#Metallica
. “Creeping Death.” 1986. That Hetfield could play at this speed, for this duration, with all 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝘀, is incredible — how would anyone even explain that to a non-guitarist? Basically his right wrist was a genetic mutation!
#Primus
. “Those Damned Blue Collar Tweakers.” 1994. Woodstock. This is what happens when a bass player that fails a Metallica audition for being too good… joins up with the guitarist that helped invent death metal
#Chicago
. “25 or 6 to 4” 1970. Tanglewood MA. If you haven’t seen this before, you’re about to witness one of the best live solos ever. That’s Terry Kath
#RIP
. Hailed by Hendrix as the greatest. The fact is, some of the best guitarists are in places you’d least expect them ᯓ★
#JimiHendrix
. “Voodoo Child.” 1970. Maui. Look at this beautifully upscaled footage. 54 years old, now in 4K. Sun drenched pastel colors — and Jimi, one with his guitar…
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Look, no need to mince words. “Heavy Metal” started & ended right here. On this December night in Paris 1970. This precise moment — it cannot be perfected because what you’re witnessing here is the birth of its very DNA.
#BlackSabbath
#HocusPocus
. “Focus.” 1973. The Midnight Special. So get this — the TV producers told the band they had 5 mins left to wrap and so NOT to play the 7 min long Focus — and the band said, ‘heeelll no we’ll just play it faster’ and turned it into a goddamn exorcism ✞
#RollingStones
. “Gimme Shelter.” 1969. Mick Jagger’s incredulous “wooh!” caught on mic in response to Merry Clayton hitting that accidental squeak note — rather than cut another take, they just went with it. And it became one of the most genuine moments in music history 🎙️
#VanillaFudge
. “Keep Me Hanging On.” 1968. Ed Sullivan show. Look at these guys covering The Supremes, dressed in something Julie Andrews whipped together from a pair of curtains. But the flair, the dramatics…the 60s. Live on TV! And
#CarmineAppice
on drums, woooow 🍄
#Starfleet
. 1983. What happens when you throw Brian May & Eddie Van Halen into a room together. May just wanted to make music for his 4 year old son, based on this show they would watch together —Starfleet, or X Bomber Xボンバーit was never actually meant to be released. Unreal!
#Sepultura
. “Ratamahatta.” 1996. France TV: canal+. While the Roots LP may have helped usher in that 90s Nu Metal sound, it was way more heavily ‘rooted’ in trad Brazilian culture w/ those tribal drums and at this gig, playing with fellow Brazilian artist, Carlinhos Brown 🇧🇷
#Primus
. “Tommy the Cat.” 1992. The Dennis Miller show. This was on national TV — I’m talking prime time. I have no idea what audiences at home thought of this, and that’s Miller himself trying to get that fan off the stage 😭
#Metallica
. “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” 1985. Metal Hammer Fest, Germany. I feel like the only clip of Cliff playing this tune is always that Day On The Green gig, so here he is at another show. What is there to say? It’s Cliff Burton motherfuckers!
Incredible to think that Dio performed this Wacken gig in 2009, unaware that he was near the end. The stomach cancer had already taken hold. Tony Iommi wrote one of his heaviest riffs ever in “Bible Black” and Dio gave it his all. He would pass away a few months later 🕊️
#ThinLizzy
. “Cowboy Song.” 1978. Sydney Opera House. The absolute swagger of Phil Lynott was something to behold. Suave, sophisticated. Didn’t need to run around on stage. For sure, Gorham & Moore were perfect wingmen but Phil was to Thin Lizzy what Lemmy was to Motörhead. Class.
the
#LostInVegas
reaction to Tool needs to be studied — it’s literally watching 2 people ‘seeing the light’ for the first time through music
[cont. next post down] ⇩
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#ZZTop
. “La Grange.” 1982. Look at these boys just IN THE MOMENT. How can anyone not love this. We talk about iconic riffs — Back in Black, Iron Man, Smoke on the Water — surely this has to be up there. We used to be a country. A proper country.
#EnnioMorricone
. “The Ecstasy of Gold.” 1966. It’s remarkable when you think about how this scene is essentially just swirling shots of Eli Wallach running around in an old time cemetery — but then you add Morricone’s score and the whole scene becomes EPIC…
#GoodTheBadAndTheUgly
#AliceInChains
. “Bleed the Freak.” 1990. The Moore Theater, Seattle WA. Once Jerry’s done with his solo, you’re reminded of how having Layne Staley as a lead singer was a cheat code.
