Black Sabbath

Genre
Heavy Metal

Members
Tony Iommi (Guitars, keyboards)
Ozzy Osbourne (Vocals)
Geezer Butler (Bass)
Bill Ward (Drums)

Notable Songs
1. Iron Man
2. Paranoid
3. Supernaut
4. War Pigs
5. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

Introduction

Black Sabbath are an English band formed in 1969 by the same line-up. They are considered as the pioneer band who started Heavy Metal. They are known for their dark-horror lyrics and down-tuned guitar sound. They have undergone several changes in their line up with Tony Iommi being the only consistent member of the band. Another notable vocalist of the band has been Ronnie James Dio who died in 2010 from stomach cancer. Their discography includes: 18 studio albums, 5 LIVE albums, 44 singles and 8 video albums. They are recording a new album to be released later this year named 'Heaven & Hell'. They have sold over 70 million copies worldwide.

Fun Facts

• Once Ozzy Osbourne ate an alive bat on stage to prove his craziness.
• They used to rehearse next to a theater. And that's where they got an idea of making horror music because people loved horror movies.
• Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio hated each other. Ozzy would call a dwarf, that featured in his tours, Ronnie. And Dio used to call him a clown.
• Ozzy wanted to join the army when he was 17. They wouldn't take him. He also wanted to become a plumber when he was 15.
• Tony Iommi was diagnosed with Lyphoma on 9th Jan 2012. i.e a kinda of cancer that effects body's immune system.
• Tony Iommi played flute on stage several times.

Quotes

• I love you all. But you all are fucking mad. - Ozzy Osbourne
• I ate the head of a live bat the other night. It was like a crunchy thing wrapped in chamois leather - Ozzy Osbourne
•  When I started writing Sabbath's lyrics it sounded right. I didn't think  I'll make it a devil's music. - Tony Iommi
• Being sober on a bus is like, completely different from being drunk in a bus. - Ozzy Osbourne
• I drank, I took drugs. But I don't want my kids to do it. I should have been dead 30 years ago. - Ozzy Osbourne.

My Opinion

Black Sabbath are indeed one of the craziest bands we have ever seen. Their music is heavy, spooky and Ozzy osbourne is a madman. Ozzy's vocals surely have that psych that makes him distant from every other vocalists. He never took any vocal training yet he is considered as one of the greatest vocalist of all times. No wonder his solo career was even more successful than his career with Black Sabbath. Tony Iommi's low-tuned guitar riffs sounds so heavy and energetic. And Geezer's bass and Bill Ward's drums are indeed magical. To sum it up: they are great for their tightness, their craziness onstage and for giving this world a gift of 'Heavy Metal.

(L-R: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne)

Nirvana

Genre
Grunge, Alternative Rock

Members
Kurt Cobain (Vocals, guitars)
Krist Novoselic (Bass)
Dave Grohl (Drums)

Notable Songs
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit
2. Come As You Are
3. The Man Who Sold The World
4. Heart Shaped Box
5. In Bloom

Introduction

Nirvana was formed by the vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain with the bassist Krist Novoselic in 1987. After going to various changes with their drummers, they finally settled with Dave Grohl in 1990 and band achieved massive success with that line up. They disbanded in 1994 when Kurt Cobain dies mysteriously at the Young Age of 27. Their discography includes: 3 studio albums, 21 singles, 3 live albums, 2 extended plays, 4 compilations and 2 box sets. Selling over 50 million copies worldwide.

Fun Facts

• Kurt Cobain died at the age of 27 joining the Famous 27 club. There are 43 musicians who died at the age of 27. Most of them dying mysteriously.
• There are 2 theories on Kurt Cobain's death. One says: He committed a suicide with a shotgun and one says his wife Courtney Love got him murdered.
• Kurt Cobain had imaginary friends since his childhood. Best friend being "Boddah"
• Kurt Cobain was a bronchitis patient.
• Dave Grohl, after the death of Kurt Cobain formed a band called 'Foo Fighters' where he started playing Guitars and doing Vocals. Their first album "In Your Honor" was dedicated to Kurt Cobain.
• Their unplugged concert with MTV is considered as one of the best unplugged sets ever.
• Unreleased single 'You know you're right' is considered as one of the suicide notes of Kurt Cobain.
• Many people committed suicide because of the death of Kurt Cobain.

Quotes

• I'd rather be hated for who I am than being loved for who I am not. - Kurt Cobain
• Friends are nothing but known enemies. - Kurt Cobain
• Wanting to be someone is a waste of a person you are. - Kurt Cobain
• I always knew I was a good singer, but never dared to tell this to Kurt. - Dave Grohl
• It's better to burn out than to fade away. - Kurt Cobain

My Opinion

Nirvana lasted for a short span of time but created an impact that would last for ages to come. Beautiful compositions, outstanding lyrics and the passion in their music makes them one of the greatest bands in the history of rock. Kurt Cobain, even when suffering from bronchitis, did brilliant vocals and wrote some beautiful songs. With the end of Nirvana, grunge music died as well. Bands playing similar genre are termed as 'Post Grunge' now. Dave Grohl's drumming kicked ass as well. To sum it up, Nirvana were a great band that didn't play for long but blessed generations to come with what they composed.

