BBC - Seven Ages of Rock - Programmes

Metallica live - 1984

Metallica have sold more than 90 million albums worldwide.

You need to upgrade your Flash Player
In order to view this video please get flash.

Video Title

Date

Text

Never Say Die - Heavy Metal 1970-1991

The story of the longest surviving and certainly the loudest genre of rock, heavy metal. With no sign of disappearing, metal has been the most controversial and misunderstood of all rock genres. Emerging at the tail end of the hippy dream from the rust belt of industrial England, heavy metal would go on to secure the most loyal fan base of all. With Black Sabbath as the undisputed Godfathers, we follow their highs and lows, and, along the journey, meet Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Director's notes: Anna Gravelle; Director/Producer

"I can already hear the cries of where are AC/DC? Van Halen? Slipknot? Slayer? Alice Cooper? And so many more bands and artists who aren't in this film. All I can say is sorry. Metal as rock music's longest survivor has potentially four decades worth of tales to tell.

Our story begins with the origins of the heavy rock sound in 1970's Britain with Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. It continues with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and the success and excess of Hair Metal in the 80's. The story ends with Metallica, who brought metal back to its roots and with the Black Album took the music forward into its third decade.

With the script in place, Lighting Cameraman Robin Cox, Researcher Tony Higgins and I headed out to America on a three city tour to interview the giants of Metal. We started with Black Sabbath in LA and ended with Vince Neil in New York. In between we visited Metallica in San Francisco, where we discovered that the rock lifestyle was still alive and kicking.

At Metallica HQ we set up the equipment in the studio and waited for founding band member Lars Ulrich to show up. He didn't. It was the first no show of the shoot. Zach, who runs the studio couldn't have looked more embarrassed as the minutes ticked by, and still no Lars. Eventually James Hetfield showed up - in a huge monster truck - and whispers started to circulate that maybe Lars was a little worse for wear that morning.

We went ahead with James's interview in the hope that Lars would show up. James definitely had the allure of a rock dude and I found myself quite mesmerised chatting to him for over 2 hours. Finally I had to admit that I didn't have any more questions and the crew dragged me away. In the meantime the interview with Lars had been re-scheduled for later that day at his home.

Our next appointment was with Deep Purple's vocalist Ian Gillan in a disused warehouse in the Presidio district of San Fran. Gillan was on a solo tour of the States and was playing a gig that night which he kindly invited us to - result!

Ian sounded a little hoarse and as it happened he'd been out on the lash with Lars the night before. Gillan had been dragged back to Lars's house and been force-fed film archive of Purple performing Smoke on the Water on repeat until the wee hours. Lars was rumbled.

I felt a twinge of embarrassment when I asked Gillan to tell the story of how "Smoke on the Wate"r came about. He must have answered that question a million times. Still, I had to have the story of one rock's most enduring anthems and Gillan obliged, resignedly.

That evening we headed on to the Ulrich mansion and surveyed the scene of the previous night's debauchery. An incredibly apologetic Lars greeted us still looking a little grey. Hang on a minute... was that "Smoke on the Water" I could hear playing in the background?

We set up the equipment in the living room using the impressive and very collectable Danish chairs as a feature in the back of shot. Lars's six-year-old son who insisted on sitting in on the interview listened to his Dad talking about Heavy Metal and Metallica for ..oooh, about 5 minutes before he got bored and ran away. I guess he'd heard it all before.

We got what we needed from a weary Lars, packed up and looked at the clock. We'd missed Gillan's gig. As we said our farewells to the Ulrich household, in the kitchen someone was strumming "Smoke on the Water". Somewhere in a bar in downtown San Francisco Ian Gillan was no doubt singing the same song."

Have Your Say

Artist Videos

Featured Tracks

Track titles link through to a review on BBC Music of an album featuring the track.

Fans' Photos

These pictures are photos that have been uploaded by the public to Flickr, the photosharing website. Click on a photo to see the large image there.

These pictures are not hosted by the BBC. Please alert us if you spot anything inappropriate. This product uses the Flickr API but is not endorsed or certified by Flickr.

Have Your Say

We are no longer accepting any more comments on Seven Ages Of Rock.

peter cullum crawley
heavy metal. is cool but not pop metal aka hair metal
Ali, Norfolk
They should have spent more time on Hair Metal. The best genre of music ever, in my opinion... I nearly died when I saw Nikki and the Crue *wub*
Nic, Derby
Black Sabbath are certainly the gofathers of Heavy Metal and clearly the predecessors of the Libertines. In fact, as I was writing this I had the song 'Paranoid' in my head!
Sandy Scott Jackson,ms
I know you can't cover everyone but Alice Cooper brought theatrics into hard rock, you have to mention him.
Flynn, Liverpool
they should redo this and research properly, leaving out motorhead and ac/dc as early pioneers of metal was just stupid. An using metallica as the saviors of metal? what about other thrash acts that came out at the same time like anthrax or slayer. they could have spent the time wasted on motley crue to add some modern bands. contrary to bbc belief metal didn't end with metallica
Peter, Worcester
I speak from the heart when I say I lived and breathed heavy rock in the 1970’s – it became my whole identity. I was a lost soul, and then in 1975 I heard ‘In Rock’ by Deep Purple. It was as if, up to that point in my life I had been under a spell, and the sound of Deep Purple was the trigger that snapped me out of my trance and brought me back to life. It woke in me a free spirit and the ‘rules’ of rock allowed that spirit to flourish. The scene became much more than just the music; it was a way to express myself.