#Rush
. “Spirit of Radio.” 2003. Toronto. The band clearly know this song’s a crowd pleaser — playing “Paint it Black” as the sneaky intro just to heighten the anticipation… and when the song kicks in, *everyone* is in a state of euphoria. “Begin the day with a friendly voice…”
Imagine watching this Sleep gig in 1992 at the Che Cafe in San Diego and after the 80s cocaine decade now witnessing the much needed rebirth of Black Sabbath stoner doom
#Ozzy
. “Mr Crowley.” 1982. Chicago. It’s not often you see any live footage of Randy Rhoads, let alone the precise moment Ozzy lifts him up — captured in THAT iconic photograph…
#Metallica
. 1986. Toronto. That 1-2 onslaught of “Battery” into “Master of Puppets”. It’s funny because while Justice was only 2 years away, there was such an obvious growth spurt in between —because honestly these kids still look & 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 like goddamn street punks here 🛹 ⛓️
#AliceInChains
. “Man in a Box.” 1990. The Moore Theater, Seattle. Listen to Cantrell’s guitar solo followed by Layne’s outro vocals here — when he hits those higher notes — this early 90s era was peak
#AiC
#Gojira
opening up the Paris Olympics - come on now!! That’s more like it. None of that Black Eyed Peas nonsense. The rehearsals for this must have been insane.
Happy Birthday Mel Brooks.
Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, and Young Frankenstein - all comedy genius. His trifecta.
And these Young Frankenstein outtakes.... 😂😂😭
#AliceInChains
. “Down in a Hole.” 1996. Unplugged. Honestly, it’s hard to watch now. That depressed gaze. The heroin coursing through his veins. “Bury me softly in this womb… I’d like to fly but my wings have been so denied” 🕊️
#AliceInChains
. “Would?” Approx 32 years ago the band made an appearance in the movie, Singles [1992] — this is the stock footage from that filming. And unlike other bands making a movie cameo, AiC performed live.
#VanHalen
. 1978. EVH revolutionizing guitar virtuosity here. Electric Ladyland only came out 10 years earlier, Physical Graffiti in ‘75 —so the world couldn’t have seen this coming in that Hendrix & Page era; or even Tony Iommi, who had to follow this each night of the tour… 🌋
#ThinLizzy
. “Emerald.” 1976. Daaamn just from this outro solo section alone, it’s so easy to tell how TL influenced Iron Maiden thru’ to Slough Feg. It’s those dueling Robertson & Gorham twin guitars over Phil’s recurring bass hook.
#Jailbreak
is 48 years old now 🚨
Napalm Death appearing on ‘What’s That Noise’ in 1989 is legendary amongst the UK grindcore fans who might have discovered the band watching this. It was a kids show presented by Craig Charles, who also played Lister in Red Dwarf — a sci-fi comedy series that had a
#Carcass
cameo
#Metallica
. “Disposable Heroes.” 1985. Metal Hammer Fest, Germany. “Do you wanna hear a new song…?” Imagine this being your 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 hearing one of their best songs of 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 ✞ ✞ 🪖 ✞ ✞
Does anyone remember the Judgement Night movie? 1993 — looking back at the soundtrack, this surely helped spark the Nu Metal scene. That’s a year before the Korn debut anyway 🍿
Dead Kennedys. Austin, TX. 1982. This was punk 40+ years ago and just listen to Jello Biafra go… “𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘯’𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 — 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺’𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘤𝘩…” but “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” 💥
#Primus
. “Jerry Was A Racecar Driver.” 1994. Woodstock. In hindsight the world had to catch up to what Primus were doing — they were juuuust a few years ahead of their time because there’s no question songs like this were way more perfect for that later, mid-90s audience 🏎️
#QotSA
. “A Song for the Dead.” 2002. Rock Werchter, Belgium. In that era w/ Dave Grohl & Mark Lanegan in the fold — and this live version sounds infinitely more vibrant than the studio rendition. Grohl pounding those drums like they owe him money
#Probot
. “Shake Your Blood.” 2004. Does anyone remember this Dave Grohl project where he collaborated with his metal ‘heroes’ like King Diamond, Tom Warrior & Lee Dorian. He even tried to get Chuck Schuldiner in but his cancer was too far gone. This is the Lemmy & Wino track…
#Sepultura
. “Refuse / Resist.” 1994. Donington Monsters of Rock. UK. Sepultura followed Pantera on stage — Phil Anselmo can be seen watching them play from side stage — that must have been some 1-2 knockout.
#IronMaiden
. “Wasted Years.” 1986. As exemplary as Smith’s guitar solo is, its the build up to that solo, the way Nicko & Harris build the tension to help ‘catapult’ Smith into his spotlight lead — w/ everything still centered around what is quite possibly Maiden’s catchiest hook
#Metallica
. “One.” This isn’t necessarily the best song on And Justice For All — but this 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 of the song maybe the best part of the whole damn album ⚖️
#FaithNoMore
. “Epic.” 1990. I said it before, TRT was a masterclass in production — this section is a prime example; multi-layered tracks, harmonies, every instrument coming together to close out the song, but my god Jim Martin’s guitar sound was unreal…the absolute precision
#Nailbomb
. “Cockroaches.” 1995. Dynamo Fest, NL. Max Cavalera & Alex Newport put this project together, and brought in Igor & Kisser from Sepultura, together with Dino from Fear Factory, to contribute to the LP. The kid here is Max’s son. One album. One show. Done.
#Ratt
. “Round and Round.” 1984. Rock Palace. Hollywood, CA. I know I know, you’ve heard this song a million times. But hey, in ‘84 Out of the Cellar was just released and Warren DeMartini was a man inspired — like a mix of George Lynch & Jake E Lee
#Slayer
. “Angel of Death.” 1986. The Ritz, NYC. Who comes close to Dave Lombardo in thrash metal? Yeah the guitar riff is spectacular but this whole breakdown works because of that drumming masterclass ⛧
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#PatBenatar
. “Promises in the Dark.” 1982. US Festival, Glen Helen Regional Park CA. Recorded off the soundboard so no overdubs — but really, this is just a Pat Benatar appreciation tweet
#FaithNoMore
. “We Care A Lot.” 1985. If you can believe it, this song was originally recorded in 1984 back when Chuck Mosley was the frontman. It’s not only the song that put the band on the map, but as always with FNM, so ahead of its time.
#SuicidalTendencies
. “Institutionalized.” 1983. “what's the matter with you? — there's nothing wrong mom — don't tell me that, you're on drugs! — no mom I'm not on drugs I'm okay, I was just thinking you know…” 🥤
#Heart
. “Crazy On You.” 1977. Midnight Special TV show, aired on a Friday 1am after Johnny Carson. There are singers… and then there is Ann Wilson. And there is no Heart without Nancy. Two bad ass goddesses 🕊️ ❤️🔥
#Queensryche
. “Jet City Woman.” 1991. Oakland, CA. Pro shot footage from the ‘Day at the Green’ event w/ Metallica, Faith No More & Soundgarden. Musta’ been a scorcher! Original lineup in that OM/Empire era of peak QR popularity — watch Tate & DeGarmo just killing it here
Black Sabbath performing “Killing Yourself to Live” at Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert in Santa Monica 1975. The music aside, these older clips are such a neat insight into the way the audience looked and reacted at the time 🕶️
That part when Kelly Bundy starts strumming Danny Spitz’s guitar is frickin hilarious. This must have been right before Joey Belladonna left in ‘92.