(L-R) Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic

Pink Floyd

Genre
Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock

Members
David Gilmour (Vocals, Guitars)
Syd Barrett (Vocals, Guitars)
Nick Mason (Drums)
Roger Waters (Bass)
Richard Wright (Keyboards)

Notable Songs
1. Comfortably Numb
2. Another Brick In The Wall
3. High Hopes
4. Mother
5. Wish You Were Here

Introduction

Pink Floyd were an English band formed in 1965. One of the most successful progressive, psychedelic band in the history. Original line up was Roger Waters, Syd Barrett, Richard Wright and Nick Mason. Syd Barrett left the band in 1968 because of excessive drug use esp. LSD. David Gilmour replaced him and the band achieved massive success with him in the band. Their discography contains 14 studio albums, 3 LIVE albums, 8 compilations, 8 box sets, 1 EP, 26 singles, 25 music videos and 4 video albums selling over 200 million albums worldwide.

Fun Facts

• Once Syd Barrett was so stoned during a show that he played one chord for the entire concert.
• David Gilmour sold his house for $6.48 billion in 2002 and donated the money in charity.
• They are known for creating Psychedelic music. i.e, People go extra stoned listening to their music when on drugs.
• Their Album: Dark Side of the Moon still sells over 8000 copies weekly in US.
• They are known for composing conceptual albums. And they always emphasized on their album artwork.
• They were included in Rock n Roll hall of fame in 1996.
• Syd Barrett was a great inspiration to other members even he left the band. Songs like 'Shine on, you crazy diamond' and 'Wish you were here' were dedicated to him. Barrett died in 2006 because of diabetes

Quotes

• If I'd stayed in college, I would've become a teacher. - Syd Barrett.
• I am an atheist and I have no belief in afterlife. - David Gilmour. 
• Who is the strongest. Who is the best. East or West. This is the crap our children are learning. - Roger Waters.
• I am in competition with myself and I am losing. - Roger Waters.
• Let's leave my underwear out if it. - Nick Mason.

My Opinion

Pink Floyd are one of the finest bands when it comes to lyrics. Their music is a refined poetry based on almost every aspect of life. Proper way of listening to Pink Floyd is to listen to one complete album at a time in their original order. They narrate a story every time and are brilliant at what they do. Their concerts are huge, lights are grand and that is a real psychedelic show. This is that one band every body must listen to.

(L-R) Nick Mason, Syd Barrett (Top), David Gilmour (Sitting),  Roger Waters, Richard Wright

Iron Maiden

Genre:
Heavy Metal

Members:
Bruce Dickinson (Vocals)
Steve Harris (Bass)
Dave Murray (Guitars)
Adrian Smith (Guitars)
Nicko McBrain (Drums)
Janick Gers (Drums)

Notable Songs:
1. Fear of the Dark
2. Hallowed be Thy Name.
3. Run to the Hills.
4. Dance of Death

Introduction:

Iron Maiden are one of the most successful Heavy Metal band from Leyton, London. Formed in 1975 by their bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden are the pioneer of "The New Wave of British Heavy Metal". They have made several changes in their line up since their inception. Their discography includes: 15 studio albums, 11 LIVE albums, 4 EP's and six compilations selling over 85 million albums and have performed in over 2000 shows.

Fun Facts:

• Iron Maiden have a mascot named "Eddie" that features in most of their album covers, music videos and concerts.
• Their name was derived from the movie: The man in the Iron Mask. Iron Maiden is a torture device that is a big cabinet to fit a person in and has knives or spikes or hinges on the door.
• Bruce Dickinson has sung a song for Rowan Atkinson's movie, Mr. Bean
• Bruce Dickinson is a licensed pilot.
• Indian band Parikrama was handpicked by Maiden themselves to open for them after watching them perform LIVE. Parikrama has opened for Maiden in many shows. In India and overseas.
• Iron Maiden have their own chartered plane to make their touring easier.

Quotes:

• Iron Maiden are 10% cooler than every other band - Lars Ulrich(Metallica).
• We are one of the last Heavy Metal bands - Adrian Smith. 
• I like Marilyn Manson, he made some great music and is very talented. - Bruce Dickinson.
• We all feel so helpless at times. Just sit back and wait for the news. - Steve Harris.

