Albuquerque Civic Center Shout At The Devil Tour
For heavy metal fans, there's nothing more exciting than a live concert featuring their favorite bands. And when it comes to legendary metal acts, few are as iconic as Mötley Crüe. In 1983, the band embarked on a tour that would cement their status as one of the biggest names in metal. That tour was the Shout At The Devil Tour, and it's still remembered by fans as one of the highlights of Mötley Crüe's storied career.
The Birth of a Metal Icon
Before we dive into the specifics of the Shout At The Devil Tour, let's take a quick look at how Mötley Crüe became the powerhouse metal band they are known as today. The origins of the band date back to 1981, when bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee formed Mötley Crüe in Los Angeles, California. Along with guitarist Mick Mars and vocalist Vince Neil, the band quickly gained a following thanks to their unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal.
By the time the Shout At The Devil Tour rolled around in 1983, Mötley Crüe had already established themselves as one of the most exciting and unpredictable bands on the metal scene. But it was the success of the Shout At The Devil album that really took them to the next level.
The Shout At The Devil Album
Released in September 1983, Shout At The Devil was Mötley Crüe's second album and the one that really put them on the map. With tracks like "Shout At The Devil," "Looks That Kill," and "Too Young To Fall In Love," the album showcased the band's ability to write catchy, hard-hitting metal anthems.
But it wasn't just the music that made Shout At The Devil such a huge success. The album's over-the-top image and controversial lyrics helped to create a sense of danger and excitement around the band. From their use of Satanic imagery to their reputation as hard-partying bad boys, Mötley Crüe became the embodiment of the metal lifestyle.
The Shout At The Devil Tour
With the Shout At The Devil album riding high on the charts, Mötley Crüe set out on a tour to promote their new music. The tour began in Portland, Oregon, on September 10, 1983, and would take the band all across the United States, including a stop at the Albuquerque Civic Center on December 9, 1983.
For fans who were lucky enough to be in attendance, the Albuquerque show was a night to remember. From the opening notes of "Shout At The Devil" to the closing chords of "Jailhouse Rock," Mötley Crüe delivered a high-energy performance that left the audience screaming for more.
Of course, no Mötley Crüe concert would be complete without a healthy dose of theatrics. The band's elaborate stage set-up included pyrotechnics, smoke machines, and a giant pentagram that loomed over the stage. And with lead singer Vince Neil's energetic stage presence and Tommy Lee's jaw-dropping drum solos, the band kept the audience on their feet throughout the entire show.
Legacy and Influence
Today, the Shout At The Devil Tour is remembered as a pivotal moment in Mötley Crüe's career. The album and tour helped to establish the band as one of the biggest names in metal, and paved the way for their continued success throughout the 80s and beyond.
But the influence of Mötley Crüe goes far beyond just their music. The band's rebellious image and lifestyle helped to define the metal culture of the 80s, and their impact can still be felt today. From their influence on modern metal bands to their legacy as icons of the genre, Mötley Crüe will always be remembered as one of the greatest metal bands of all time.