![Without Motörhead there would be no thrash metal. A whole genre would not exist, and bands such as the 'Big 4' of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax would never have been heard of. It's strange to think that, because Motörhead has never really been classed as thrash metal, either.When Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister was fired from Hawkwind in 1975 he immediately set about putting together a band that his aim, in his own words, was to "concentrate on very basic music: loud, fast, city, raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll. It will be so loud that if we move in next door to you, your lawn will die."Even the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne himself, has said Motörhead was the first true heavy metal band. In 2010, a movie was made about Lemmy which is a rockumentary, detailing his life in which he talks at length about various interests, bands and parts of his career. The likes of Dave Grohl, Henry Rollins and David Ellefson also talk about their experiences with the man himself.Lemmy has said he was influenced by the likes of the Beatles, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, but the main question is, "who did Motörhead influence?" As mentioned above, you can quite easily state every thrash metal band in existence, even if they like it or not.Motörhead has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and though not as commercial as some of the bands on this list, there is still that massive influence.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/c3/97/1363102472_3570_h3.jpg?itok=I1raj-7B "Without Motörhead there would be no thrash metal. A whole genre would not exist, and bands such as the 'Big 4' of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax would never have been heard of. It's strange to think that, because Motörhead has never really been classed as thrash metal, either.When Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister was fired from Hawkwind in 1975 he immediately set about putting together a band that his aim, in his own words, was to "concentrate on very basic music: loud, fast, city, raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll. It will be so loud that if we move in next door to you, your lawn will die."Even the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne himself, has said Motörhead was the first true heavy metal band. In 2010, a movie was made about Lemmy which is a rockumentary, detailing his life in which he talks at length about various interests, bands and parts of his career. The likes of Dave Grohl, Henry Rollins and David Ellefson also talk about their experiences with the man himself.Lemmy has said he was influenced by the likes of the Beatles, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, but the main question is, "who did Motörhead influence?" As mentioned above, you can quite easily state every thrash metal band in existence, even if they like it or not.Motörhead has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and though not as commercial as some of the bands on this list, there is still that massive influence."){kind=small}
![One of the biggest British bands to have conquered the world, Iron Maiden has influenced practically every heavy metal band since the eponymous debut album was released in 1980. Metallica, Anthrax and Cradle of Filth are just three of those, and you can hear Maiden's style in many other bands.Throughout the band's career, Maiden has sold in excess of 85 million albums worldwide, and most of that is down to the genius of bassist and founding member, Steve Harris. Maiden's unique font for the logo on their album covers joined with mascot Eddie the Head makes them one of the most recognizable bands when looking through record stores.The term "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" was thought of as a second coming of the metal genre, and Iron Maiden was at the forefront of that movement. It's a term Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich loves to use when citing his influences like Angel Witch, Diamond Head and Maiden themselves.Maiden's latest album, "The Final Frontier", was released in 2010 with Bruce Dickinson on vocals, the triple-guitar attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, Steve Harris on bass and Nicko McBrain on drums. A new album is expected sometime in 2014.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/e6/38/1363102472_5442_h2.jpg?itok=3vTh-Hu9 "One of the biggest British bands to have conquered the world, Iron Maiden has influenced practically every heavy metal band since the eponymous debut album was released in 1980. Metallica, Anthrax and Cradle of Filth are just three of those, and you can hear Maiden's style in many other bands.Throughout the band's career, Maiden has sold in excess of 85 million albums worldwide, and most of that is down to the genius of bassist and founding member, Steve Harris. Maiden's unique font for the logo on their album covers joined with mascot Eddie the Head makes them one of the most recognizable bands when looking through record stores.The term "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" was thought of as a second coming of the metal genre, and Iron Maiden was at the forefront of that movement. It's a term Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich loves to use when citing his influences like Angel Witch, Diamond Head and Maiden themselves.Maiden's latest album, "The Final Frontier", was released in 2010 with Bruce Dickinson on vocals, the triple-guitar attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, Steve Harris on bass and Nicko McBrain on drums. A new album is expected sometime in 2014."){kind=small}