At the musical level I felt a sense that this was how music was meant to be; this was how instruments should be played. I was scathing of the pussy footing around that groups in the charts seemed to display with their instruments. The energy in my music, rock music, went straight in my ears, down my spinal cord, set my nerve ends alight and then docked perfectly with my frustrations and suppressed feelings. It took me away to a place I wanted to be and the guitar, the vocals, they felt so heartfelt.

At this most fundamental of levels I didn’t take much notice of the lyrics – the words could have been political or a shopping list – it didn’t matter. At a much deeper level the culture of rock music really connected with who I was, or rather, who I wanted to be - the clothes, the hair, the rebellion, the freedom and the sticking two fingers up to the establishment while at the same time not bothering to find out what the establishment actually stood for. In effect rock music allowed me to bury my head in the sand. Below the surface of the sand I found something that made much more sense than anything I had encountered in the ‘real’ world.Aged 45, I still feel that connection now.

It doesn’t matter that the show didn’t showcase all the bands, so long as it opened up the classic rock genre to a new generation who may have been lost on a diet of Green Day, Kaiser Chiefs and the Arctic monkeys; just like I was brainwashed on the Glam Rock and Pop orientated diet of the radio and TV in the early 1970’s.
charlie, swanley
where were megadeth and AC/DC? how about doing a seven ages of metal series?
Andrew , Isle of wight
i think your program on heavy metal was truly brill because it gave the up's and down's of heavy metal and the diffrent variations such as HAIR METAL and THRASH and all those people who conplained about diffrent bands not being thier are just stupid because you wre limited on the length of the program. i am 15 and i loved all the infomation about the old heavy metal bands and because of this i am now a fan of metallica and always will be.
Allfather O'Din, Valhalla
No AC/DC? No Motorhead? No Van Halen? No G'n'R? No Marilyn Manson? No Thin Lizzy? No Led Zep? No Rainbow? No Dio? No Slayer? No Slipknot? No UFO? No ZZ Top? No Def Lep?Sounds like a great idea for a BBC3 series. BBC commissioning editors take note. There are enough metal heads still staying in on a saturday night to make a viable audience.
Trevor Lincoln
Black Sab 1st lp is the true classic begining of this genre& sounds better every year....Shame that Ozzy Sold his Soul for TV panderings. In 1970 it was HEAVY or HARD ROCKthanks to rubbish from the USA like Kiss the term Heavy Metal was born
Robert Jaques, South Elmsall, Yorkshire
I congratulate the BBC on producing such a great show about the greatness that is heavy metal. Most of the time its always shows on mainstream rock. I believe that this has shown just how diverse and amazing heavy metal is, and how it has evolved throughout the past few decades to stay popular. The bands shown are truly the kings of metal. Black Sabbath have to be, in my opinion, the founding fathers of metal as without them metal would be nothing today. They helped to open the way for the bands like Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Metallica to become huge. However, I was a little dissapointed that the BBC failed to mention any new metals bands. I am 17, but i love the classics, but I feel that they could have shown that metal is strongrer than ever today and shown what it has become. Still, the show rocked the earth and I hope they continue to produce shows like this. AMAZING!
OneThirtyThree
Its good to talk about the seven ages of rock. I love heavy metal and after watching that episode, i was disgusted that there was no coverage of modern metal bands. Heavy metal is still alive and breathing. I lek older bands such as Iron Maiden and Led Zepplin but where were the comments on 80s Thrash and Black Metal bands liek Slayer and Venom??!! Also, to stop at the early 90s when metal is still around was a shame. Bands such as Slipknot, Chimaira and Mastodon are waving the flag now, not the older bands. Metal is moving forward and more and more people are getting into metal even though the world is being taken over by this so called indie 'rock' music, which by the way is complete rubbish.I also noticed that the RadioTimes was dismissing and condeming heavy metal in the last issue. It is not fair that people judge metal for being violent etc, when it isnt, and that the fans are lowlifes. This episode of Seven Ages of Rock did not cover metal as whole. It only covered the beginning and so many more bands could have been mentioned...shame
chris allen, essex
i wish everyone would stop complaining about the abscense of certain bands.it's no big deal besides if you want a more in depth look into the world of metal you should by Metal: A Headbangers Journey, a brilliant filmalso indie rock is pants
sam, cardiff
Anthrax? Slayer? Exodus? where they and the countless other underground heavy metal bands.
George, Watford, Hertfordshire
I'm shocked by the BBC that they have left Motorhead out of this rock series. The unforgetable 'Ace of Spades' is a legendary classic, other album titles including 'Bomber' and 'Overkill' must be in any rock-lovers collection. For me this was a huge disappointment as I was very much looking forward to seeing my favourite band being documented. Let us also not forget AC/DC, whose style and rock venom is truly outstanding...how could you leave out Lemmy and Angus! Maybe a special show should be made in devotion to these bands due to the BBC's lack of recognition for the true greats of Rock.
John Wright, Scotland
Wot, no AC/DC?
Jeff Heslop, Barton, North Yorkshire
I was surprised there was no mention of ACDC in your Heavy Metal programme. Their two albums "Highway to Hell" and "Back in Black" are two classics from 1979 & 1980.
Lee
yeah, bit bemused still about Van Halen and ac/dc not being mentioned. Especially Eddie Van Halen. And only Led Zeppelin getting a small slot. I appreciate that Kiss could do a great circus show, but still come on, and you got the by product of VH with rubbish like Motley Crue, poison, and WASP. they're a joke. I get the impression that some of the choices are based on who the bbc can obtain interviews from. Personally, if that was the case, who cares, just want some accuracy. PS I'm not a serious muso, I can't even play an instrument.
Azareth - Burton-Upon-Trent
for those out there complaining that Led Zepplin didn't start heavy metal, they need to shut up. Okay, their music wasn't heavy compared to loads of other bands, but the style of their riffs taken to the next level (oh, oh, he's gonna mention Sabbath) you get the roots of heavy metal. que Sabbath and deep purple. moving on, I Personally think that the BBC should do a series looking at different types of metal and its roots. you got NWOBHM fronted by legends that are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead (how could they miss them out?!) Saxon, in fact you could do two programmes on them! you got then black metal, how bands like Venom influenced some wackos in Scandinavia to really get in down dirty and grinding (heard of Gorgoroth or Dimmu Borgir?)You got Extreme thrash metal, with the big four, metallica anthrax, megadeth and , my favourite band in da world, the ulmighty Slayer.you could then advance to death metal (Cannibal Corpse, Deicide) and gore metal (early Carcass) and progression metal. you got industrial metal (turmion Katilot, Rammstein) and narly slugde metal.there's so much to experiment with and i think it would be great for the bbc to appreciate these artists and their contributions to heavy and extreme metal!
Ben Manchester
MOTORHEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!how can you not include another band from thepoterys that are as Big as anyone else as iconic as sabath ?????????
Aje, Kent
Up the Irons! the best by far
Stephen E Andrews
Many bands pioneered twin lead guitars, the defining characteristic of classic metal (Sabbath, Purple and Zeppelin were precursors and by this distinction rising above genre status).But despite the claims that both UFO and Thin Lizzy pioneered twin lead guitar before Judas Priest, it is the latter that define classic heavy metal - Lizzy were always more basically 'rock', while UFO began of course as a psychedelic band (as to an extent Priest did). But Priest nailed the label to the masthead - only AC/DC can claim to be as significant as Halford and Co as twin-guitar madmen...but there's a world of difference between the intelligence of the first four Priest albums and the basic balls of AC/DC. It was good to see JP get the respect they deserve abve AC/DC, who have been lauded by trendies who diss Priest for the last ten years...
Roy, Manchester
I enjoyed the program a lot. It's rare to see good coverage of metal on TV.My only gripe is that Slayer and the whole death metal thing (Obituary etc) weren't covered.But overall it was good.
bob cardiff
where's AC/DC!!!!!!!!
Richard, Devon
Quite a good show. Not really long enough to include all major heavy metal bands, but a good turn out nonetheless.. However to not include Slayer and Anthrax and give us 15 mins instead of Lars and James telling how great the commercial cop out "Black Album " is is just pure BBC not doing their research. Master of Puppets is a much better opus...Great also to see that they ommited Radio Friendly Cheesy Metal Pop Bands such as Bon Jovi/ Guns n Roses Whitesnake...etc.Good to see such bands as Motley Crue, Judas Priest Iron Maiden...are still touring and remaining firmly to their roots...................METAL 4EVER
Jimmy, Essex
Not a bad show, considering you only had an hour to talk about such a huge genre as metal. Although I was slightly disappointed with the lack of any mention of Dio...but still, that's a minor personal nitpick really. Good job BBC. Perhaps a Seven Ages of Metal show should be on the cards next?
marijke Belgium
I don't see how you can call this a history of rock, when AC/DC is missing, that's just lame
Jonathan, coleshill,birmingham
A lot of people think that heavy metal really started with Black sabbath whilst some think it started with Cream and that first album but I am lead to believe that Ray Davies out of the Kinks when he recorded You Really Got Me really started the ball rolling.Roger Daltery tried to copy it but all that he could come up with was I Can`t explain, It was in the line of the song Born to be wild by Steppenwalf that the term heavy metal was used.
ACDC ROCK
WHERE IS ACDC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY R A LEDGEND WHERE R THEY???
Dale Brown, Portsmouth
The obvious answer is for the Beeb to do a proper documentary series on Metal, similiar to the VH1 effort last year. Or get Sam Dunn to do a couple of programmes. That way space can be found for Led Zep, AC/DC, Venom, Van Halen and , I dunno, about a dozen other bands that either sold a lot of records or influenced the next generation. You could also find time for two things not mentioned in this programme at all: Metal is still going strong and it is worldwide in a way most other music isn't.
chris essex
at last real music getting the recognition it deserves, one problem though my video didnt record the episode properly (sob) and i missed the repeat(even bigger sob)
René, London
Why on earth did the program stop at 1992 with 15 years of great metal occuring since then !What about the proper Hardcore scene when Metal really gets into its stride and becomes truly innovative and exciting !Bands like Slayer, Pantera, Biohazard, Machine Head, Sepultura, Fear Factory, Korn, Slipknot, System of a Down, Deftones etc etc...
Heavy Metal Fan
This has been a great series (I hope there will be a dvd), However, like lozz from cheaham, I think each indivindual genre like metal should have a series to itself. Metal is not often covered on television these days because of the indie fad. It was nice to see after the program on bbc 4 there was iron maiden rock in rio. Either way good job BBC.
Stuart, Harrogate
I'm amazed at how this website has been colonised by the moaners. It is true to say that people who are positive about something rarely bother to communicate it whilst those who feel otherwise want to stand up and tell the world. Just because your favourite bands were not included, you think it acceptable to diss the programme. Why can't you celebrate the fact that a one hour documentary about the bloody awful heavy metal genre has been made? If the BBC decide, after all this carping, never to make another series about rock, then you have only yourselves to blame.
Peter, Lewisham
Steven Crayne - why don't you set up your own blog? I, for one, am, not interested in how successful you are or otherwise and I am certainly not intersted in hearing you whinge on and on and on and on about Alice Cooper. As others have said, Get Over It.
Kelv Reading England
Although very happy to see Rock and Metal back in the limelight I am still very disappointed with the program on a number of counts. The fact it only mentions around 10 bands and half of those aren't Heavy Metal (Hair metal should not even have been mentioned in this program as that is a part of the Glam rock stream i.e. Sweet, T-Rex etc.) As mentioned elsewhere to miss out Motorhead Saxon and the many other NWOBHM bands is a crime. As for Thrash metal you could have a program on it's own for this genre, no mentioned of Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and the rest.No too sure why this is seven ages of rock? The focus should be on genre, such as Rock, Heavy Rock, Thrash, Speed, Doom, Metal, NU-Metal and the rest. Nice try BBC but not quite there. I remember ITV doing much the same as this a few years back but it was 10 times better.I also disagree with some comments on this posting board.Led Zep may have 'invented' Heavy Rock but Sabbath sound nothing like them. Led Zep did not invent heavy metal, nor did Sabbath. But Sabbath were they key for the genre to 'kick off'. Judas Priest essentially created Heavy Metal, i.e. it's leather and denim fashion.
Gavin, Alkmaar, the Low Countries ...
It should be obvious to anyone that an accurate history of Metal would be a huge undertaking spanning many hours as a documentary. And therefore it should also be appreciated that the makers took their particular view of history and started to make a program. Now, history is a debatable subject. I can only say that if you missed a band then maybe it's time that you made your own documentary ... I like the program loads. Please do this more often.
Conor, Dundee
great seein this episode here and we actually gettin some media attention, but a few complaints that are all too common from media.1 why the hell does the timeline end at 1991??? or did u not notice the download festival was, once again, a huge success?2 bands tht sold out like metallica should not be mentioned, as it's a genre of principals, none shown better thn iron maiden, good to c them on but they have never needed media attention and never will.Also ozzy is over the hill and where is some tracks from newer bands?
G.Clarke,Reading,Berkshire
I totally agree with John from Metalland where the HELL are AC/DC,Motorhead,Twisted Sister, I could go on & on sort it out for the fans of the legendary rock legends
chris shepherd bridgend wales
Im not surprised the beeb left out Zeppelin. Why should the british media make an effort now, when they totally derided the Zep from their debut through to the bitter end. Thats why they left for the USA, to be appreciated. Led Zeppelin are the finest rock act that ever was, and the media in this country still cant see it after all these years!!!!
lawrence cragg burnley lancs
why can't you just put the full video's on this site for all your licence payers to watch when its convenient to do so, the internet what a novell idea.
Mandi, Cardiff
Great programme about Heavy Metal BBC, but there was no mention of "Appetite For Destruction" by Guns N Roses. It's one of the biggest selling and most influential rock albums ever. And what happened to AC/DC?
Bob ,Hull
Led Zeppelin should have been on the first programme as they took rock music out of the 60's and into the 70's, and the others followed. Why wasn't Hawkwind mentioned on program 2.
lozz cheaham
i think that the full story of metal the bbc would have had to do a full series
Dave, Ealing
Oi not so smart Alec of London!You wanna get over yourself calling Alice Cooper a has been (not that he is) misses the point. This was supposed to be a history of rock and to leave him out of the segment on theatrical rock makes the BBC look silly and you a silly little boy!
Warwick Holby,Brentwood,Essex
No Slayer ?
Phil W, Oxfordshire
A great show, particularly the bits on Purple and Sabbath. Shame you didn't follow that 'thread' to discuss the massively underated Ronnie James Dio and Rainbow. Also, a crime to include Motely Crue while ignoring Guns 'n' Roses. Will Def Leppard and Bon Jovi appear in the stadium rock edition I wonder ? And then of course there's Nirvana.....I'm assuming they will at least get a mention ! And yes, what about AC/DC and Motorhead......! (P.S. Queen sold out a few concerts as well...)
Irelie from Gloucestershire
i love this series particular the episoce on Heavy metal as this is my preferred genre of music and i deffinaly think there should be a bbc series souly on heavy metal as there are meny different aspects to the genre
ryan, ireland
no one deserves to be in this program more than metallica. they were real heavy metal and to say that they were fonies is just pathetic. they were the true kings of heavy metal. listen to their first four albums. astounding. nu metal sucks ass and always will. long live metallica!
Mike, London
Tut tut, no mention of "You really got me" being the first ever Heavy Metal riff back in 1964.
Metal Fan
Metallica arn't the only Thrash metal band in the world, nobody else even got an influence, even the creators of the genre: Overkill.Power Metal? Death Metal? Black Metal? Please?
Andy, West London
This series, which began so well with the Hendrix and Art Rock programmes, has now started to seriously disappoint. No Iggy Pop & The Stooges or The Stranglers in the Punk programme. Now no AC/DC, Motorhead or Thin Lizzy! Ok I've never thought of AC/DC as a heavy metal band, more heavy rock, but the same can be said of Deep Purple. That said their influence is far too great for them to omitted from a programme about Heavy Metal. Ditto Motorhead and Lizzy. Led Zep will be in the next episode but should've had a mention here as co-founders of the genre alongside Sabbath and Purple. To make out that Motley Crue were founders of a new phenomenom called 'Hair Rock' is proposterous to say the least, when Kiss were doing the same years before and were much better to boot. Even the presenter said that they "looked good but were crap" when she first saw them. So why include them ahead of the much more talented Guns 'N' Roses and Aerosmith for example. You even showed a clip of Poison!!??!!??! Sorry but this episode was definitely poorly researched.
Stuart, Harrogate
Oh Gawd .. these comments are SOOO tedious. Just because your favorite rock band is not featured (ACDC) you all see this as an opportunity to air long held grievances. I thought this film was great in that it told the story about our music - it wasn't just about box ticking, with a misguided mission to make sure all the favourites were included. You obviously prefer those things on channel 5 - Top 100 Metal Bands. And as for John Barrett in Waterford, Ireland - you gotta admire his cheek. He doesn't even pay a license fee and yet feels qualified to have a good old moan. When Irish television starts making series of a similar nature - which we here in Blighty get to see for nothing - let me know!
Martin, Bromley
Forget the Sweet and Slade, where were Mott the Hoople, Free and Bad Company?P.S. As Ian Hunter is currently touring again, possibly with Mick Ralphs, how about BBC Four (TV not radio) covering a gig or at least airing a documentary about Ian and his influence on so many others. "Down in the City, just Hoople and Me"
Tom Rafferty, Glasgow
Another poor show, badly researched. One of the talking heads in the program asserted that Judas Priest invented twin lead guitars for heavy metal. Thin Lizzy can lay a far better claim to that. Who picks these nitwits ? Why is this kind of ill-thought-out tosh broadcast as if it was fact ?
The Cat's Mother, London
Your poor old lot, you! You really should get out more. I'm assuming most of you are over the age of consent because you like some of these dinosaurs, but one could be forgiven for thinking otherwise on reading the adolescent whingeing. If the programme makers had included all the people you wanted, the show would have just been a list. I thought it was very representational - although I did miss Led Zep, but they're in the Stadium programme so that's alright. Get over yourselves!
Allie, London
Before yet another person comments, Led Zeppelin feature in NEXT WEEKS episode!!
Dom, Bolton
AC/DC hate the label of "heavy metal" band, they are pure rock 'n' roll, but their omission from a show titled "the 7 ages of ROCK" is absurd. And no led zeppelin? in either the blues rock or heavy metal episodes?
kev the dog , bucks
could be here all day and all night ripping apart this attempt to cover 'heavy metal' such as who should be there and who most certainly shouldn't however I have to say how can you cover Iron Maiden and not mention Eddie!?Eddie sells more records/magazines/books when he's on the cover and not the band....Please BBC cover the term 'heavy metal' correctly....Sharron Osbourne still sucks!
Greg, Brighton.
The Seven Ages of Rock eh... more like the seven bands that you could get to appear. Ozzy would turn up for the opening of an envelope these days so it's no surprise that Sabbath got such a big slot. To not even mention two of the biggest selling acts of all time (that'll be Led Zeppelin and AC/DC for you kids that put together TV shows these days) nicely sums up the rather askewed revisionist history that we're being presented with in this series.It's pretty obvious watching these kinds of shows that they're put together by people who basically don't know what they're talking about and have little interest in the subject matter ('Media Studies' graduates anyone?)... but hey, that criticism could be made off all TV these days.
H Whittaker, Isle of Man
What a fantastic film, refreshingly original and a genuine insight into some new information (at last). The researchers have certainly excelled themselves. Congrats on the uber high profile interviews, James Hetfield is still worth drooling over. Some of these viewers need to understand that a time limit is imposed here and unfortunately you could only include the bare essentials. Bravo! Loved it!
Chris in Reading UK
Great program, but no mention of rocks most hated /controversial guy, how about you do a feature on Ted Nugent, a wizard with a guitar if not a somewhat misguided nut, that would be worth a look into.
Alan, Glasgow
WHERE.THE. HELL. ARE. AEROSMITH. IN. THIS. SERIES? Not only have they influenced more or less every hard rock/heavy metal band that ever existed, they have also influenced bands such as Run DMC, REM and Nirvana and have the respect of all of their peers. Furthermore, they have sold more records and got up to more rock n roll shenanigans than most artists featured on this blinkered series... as well as making one of the finest comebacks ever... Once again we have the music critics view of rock history. Maybe the BBC are goin to do an Aerosmith documentary? That would be a series in itself!?!?
Roy Jordan, Curitba, Brazil
It really was a shame that bands like AC?DC and Led Zep were ignored, and some of the smaller British bands of the time. I also felt that Paul Di'Anno got a bit of a rough ride in this episode, obviously somebody is a Dick fan! Still, it was great to see this on the BBC. More please
tommy lee, los angeles
I've just sat through this bilge. No Led Zep. If the BBC did the 7 ages of pop, would they miss out the Beatles? I hope its a licensing or legal issue. If not, the production team is a bunch of idiots.
Alex, Derby
It focuses alot on the American hair metal scene of the 80's, Give some light on Motorhead, Bathory, Venom, Manowar, Celtic Frost, Kreator for example from europeGood stuff about the British Heavy Metal though
Sam Denzey, Somewhere where bands can't be noticed
Quality show loved the sabbath and metalica but dudes!!ACDC, Pantera, LED ZEPP!!!what where you thinking.also you have 7 show on "rock"None of the seem to give slipknot a look in. You can't miss out an entire genre and one of rocks great bands just to make the tittle of your series sound betterstill a great series none the less
Mark , Stevenage
Was this a jolly to the states?Nearly all US Metal is Stadium rock! Where are Motorhead, and UK/AUS AC/DC?Utter rubbish...not watching again...disgrace to journalism..listen to your researchers next time!!!
Ben Manchester
Motorhead !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!im sorry but heavy metal and no mr Ace of Spades ????????????? where was the master ? Lemmy how can you not have a big write up on him ????????????????????? HOW WHY ?
Mike, Edinburgh
to not mention motorhead but give Motley Crue way too much exposure is a joke. Judas Priest got too much credit too, although at least Iron Maiden got mentioned so that's a plus.
Eddie,Ireland
A lot of this series has been patchy and far from complete so far. But the ignoring of Motorhead in a programme about heavy metal is ludicrous.
FJ, Isle of Wight
Great stuff, especially Metallica. Would have like to see more Motorhead and less Motley Crue, but you can't have everything I suppose.Nice to see a sensible programme on the greatest musical genre of them all. How about a series devoted to metal? or is that asking too much?