My Opinion:

Iron Maiden have been delivering one of the finest music in the history of Heavy Metal. Probably the best Heavy Metal band in the history. With a vocalist like Bruce Dickinson, the trio of Smith, Murray and Gers, drummer like Nicko McBrain and a great bassist like Steve Harris: Maiden are very tight in their performances. Even their former and the original vocalist Paul Di'Anno was a good vocalist but the stage presence, high pitch vocals and elegance of Bruce Dickinson took them to another level. Truly, one of the greatest Metal Bands we have ever seen.

(L-R): Nicko McBrian, Dave Murray, Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers

Megadeth

Genre:
Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

Members:
Dave Mustaine (Vocals and Guitars)
Dave Ellefson (Bass)
Shawn Drover (Drums)
Chris Broderick (Guitars)

Notable Songs:
1. Holy Wars...And Punishment Due
2. A Tout le Monde
3. In my darkest hour
4. Symphony of Destruction
5. Peace Sells


Introduction:


Megadeth was formed in 1983 by Dave Mustaine after getting kicked out of Metallica. He decided to form a band heavier, louder and more brutal than Metallica. After looking for other members he decided to become the vocalist himself. Megadeth has given many great musicians like Marty Friedman(Guitars) who left the band in 2000 and Nick Menza (Drums) who left the band in 2004.
Megadeth have recorded 13 studio albums, 3 LIVE albums, 5 compilations, 2 extended plays, 34 singles, 8 video albums and 32 music videos. They have sold over 35 million albums worldwide.


Fun Facts:

• After getting kicked out of Metallica, Dave Mustaine drank too much one night and woke up with a terrible hangover. Dave Ellefson, who lived in the apartment below Dave Mustaine's, was playing bass loudly. Mustaine dropped his flower pot on his A/C and yelled to shut that up. Ellefson came at his place and asked him: Where to buy cigarettes? Mustaine: Down the street at the liquor shop. Ellefson: Are you old enough to buy me a beer? Mustaine: Now you're talking! And that's how Mustaine and Ellefson teamed up to make Megadeth.
• Dave Mustaine and controversies go hand in hand. He is thrown into Rehab at least a dozen times. His lyrics have provoked many from time to time. "What do you mean I couldn't be the president of United States of America, Tell me something: it's still We, the people. Right?
• Megadeth is part of Big-4 thrash metal bands along Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer.
• The hot woman that appears in the video of 'A tout le monde' is Mustaine's wife: Pam. And the kid in the video is Mustaine's son: Justis.
• Mustaine holds Black Belt in Karate.
• Mascot of Megadeth is called: Vic
• There have been 18 Megadeth members in the past. Excluding the current line up of 4.

Quotes:

• If you will throw beer bottles at us, make sure they are full. - Dave Mustaine.
• It's not about how big your pencil is, it's about how you write your name. - Dave Mustaine.
• It wasn't enough for Megadeth to do well. I wanted Metallica to fail - Dave Mustaine.
• After getting fired from Metallica, all I remember is that I wanted blood. Theirs. I wanted to be faster, heavier than them. - Dave Mustaine.

My Opinion:


Megdeth are brutal, heavy, loud and definitely fast. Mustaine is one of the best metal musicians this planet has ever seen. His lyrics are blunt, his vocals are brutal and his guitaring: ama-fucka-zing!
Megadeth is lyrically very bold. Lyrics on In my darkest hour, a tout le monde, holy wars and peace sells are considered as masterpieces.
When metallica kicked him out of the band, they lost one awesome musician and it made this man thirsty for blood and hence Megadeth was born.

(L-R) Chris Broderick, Shawn Drover, Dave Mustaine, Dave Ellefson 

Metallica

Genre:
Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

Members:
James Hetfield (Vocals and Guitars)
Kirk Hammett (Lead Guitar)
Lars Ulrich (Drums)
Robert Trujillo (Bass)

Notable Songs:
1. Master of Puppets
2. Fuel
3. Nothing Else Matters
4. Seek and Destroy


Introduction:


Formed in 1981 in California, US when Lars Ulrich gave a newspaper advertisement to form a band. Initial line up was: Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Ron McGovney(Bass) and Dave Mustaine(Lead Guitars). Ron McGovney was kicked out because of rift with Dave Mustaine and Dave Mustaine was kicked from the bands because of his rift with James and Lars! Cliff Burton became the new bassist of the band and Kirk Hamett became the new lead Guitarist. Cliff Burton died in a tragic tour bus accident in 1986. Jason Newsted replaced him. He quit the band in 2001 and Robert Trujillo became the new bassist. i.e the current line up.
They have recorded 9 Studio albums and 4 Live albums. Selling over 100 million copies worldwide.


