LPs & Tape..."Open Arms" No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100...No. 6 Billboard 200 (1982)...No. 34 Billboard 200 (1983)...Certified 3x Platinum in Canada...Certified Diamond in the U.S.
- Outside of Journey, Perry sang backing vocals in many Sammy Hagar songs (such as the 1980 "Run For Your Life") and as a duet with Kenny Loggins (1982 No. 17 single "Don't Fight It")
- Outside of Journey, Perry released his 1984 debut solo album, Street Talk...No. 12 Billboard 200 (1984)...No. 59 UK Albums...Certified Platinum in Canada...Certified 2x Platinum in the US..."Oh Sherrie" was his biggest hit as a solo artist (No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100)
- Outside of Journey, Perry was one of 21 singers to perform on the USA for Africa all-star benefit song, "We Are the World"...Recorded "If Only for the Moment, Girl" for the We Are the World album
- Reunion for Raised on Radio recording and tour...During this time, Perry's mother became ill and passed away during production...Perry's presence during sessions were constantly paused when he left to visit his mother...Toll on the band and Perry...Hiatus in 1987 after the album's tour
- 1989 - Perry joined Bon Jovi to perform "Bring It On Home to Me" (by Sam Cooke) & "Reach Out" (Four Tops) at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California
- 1991 - Brief Journey reunion at the Bill Graham tribute concert ("Laughter, Love and Music") for "Faithfully" & "Lights" at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
- 1994 - Second solo album, For the Love of Strange Medicine, and Strange Medicine world tour
- 1996 - Journey reunion to record Trial by Fire...No. 3 on Billboard charts...Platinum certification before the end of the year...Perry suffered a hip injury before the Trial by Fire tour and was unable to perform
- Trial by Fire ultimatum by Journey members Jonathan Cain & Neal Schon - If Perry did not undergo hip replacement surgery and go through with the tour after recovery, they would replace him. Perry rejected the demand and ultimately announced permanent departure from Journey.
- 1998 - Solo compilation album, Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased
- 21st Century
- Backup vocals on Hawaiian native Tommy Tokioka's 2000 album, Happy to Be Living ("I Wish You Were Mine" & "An Angel Above Me")
- Collaborated with American jazz guitarist, Jeff Golub, on "Can't Let You Go" for the album, Soul Sessions (2003)
- Appeared with Journey at a ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (January 2005)
- "Don't Stop Believin'" - Unofficial anthem for the Chicago White Sox in their 2005 World Series win since 1917 (Perry was a San Francisco Giants fan though)
- Playlist: The Very Best of Steve Perry (released by Sony Legacy in January 2009)
- April 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction - Perry gave an acceptance speech but did not perform due to the new lead singer, Arnel Pineda
- Traces - Third solo album released in October 2018
- Cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (December 17, 2018)
- March 2019 - Deluxe version of Traces, with five bonus tracks & music video (first in 25 years, for "We're Still Here")
- November 2021 - First-ever Christmas album, The Season
- January 2023 - Backing vocals on Dolly Parton's album, Rockstar, and duet cover of "Open Arms" on the album
- November 2024 - Second holiday album, The Season 3
- Style -
Vocal technique and acclaim ... Songwriting
- Discography -
Solo albums ... Solo compilation albums
EPs (Silver Bells)
Solo singles
Other Appearances
- Filmography -
Films
Music Videos
Whether as a frontman or as a solo artist, Steve Perry has a profound wealth of success. His journey leading to Journey and acclaim with fans and critics was intriguing and worthwhile because his vocals and the band helped shape the music industry in the 20th and 21st Centuries in an unexpected way. Perry's generation, the generation prior to me, my generation, and those I know just shy of my age are lasting fans of albums and songs still heard on the radio today.
On that note,
Best wishes on your most Happy Birthday, Steve Perry :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