Robin, London
DUUUUUDE METAL ROCKS!!!!!!! *Sets self on Fire*
Teresa, Surrey
To David from Hitchin, Why are you watching the programme if you dont like it. We are not all sad people and we even look normal. Not everyone is the same and we do not all like the same music. It would be a sad world if we did. We have produced some of the best groups in heavy metal and these same groups are talented and have been going for years and are still touring. I have followed the heavy metal scene for over 30 years and dont intend to stop now.
Bill, London
I don't know where you got the idea that Metallica were a Thrash band? They used elements of Thrash but you should have focused on Slayer; considering Slayer in their early days played Priest covers, it would have followed on nicely.As for the show in general, I know it only runs for an hour but you can't make a programme about Heavy Metal and not mention the influence of iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Motorhead, rather than concentrating on Ozzy Osbourne's post Sabbath career. By all means mention it but not to the exclusion of everything else.I don't mean to be harsh but it's obvious that this programme was made by someone who doesn't know their subject matter.
George Percival
wat about guns n roses??????????
tom, somerset
just a comment to gwen to let you know the pathetic excuse for music produced by led zeppelin isnt metal so obviously wouldnt be in this programme. And franz ferdinand? do me a favour, not in the same league as the like of maiden or priest, if ac dc dont even get in the programme obviously that bunch of clowns wont.
Mike, Emporia, Kansas
Bloody hell! No Motorhead. Shame on you!
Kapileswar, Leeds, UK
Wastage of watching this program... unless giving proper recognition to the Legends in Rock history.. like Led Zep, ACDC..
sean locke, norwich
no ac/dc, no guns + roses, no motorhead and no connection of what they are creating or doing in greneral today in the rock world. is the BBC going to make a 2nd series to show what they missed out?
Mikey D
This show is great, I am disappointed that you've missed some of the biggest names out as has been mentioned by everyone else, but the bands you are covering are instrumental parts of ROCK and the show is great.I'm gutted you've missed out S.O.D. and Anthrax just to add to the list
Rob, Stafford
Heavy metal leaves me cold most of the time, but at its best in a decent heavy rock disco (Did anyone ever go to The Highwayman?) its a bloody good laugh. And because it has such a big fan base it did deserve a programme to itself. A few comments - one glaring omission was The Kinks who invented the basic Metal song structure - Bill Ward was the worst drummer ever (I remember being at the Birmingham Odeon when the power failed and his attempt at an impromptu drum solo while they sorted it out was pure comedy) - all so called Led Zep fans who think they were "Metal" need to go and listen to some Robert Johnson and Janis Joplin - Motley Crue should not be mentioned in any programme supposedly about decent music anywhere anytime.
Bill, London
No Motorhead? U don' t get it.
Bill, London
How can you have an episode on Metal and not include Slayer. They've done more for Thrash Metal than Metallica; Metallica sold out Slayer never have.
Mr Lix, Liverpool
Thank god for Tom from Sheffield: but for him this list would read as an incessant stream of glam-fan whinge-slaps. Alice Cooper is no more 'heavy' than David Bowie. And, of course, AC/DC aren't metal. The big 3 are Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer ... IN THAT ORDER. And the whole documentary should start at the hub of this unholy triumvirate: DAVE MUSTAINE. In fact, to avoid further insulting misrepresentations (and to put L'Arse Ulrich in his place!) just get Dave to present it.
Phil, Ipswich
Quick summary of all comments after having seen the show tongiht.- Its only an hour long!! cant do all the damn rock/metal genres.- yes ACDC are the greatest- Ozzy - dont doubt his contribution- Led Zep, where they really metal ?- Agree with some BBC could do a "27 genres of Metal" series- BBC does know metal , anybody remember the Elvira hosted "Heavy Metal Heaven" in 1989!! i do.- We all know about the popular metal bands like the gunners and jovi but I didnt know Halford was gay...
Rich, Glasgow
I can understand the time constraints this programme had been under but trying to cover the entire metal genre in one show was never going to work. Simply to leave metal with Metallica in 1992 with their worst album to date, (with much worse to come!) was bizarre. I'm not a big fan but no mention of Guns n Roses? Nothing about the rise of Norwegian black metal? Not even a postscript about Reign In Blood?
Mister Al
I've just watched this programme. Unlike one or two other posters here, I understand that trying to cover the multitude of bands and sub-genres involved in nearly 40 years of this style of music in just one hour will require some ruthless omissions.Therefore, focusing solely one of the pioneering bands from each main area of metal was a good idea (which means that Guns N' Roses, massive as they were, probably don't warrant a mention -- they weren't THAT different from what had gone before). I've no problem with NWOBHM being represented solely by Iron Maiden, thrash being solely respresented by Metallica, and so on. But how come Mötley Crüe got chosen ahead of Van Halen to represent Glam? Eddie Van Halen virtually invented that style of guitar playing, whilst David Lee Roth was the ultimate showman. And they'd released four albums before the Crüe had even started their career!
Dougie MacIntosh
You say Priest "invented" the twin guitar sound? I believe that honour goes to Wishbone Ash follolwed by Thin Lizzy. No Mention of Motorhead AC/DC or Led Zeppelin, not exactly an accurate portrait of metal. And to infer Sabbath dissappeared after Ozzy left does not do justice to the band or R J Dio who replaced Ozzy
Jeremy Livitt, Bristol, UK
Well congratulations for the first time a mainstream programme has attempted something like this. For far too long, this genre has been either ignored or derided and ridiculed by the snobbish, trendy, pretentious music world. It has never before got the credit it deserved.Certainly, there is no way in an hour they can do everything - however, I do feel we should have seen the likes of Motorhead and AC/DC as major influences.