![This is where it all began. In the back streets of Birmingham, England, in 1968, the foursome of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Terry 'Geezer' Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) got together as Earth before changing their name to something which is now thought of as the founding band of the heavy metal genre.You have to put Black Sabbath on any list of influential rock and metal acts because before this band one could argue there was nothing which sounded anything like it. Sure, the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Cochran before him were making noise but just how many bands did Black Sabbath influence? Probably every heavy metal band in existence, that's how many. The list is extensive, and artists such as Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses and Metallica have all said Birmingham's finest played a big part in their music.Sabbath has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has undergone several line-up changes, but some of the biggest names in music have taken to the stage under the name. Vocalists Ian Gillan and Ronnie James Dio have both had stints at the microphone stand, while drummers such as Eric Singer, Vinnie Appice and Cozy Powell have all sat in place of Bill Ward.On 11/11/11 the band called a press conference to announce a reunion with a tour and a new album. The tour went ahead without Bill Ward due to contractual problems and Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk took over drum duties on the upcoming album, tentatively titled "13".](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/a0/cd/1363102472_6483_h1.jpg?itok=oeM355pV "This is where it all began. In the back streets of Birmingham, England, in 1968, the foursome of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Terry 'Geezer' Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) got together as Earth before changing their name to something which is now thought of as the founding band of the heavy metal genre.You have to put Black Sabbath on any list of influential rock and metal acts because before this band one could argue there was nothing which sounded anything like it. Sure, the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Cochran before him were making noise but just how many bands did Black Sabbath influence? Probably every heavy metal band in existence, that's how many. The list is extensive, and artists such as Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses and Metallica have all said Birmingham's finest played a big part in their music.Sabbath has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has undergone several line-up changes, but some of the biggest names in music have taken to the stage under the name. Vocalists Ian Gillan and Ronnie James Dio have both had stints at the microphone stand, while drummers such as Eric Singer, Vinnie Appice and Cozy Powell have all sat in place of Bill Ward.On 11/11/11 the band called a press conference to announce a reunion with a tour and a new album. The tour went ahead without Bill Ward due to contractual problems and Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk took over drum duties on the upcoming album, tentatively titled "13"."){kind=small}
A definitive list of the most influential hard rock and metal acts would be debatable, and many would argue that you should include this band or that band should not be in there, but there can be no argument that if you had to choose five from ten in no particular order, you would come up with a completely different five than someone sitting next to you. Here are just five of those acts which can be perceived as just some of the most influential British hard rock and metal acts.
![This is where it all began. In the back streets of Birmingham, England, in 1968, the foursome of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Terry 'Geezer' Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) got together as Earth before changing their name to something which is now thought of as the founding band of the heavy metal genre.You have to put Black Sabbath on any list of influential rock and metal acts because before this band one could argue there was nothing which sounded anything like it. Sure, the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Cochran before him were making noise but just how many bands did Black Sabbath influence? Probably every heavy metal band in existence, that's how many. The list is extensive, and artists such as Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses and Metallica have all said Birmingham's finest played a big part in their music.Sabbath has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has undergone several line-up changes, but some of the biggest names in music have taken to the stage under the name. Vocalists Ian Gillan and Ronnie James Dio have both had stints at the microphone stand, while drummers such as Eric Singer, Vinnie Appice and Cozy Powell have all sat in place of Bill Ward.On 11/11/11 the band called a press conference to announce a reunion with a tour and a new album. The tour went ahead without Bill Ward due to contractual problems and Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk took over drum duties on the upcoming album, tentatively titled "13".](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/a0/cd/1363102472_6483_h1.jpg?itok=FTzP2Dxj "This is where it all began. In the back streets of Birmingham, England, in 1968, the foursome of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Terry 'Geezer' Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) got together as Earth before changing their name to something which is now thought of as the founding band of the heavy metal genre.You have to put Black Sabbath on any list of influential rock and metal acts because before this band one could argue there was nothing which sounded anything like it. Sure, the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Cochran before him were making noise but just how many bands did Black Sabbath influence? Probably every heavy metal band in existence, that's how many. The list is extensive, and artists such as Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses and Metallica have all said Birmingham's finest played a big part in their music.Sabbath has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has undergone several line-up changes, but some of the biggest names in music have taken to the stage under the name. Vocalists Ian Gillan and Ronnie James Dio have both had stints at the microphone stand, while drummers such as Eric Singer, Vinnie Appice and Cozy Powell have all sat in place of Bill Ward.On 11/11/11 the band called a press conference to announce a reunion with a tour and a new album. The tour went ahead without Bill Ward due to contractual problems and Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk took over drum duties on the upcoming album, tentatively titled "13".")
