The ’80s: a decade where metal morphed from a raucous child into a rebellious teen. It was an era that defied norms, broke barriers, and gave birth to legends. From chaotic concerts to groundbreaking albums, explore the stories that shaped the genre and still echo in the ears of fans today.
On March 19, 1982, the music world was shaken by the news of Rhoads’ untimely death in a plane crash. The incident occurred during a tour stop in Leesburg, Florida, and also claimed the lives of makeup artist Rachel Youngblood and pilot Andrew Aycock.
Following the tragic loss of Bon Scott, AC/DC faced a crossroads that threatened the very essence of their hard-rock legacy. Amidst this uncertainty, a voice from the English working-class city of Newcastle emerged to redefine the future of one of the greatest rock bands in history.
Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hills” charts a powerful historical narrative, marking a key shift with Bruce Dickinson’s vocals and becoming their first UK top 10 hit.
From the Satanic Panic to the clash with the PMRC, uncover how heavy metal music became the epicenter of a cultural storm, challenging social norms and redefining musical expression.
In the electric ’80s, MTV juggled being a music revolutionary and a censorship cop, making heavy metal the forbidden fruit of an outraged, pearl-clutching era.
John Bonham, a driving force behind the band’s success, left an unfillable void with his passing in 1980, leading to the Led Zeppelin’s decision to disband.
The rock and metal world was irrevocably changed in February 1980 with the untimely death of Bon Scott, the renowned frontman of AC/DC. This event marked a critical juncture not only for the band but also for the entire genre of rock and metal music.
From the tragic passing of frontman Bon Scott to the defiant black shroud of its cover, “Back In Black” weaves a narrative of grief, strength, and unwavering spirit.
Remember the days when getting your hands on new music wasn’t just a click away? Welcome to the world of tape trading in the 80s and 90s – a time when music wasn’t just something you listened to; it was something you lived for.
In the electric haze of New York City’s 1980s music scene, a unique fusion was taking shape within the walls of the Parsons School of Design. Here, Rob Zombie and Sean Yseult, two art students intertwined in romance and creativity, birthed White Zombie, a band that would redefine the contours of metal music.
In January 1984, Metallica endured a significant blow to their tour with the theft of $40,000 worth of equipment in Boston.
Featuring bands like Metallica and Exodus, “Murder In The Front Row” dives into the Bay Area’s 1980s thrash metal scene, capturing its raw rebellion and significant impact on metal music.
In 1981, Ozzy Osbourne’s shocking act of biting off the head of dove at a record label meeting marked a controversial yet pivotal moment in his solo career, setting the stage for both his notorious reputation and unprecedented fame.
In 1981, Kirk Hammett, a burgeoning guitarist fueled by a deep passion for music, made a career-defining choice to take guitar lessons from Joe Satriani.
Don Brautigam’s artistic prowess, combined with Metallica’s vision, culminated in the iconic album cover of “Master of Puppets”.
Vince Neil’s car accident led to the tragic death of Razzle from Hanoi Rocks, bringing a promising tour to an abrupt end and altering the course of both bands forever.
Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” album title, inspired by a phrase in Stephen King’s “The Stand,” was a creative spark from guitarist Kirk Hammett, merging the worlds of heavy metal and dystopian literature.
In 1984, amidst the societal upheaval of post-dictatorship Brazil, the Cavalera brothers formed Sepultura. Their journey from the raw streets of Belo Horizonte to metal legends was fueled by a blend of aggression, political unrest, and a fierce DIY ethos.
“Eighties”, with its fusion of intense sound and spirited defiance, captured the essence of its era. The song’s blend of pulsating basslines, gripping guitar riffs, and Jaz Coleman’s stirring vocals did more than fill the airwaves; it voiced the spirit and energy of the 1980s.
Facing censorship over their bold choice of “Metal Up Your Ass” for their debut album title, Metallica made a decisive shift to “Kill ‘Em All”, symbolically showing a middle finger to the establishment with the new title.