Motorhead have had a big influence on speed and thrash metal. Lots of bands cite them as a very big factor in inspiring them. Similarly, AC/DC have been a big influence on many bands - especially many US bands. They were one of the major groups of the early 80s -- not just in record sales but selling out venues and inspiring those who wanted to get into this form of music.I don't know who these idiots are on here who are saying that AC/DC are not heavy metal. I don't know what planet you are from but you are 180 degrees off base. They are most definitely heavy metal and regarded as such by everyone at the time they made the big time.I think the omission of Led Zeppellin is controversial but has some reasoning behind it. They were not heavy metal themselves but rather inspired and influenced bands who became HM - however, they definitely do not see themselves as metal and I presume would not take kindly to suggestions on a programme like this that they were.

All in all, it's by no means perfect and a couple of serious omissions - but a decent effort to describe a long-ignored genre of music. Now we need to see a few more of these types of programmes. We've had enough programmes about punk to sink a battleship - it's time to redress the balance.
Grace Mackin, Sheffield
It was a very good documentary about the career of Black Sabbath and Ozzy. Pity it was *supposed* to be about heavy metal in general.....
Colin - Cumbria
No mention that Metallic were inspired because of Motorhead. No mention of the impact Guns N Roses had on 80's metal. One hour is too short for all of these programmes to properly chart the history of each genre. Having said that Ive loved every minute of every show so far.
Paul, Oxford
Obviously, the history of metal cannot be told in one programme.Some choice cuts though-WELL DONE BBC.Really enjoyed the early 80's Metallica.
Calum Bennett, Aberdeen
I enjoyed tonight's programme, but was sad to see a distinct lack of Led Zep. Fair enough, they'll be on next week, but they really were one of the first heavy metal bands. However, I loved seeing a lot of the footage of Sabbath and Maiden.
Dale Brown, Portsmouth.
I've just watched the programme and it was ...OK. Trying to shoehorn a genre nearly 40 years old into 60 minutes was never going to work perfectly. I thought it covered most of the important points. (Sabbath, Priest, NWOBHM, Glam Metal, Thrash) if sketchily. The biggest gripe I have is that it didn't really adress the issue of why people listen to this stuff in the first place. Incidentally, I notice that Charles Shar Murray was conspicuous by his absence this time around. Couldn't be bothered, eh? Lastly, there's been a couple of people on here asking why Judas Priest were featured. It's very simple, kiddies: Without Priest Metal would not exist as we know it.
Jo, Buxton, Derbyshire
Great programme, brought back a lot of memories. So what if it didn't include all the many bands of the different eras, at least Heavy Rock actually got some airplay and you would need several hours to feature all the great bands over the decades.
smith, birmingham
great to see a series on rock on the tv, but its infuriating you've got things so mixed up. motley crue????????!!!! how could you not mention slayer, motorhead and aerosmith, and what about guns n roses?!?!?!?!
Henryk Szuplak, West Hapsted, London
''Never say die'' was absolutely superb. Something like my own sentimental trip to the times of my high school, leather jackets and East German motorbikes (ha,ha). Huge respect to The Maidens, as they were one of very few western bands croossing the iron curtain in 80's. Have seen them live 21 years ago and still remember everything...So, release DVD, and I'll be the first in a cue.Good job.Henryk Szuplak (Polish)
paul. worcester
great show on heavy metal but how on earth did you omit ac/dc who influenced tons of bands, shame.
Hugh, Shrewsbury
Felt I had to add my second two penneth... Thoroughly enjoyed tonights programme, but so much left out; this genre together with all the sub genres could have filled two, three or even four programmes, even a part 1 and 2 could have been able to do this aspect more justice. With the inclusion of both Black Sabbath and Judas Priest coming from Birmingham, what happened to Magnum, who are still touring? The ommision of Motorhead and Lemmy (incl. Hawkwind) was criminal, they took the volume of stage performance to a new level, don't know if their decibel level has ever been surpassed... Also what happened to AC/DC?