Fun Facts:

• Metallica is part of the Big-4 Thrash Metal bands along Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax.
• They have won 9 grammy awards.
• Kirk Hammett learned playing guitar from Joe Satriani.
• Lars Ulrich's father was a tennis player and wanted him to become the same.
• When Metallica started to play in clubs of San-Fransisco, they were too Punk for Metal lovers and too Metal for Punk lovers. It was a big hurdle for them to create a fan base.
• When Cliff Burton died in 1986 in a tragic tour-bus accident in Sweden, he was just 24. Still, is considered as one of the best bassists ever.
• James Hetfield entered rehab in 2001 because of excessive alcohol and drug addiction. He is sober since then.

Quotes:

• AIDS, oh that shit scares me man. One time and you're dead. - James Hetfield
• I like a woman who got some balls and some strength. Unless she beats me in arm wrestling, it's fine. - James Hetfield
• Regret? That is a fucked up word. - James Hetfield
• We try and come up with alternative to cliches. Sex isn't boring, songs about it are. - Lars Ulrich
• We are the token acts on these award shows - Jason Newsted

My Opinion:

30th October 2011. The date I will not get over in my life. The date I witnessed them LIVE at Palace Grounds, Bangalore. They were energetic, they were fucking loud, they interacted well with the crowd and the crowd of over 40,000 people responded them very well.
About James Hetfield, amazing frontman. Plays well, sings well and presents themselves in an awesome way. One of the finest front man in the history of Metal. Even at the age of 48, the energy he puts on stage is commendable.
About Lars Ulrich, a fine drummer. Every beat is butter-smooth and very clear. Songs like ...and Justice for all, One are indeed his masterpieces. And a monster on stage!
Kirk Hammett, not a great guitarist to be honest. Screws up many riffs on stage. Their founding member Dave Mustaine was indeed a better player and a better musician. Most of the songs of Kill 'em all are his. And Kill 'em all is undoubtedly the best Metallica album yet. So, to sum it up about Kirk, I would say: He is the weak link of Metallica.
About Robert Trujillo: a wild, crazy maniac on stage. Looks like he belongs from Planet of the Apes. Monstrous acts, energetic performances onstage and his mexican accent makes him one of the coolest member of the band. Not as great as Cliff Burton or Jason Newsted when it comes to playing his bass. But he has a charm of his own.

Metallica B'lore gig. 30th October 2011

(L-R): Robert Trujillo, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett

Led Zeppelin

Genre:
From Blues to Folk to Country to Hard Rock


Members:
Robert Plant (Vocals)
Jimmy Page (Guitars)
John Bonham (Drums)
John Paul Jones (Bass)


Notable Songs:
1. Stairway to Heaven
2. Whole Lotta Love
3. Heartbreaker
4. Dazed and Confused




Introduction:


Formed in 1968 in England as New Yardbirds. Considered as one of the most successful and one of the most critically acclaimed band throughout the world. Sold over than 300 million copies worldwide.
Their discography includes: 9 Studio Albums, 3 Live Albums, 9 Compilations, 16 singles, 2 video albums.
The band came to end in 1980 after their drummer John 'Bonzo' Bonham died after drinking 32 vodka pegs.


Fun Facts:

• According to a story: When Led Zeppelin released their first album "Led Zeppelin - I", they weren't a big hit. Guitarist Jimmy Page locked himself in a haunted castle in Scotland(UK) and sold his soul to the Satan for the band's success. Satan warned him to not to perform at certain venues. They performed at one of the prohibited places by mistake and Robert Plant's 5 year old child died mysteriously. Years later, the performed at another prohibited place by mistake. Bonzo died between the tour because of heavy drinking. The band came to an end, but they are still successful. As the Satan promised.
• In the song 'Dazed and Confused', Jimmy Page played his guitar using a violin bow.
• Many critics and magazines have stated 'Stairway to Heaven' as the best rock song ever. And is used as a synonym to excellence.
• John Bonham used his bare hands to play drums at times.
• With the release of their album 'Physical Graffiti', they became first band in history to have entered 6 albums on Billboard Charts at once.
• Bonham had his own private quarter mile road where could drive his car at 250mph.
• Stairway to Heaven, when revered is a prayer to the Satan. Link!

Quotes:

• We are Eagles of one nest. The nest is our soul. - Led Zeppelin
• I am looking for an angel with broken wings - Jimmy Page
• People say that I'm a millionaire. That's not true, I just spend in millions. - Robert Plant
• I dare not drink before a gig. Because then I'll get tired and blow it. So, I drink tea in Caravan. - John Bonham
• Drumming is the only thing I was good at. - John Bonham

My Opinion:

Led Zep were truly one of the greatest band this world has ever seen. A band so tight, compositions that hurts your mind and your heart. One of the very few 'PERFECT' bands in the history of Rock music. There is only one 'Stairway to heaven' which nobody can even come close. Genius band!

(L-R): John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham