Metal Evolution

The Beatles

May 12, 1966

John Lennon creates one of the largest controversies in rock history by stating "We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity."

Cream

Jul 29, 1966

Eric Clapton forms new band, Cream, which debuts unofficially at the Twisted Wheel.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

May 12, 1967

The Jimi Hendrix Experience release their debut album, "Are You Experienced", containing such hits as Purple Haze, Foxy Lady and The Wind Cries Mary

Iron Butterfly

Jun 21, 1968

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida reaches #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.

Alice Cooper

Oct 28, 1978

Alice Cooper performs live on season 3 episode 7 of The Muppet Show.

Motorhead

Mar 10, 1979

Motorhead releases Overkill, the first metal song with a double bass drum.

Ozzy Osbourne

Jan 20, 1982

Ozzy Osbourne bites the head off of a bat while performing at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa (The bat was not only alive, but managed to bite Ozzy back).

Slayer

Oct 7, 1986

Slayer releases "Reign in Blood", the first metal album to be issued under the successful mainstream hip hop record label, Def Jam Recordings.

Nirvana

Sep 23, 1991

Nirvana releases one of the best selling albums in history, Nevermind.

Korn

Oct 11, 1994

Korn releases their debut self-titled album, creating a new subgenre of rock, called "Nu Metal".

Marilyn Manson

Apr 20, 1999

Marilyn Manson's career is almost destroyed after being blamed for the Columbine Massacre and having to cancel his extremely controversial Rock is Dead Tour.