#Anthrax
#MarriedWithChildren
#Devo
. “Gates of Steel.” 1980. I often associate that post-punk / new wave sound with early 80s British acts, but these Americans waltzed into the decade with this synth art-pop — like some digital amalgam of Television & Talking Heads. I seriously love this performance 🧬
#SuicidalTendencies
. “You Can’t Bring Me Down.” 1993. Madrid. We talk about best album / show openers and surely this is top 3. Mike Muir must burn 20,000 calories a night. Rocky George, a god among insects. Rob T too busy slapping the bass to crab walk 🦀
Part 2 next post ⇩
#Metallica
. “The Four Horsemen.” 1986. Whatever kinda “triplet” gallop Lars was bashing out on those kick drums isn’t something I’ve heard him do on this song either before or after ‘86 — sounds great though AND playing at high speed. Perhaps his live playing peaked in ‘86
#DeepPurple
. “Child In Time.” 1970. If you know the song, you know where lead singer, Ian Gillan, is taking this… *goosebumps* The audience couldn’t have known history was being made this night
#Slayer
. “Hell Awaits.” 1985. Studio 54, NYC. I thought Studio 54 back then was all disco & blow, but this is the Combat Tour pit stop with Exodus & Venom - imagine all that Thrash with the waft of nightclub cocaine in the air
#FaithNoMore
. “From Out Of Nowhere.” 1990. Brixton, London. I don’t know who decided this should be the album opener but what a stroke of genius — this is how you start a show
#Ozzy
. “Tonight.” 1981. If you’re like me and find it annoying how they faded the guitar solo out too soon on the album, this is the uncut master tape — it at least gives you a taste of what Randy Rhoads was playing beyond the fade — just crank the volume and use headphones 🎧
I like how The Iron Maidens often play songs that Iron Maiden wouldn’t — the deep cuts. So this is probably the best live version of “Losfer Words” we’re gonna get ⚡️
#CavaleraConspiracy
. “Arise / Dead Embryonic Cells.” Ok new music is fine but let’s be honest we’re at a CC show for the Sepultura classics - also Max’s Brazil flag guitar is amazing 🇧🇷
#JudasPriest
. “Victim of Changes.” 1975. Reading Festival, UK. Shot on 8mm with what must have been an in-sync tape recorder. Bear in mind, Sad Wings hadn’t come out yet so what we’re seeing is an audience witnessing ‘heavy metal’ — not Sabbath doom —for perhaps the first time 🐣
Paul Di’Anno’s place in Iron Maiden history is etched in stone — he turned that Ruskin Arms pub into an arena. Yes he was ‘punk’ but he could be soulful too, especially here in “Charlotte the Harlot”. Would have loved to hear him tackle its sequel, “22 Acacia Avenue”
#FaithNoMore
. “Falling to Pieces.” 1989. The production on this album - courtesy of Matt Wallace - was remarkable. Had this LP come out in ‘99, you wouldn’t bat an eye. I remember one journalist at the time referred to them as ‘neo metal.’ Oh, and such a colorful video 🙂↔️
#Gojira
. “Silvera.” 2016. Continuing with the celebration of the first ever metal band to open a worldwide event, this right here is just stunning — it’s the way the riffs just collectively ‘collapse’ into the melody leading to the outro; and there’s a techno-noir cinematic feel.
#ACDC
. “Whole Lotta Rosie”. 1977. If I’m ‘Frankensteining’ a classic rock lead guitarist, give me the riffs of Iommi, the improv of Hendrix, the psychedelia of Uli Jon Roth, the mysticism of Blackmore, and the vibrato of Angus Young…
#JoeSatriani
. “Surfing with the Alien.” The opening track to his legendary 1987 album of the same name. Remember this is the guitar teacher for the likes of Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, Alex Skolnick…
#Metallica
. “Mechanix.” 1983. The Stone, San Francisco. Raw lo-fi bootleg footage as the gods intended — Hetfield, Mustaine, Ulrich & Burton. The night Great Britain passed the metal torch to the USA… 🇬🇧 🤝 🇺🇸
#DeadKennedys
. “Holiday in Cambodia.” 1980. Unreal that the debut - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables - had both this AND “California Über Alles”. It’s as if System of a Down created an entire template around those 2 songs, and Serj Tankian even sounds a bit like Jello Biafra 🇰🇭
#SkidRow
. “Delivering the Goods.” 1992. MTV. Sebastian Bach makes no secret of his love for classic metal, especially 70s Judas Priest, so this must have been a real honor — even if Halford was in that awkward Fight era
#Slayer
. “Dittohead.” 1994. Fun fact: this is the fastest Slayer have played in their entire catalog. For those who abandoned metal for grunge or whatever in the 90s, the album’s called Divine Intervention 😭
#AliceInChains
. “Rooster.” Jerry Cantrell wrote this for his dad, nicknamed in Vietnam as “rooster”. He wouldn’t discuss the war but curiously the machine gunners were called “roosters”. Their avg lifespan was something insane, like 7 seconds. Today, this is a marine corps anthem
#Metallica
. “Orion.” 1986. It was years until I even realized that there was a whole Cliff Burton bass solo squeezed in between Hetfield & Kirk’s solos. I was a kid — I thought it was just James carrying on, I had zero clue a bass could sound like that.
#BlackSabbath
. “Never Say Die.” 1978. Top of the Pops. This is seriously amazing. I’ve never seen Tony Iommi playing a ‘59 Les Paul. Ozzy’s having the best time. Iommi is on record saying that they’d hung out with Bob Marley backstage & smoked “the fattest joint he’d ever seen”