![One of the biggest British bands to have conquered the world, Iron Maiden has influenced practically every heavy metal band since the eponymous debut album was released in 1980. Metallica, Anthrax and Cradle of Filth are just three of those, and you can hear Maiden's style in many other bands.Throughout the band's career, Maiden has sold in excess of 85 million albums worldwide, and most of that is down to the genius of bassist and founding member, Steve Harris. Maiden's unique font for the logo on their album covers joined with mascot Eddie the Head makes them one of the most recognizable bands when looking through record stores.The term "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" was thought of as a second coming of the metal genre, and Iron Maiden was at the forefront of that movement. It's a term Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich loves to use when citing his influences like Angel Witch, Diamond Head and Maiden themselves.Maiden's latest album, "The Final Frontier", was released in 2010 with Bruce Dickinson on vocals, the triple-guitar attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, Steve Harris on bass and Nicko McBrain on drums. A new album is expected sometime in 2014.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/e6/38/1363102472_5442_h2.jpg?itok=OF1cnH5t "One of the biggest British bands to have conquered the world, Iron Maiden has influenced practically every heavy metal band since the eponymous debut album was released in 1980. Metallica, Anthrax and Cradle of Filth are just three of those, and you can hear Maiden's style in many other bands.Throughout the band's career, Maiden has sold in excess of 85 million albums worldwide, and most of that is down to the genius of bassist and founding member, Steve Harris. Maiden's unique font for the logo on their album covers joined with mascot Eddie the Head makes them one of the most recognizable bands when looking through record stores.The term "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" was thought of as a second coming of the metal genre, and Iron Maiden was at the forefront of that movement. It's a term Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich loves to use when citing his influences like Angel Witch, Diamond Head and Maiden themselves.Maiden's latest album, "The Final Frontier", was released in 2010 with Bruce Dickinson on vocals, the triple-guitar attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, Steve Harris on bass and Nicko McBrain on drums. A new album is expected sometime in 2014.")
![Without Motörhead there would be no thrash metal. A whole genre would not exist, and bands such as the 'Big 4' of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax would never have been heard of. It's strange to think that, because Motörhead has never really been classed as thrash metal, either.When Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister was fired from Hawkwind in 1975 he immediately set about putting together a band that his aim, in his own words, was to "concentrate on very basic music: loud, fast, city, raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll. It will be so loud that if we move in next door to you, your lawn will die."Even the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne himself, has said Motörhead was the first true heavy metal band. In 2010, a movie was made about Lemmy which is a rockumentary, detailing his life in which he talks at length about various interests, bands and parts of his career. The likes of Dave Grohl, Henry Rollins and David Ellefson also talk about their experiences with the man himself.Lemmy has said he was influenced by the likes of the Beatles, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, but the main question is, "who did Motörhead influence?" As mentioned above, you can quite easily state every thrash metal band in existence, even if they like it or not.Motörhead has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and though not as commercial as some of the bands on this list, there is still that massive influence.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/c3/97/1363102472_3570_h3.jpg?itok=o7QjDgc0 "Without Motörhead there would be no thrash metal. A whole genre would not exist, and bands such as the 'Big 4' of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax would never have been heard of. It's strange to think that, because Motörhead has never really been classed as thrash metal, either.When Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister was fired from Hawkwind in 1975 he immediately set about putting together a band that his aim, in his own words, was to "concentrate on very basic music: loud, fast, city, raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll. It will be so loud that if we move in next door to you, your lawn will die."Even the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne himself, has said Motörhead was the first true heavy metal band. In 2010, a movie was made about Lemmy which is a rockumentary, detailing his life in which he talks at length about various interests, bands and parts of his career. The likes of Dave Grohl, Henry Rollins and David Ellefson also talk about their experiences with the man himself.Lemmy has said he was influenced by the likes of the Beatles, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, but the main question is, "who did Motörhead influence?" As mentioned above, you can quite easily state every thrash metal band in existence, even if they like it or not.Motörhead has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and though not as commercial as some of the bands on this list, there is still that massive influence.")
