Heavy metal heroes music's pioneering headbangers

Black Sabbath: Black Sabbath is generally regarded as the first heavy metal band. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968.

Led Zeppelin: Also making their debut in 1968 was Led Zeppelin. Many critics in fact credit this band for inventing.

Deep Purple: The Deep Purple lineup comprising vocalist Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice,

Judas Priest: Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, Judas Priest ranks as one of the greatest heavy metal bands,

Iron Maiden: The heavy metal genre matured in the 1970.

Motörhead: Motörhead was formed in London in 1975 by Lemmy Kilmister, Larry Wallis, and Lucas Fox.

Kiss: Kiss rocked out of New York City in 1973 and quickly won a huge following,

Saxon: New wave heavy metal band Saxon hail from Barnsley in northern England, forming in 1975. One of Europe's most successful heavy metal acts.

Mötley Crüe: Founded in 1981 by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars,

Metallica: Metallica's formation in Los Angeles in 1981 heralded the rise of thrash metal.