Black ’N Blue

Black 'n Blue was formed in November 1981 by high-school students Jamie St. James and Tommy Thayer in Portland, Oregon. Originally called Movie Star, the band chose the name Black 'n Blue, inspired by its "in-your-face" musical style. The band became popular in 1982 thanks to Brian Slagel, who listened to the demo Chains Around Heaven and added the song to his compilation Metal Massacre — an independent compilation that featured newcomers of the time such as Metallica, Ratt, and Malice. Black 'n Blue relocated to Los Angeles in 1983 and became popular in the Hollywood music scene. Within six months, the band signed an international distribution deal with Geffen Records, and released its first album, Black 'n Blue, in August 1984.