![The vocal range of Rob Halford should be labeled as one of the Wonders of the World. In the history of rock and metal you could name a handful of singers that have been as powerful as Halford – Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson are just two of those – but neither of those two could dream of reaching the high octaves on which Halford puts out.Birmingham, England, has put out a number of heavy metal acts over the years with Judas Priest being one of those classed as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Bands such as Slayer have been heavily influenced by Priest, and one could argue the 'leather look' complete with bullet belts and studs was copied by practically every heavy metal band which began in the early 80s.Priest turned their traditional heavy metal tag in its head when they released the bone-shatteringly fast album, "Painkiller" in 1990, but with that came Halford's departure, to be replaced by Tim 'Ripper' Owens. Halford was back in the band in 2003, though, rejoining the ever-brilliant Tipton/Downing guitar duo, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis, for two albums before Downing retired from the music business in 2011.Judas Priest has sold over 50 million albums worldwide starting with "Rocka Rolla" back in 1974 and it is believed there is a new album due for release some time in 2013.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/e6/a6/1363102472_4605_h4.jpg?itok=T_FDI5_T "The vocal range of Rob Halford should be labeled as one of the Wonders of the World. In the history of rock and metal you could name a handful of singers that have been as powerful as Halford – Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson are just two of those – but neither of those two could dream of reaching the high octaves on which Halford puts out.Birmingham, England, has put out a number of heavy metal acts over the years with Judas Priest being one of those classed as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Bands such as Slayer have been heavily influenced by Priest, and one could argue the 'leather look' complete with bullet belts and studs was copied by practically every heavy metal band which began in the early 80s.Priest turned their traditional heavy metal tag in its head when they released the bone-shatteringly fast album, "Painkiller" in 1990, but with that came Halford's departure, to be replaced by Tim 'Ripper' Owens. Halford was back in the band in 2003, though, rejoining the ever-brilliant Tipton/Downing guitar duo, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis, for two albums before Downing retired from the music business in 2011.Judas Priest has sold over 50 million albums worldwide starting with "Rocka Rolla" back in 1974 and it is believed there is a new album due for release some time in 2013.")
![Hertford's Deep Purple began in 1968 as a progressive rock band for the first three albums, and changed to a more traditional hard rock and heavy metal sound for "Deep Purple in Rock", which was released in 1970. The band has had a number of influential musicians in its line-up including Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ritchie Blackmore and David Coverdale.To be influential you have to be successful and with household name songs such as "Smoke on the Water", "Hush" and "Child in Time" to name a few, Deep Purple had what it took to be one of the hard rock pioneers. The band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has influenced many bands including Queen, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Van Halen.As of the end of 2012, Deep Purple had not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Slash commented on the omission: "The list of people who haven’t even been nominated is mind-boggling. The big one for me is Deep Purple. How could you not induct Deep Purple?" while Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett said "Deep Purple definitely belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 'Cause they had great songs, great musicianship, they had an impact, and they're a huge influence on the heavy metal community as a whole."The band is still touring to this day with Ian Gillan (vocals), Steve Morse (guitar), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums) and Don Airey (keyboards), and is set to release a new album, "Now What?!" in April, 2013.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/76/ee/1363102472_2657_h5.jpg?itok=zEOEnji2 "Hertford's Deep Purple began in 1968 as a progressive rock band for the first three albums, and changed to a more traditional hard rock and heavy metal sound for "Deep Purple in Rock", which was released in 1970. The band has had a number of influential musicians in its line-up including Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ritchie Blackmore and David Coverdale.To be influential you have to be successful and with household name songs such as "Smoke on the Water", "Hush" and "Child in Time" to name a few, Deep Purple had what it took to be one of the hard rock pioneers. The band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has influenced many bands including Queen, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Van Halen.As of the end of 2012, Deep Purple had not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Slash commented on the omission: "The list of people who haven’t even been nominated is mind-boggling. The big one for me is Deep Purple. How could you not induct Deep Purple?" while Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett said "Deep Purple definitely belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 'Cause they had great songs, great musicianship, they had an impact, and they're a huge influence on the heavy metal community as a whole."The band is still touring to this day with Ian Gillan (vocals), Steve Morse (guitar), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums) and Don Airey (keyboards), and is set to release a new album, "Now What?!" in April, 2013.")
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