Then there was the omission of Kraut Rock - Scorpions, Helloween and Accept, both formidable bands during the eighties. How can Motley Crue be discussed at such length without mentioning Kiss? I saw Metallica totally murder Diamond Head's 'Am I Evil' at Donnington in 1984 - they just couldn't play it and as for the guitar solo it was a joke - and yet they were hailed as the new Messiahs, it wasn't until 'The Black Album' that they justified their status. So if Heavy Metal has managed to last the ages why then hasn't it been brought up to date? It is still out there and as big as it ever was, indeed, it has continued to diversify and shift, it is quite happily entering it's 5th decade!! What about Speed Metal? Double speed bass drumming? Rhapsody, Luca Turilli? Yngwie Malmsteen? Stratavarius? Sonata Arctica? Etc. Etc. Shame on you BBC for culling such a huge potential and only providing us with a snippet of what should have been discussed...
Dan London
I missed the beginning first half of the show, so I can't verify this. But I suspect that as usual when the British portray this era, they completely bypass the most important band of them all - Kiss. No other band made so many kids want to join a rock-group during the seventies.
Phil Howell, Cardiff
Absolutely right, in your comments at the start of your piece. Where were AC/DC?Not surprising that one of the most influential and biggest selling bands of all time, should be overlooked (again).Thing is they (AC/DC) probably prefer it that way."Ain't no legend, ain't no cause.............."See if Jools Holland can get them on Later when they eventually get round to playing live again?Cos it ain't no fun (waiting round for a new album).
Rhodri, Bath
Blimey. Loads of comments already and mostly about missed bands. To be honest there was no way Metal as a genre would fit into an hour long program but well done to the BBC for atleast opening everyones eye's to it (although scheduling this particular show at the same time as the Download festival was a bit silly).Anyone remember the last line of the commentry? - something along the lines of "all other music goes through scenes but metal is here to stay". Said it all really - it's never that popular but it's always there.
Michael, Sunderland
The programme failed to point out how metallica stole a lot of their material from dave mustaine...
BF, Dublin
Very disappointed by this documentary. It began well with an interesting and fairly concise look at Sabbath, Purple & Priest, but then spent far too much time unnecessarily focusing on Ozzy Osbourne's comeback (good 'ol Shaz, we can't get enough of her, what?), hair metal and Metallica. Yes, Metallica were important, but do they deserve the whole last 15 minutes of the doc? Was there no time for even passing mentions of AC/DC, Celtic Frost, Napalm Death, GnR, Rage Against the Machine, the dire nu-metal scene? From my perspective this doc was poorly executed.
Cert, London
Why stop at 1991 when there's a decade and a half of heavy metal since then - most with more significance than Motley Crue.Why start with Black Sabbath instead of Blue Cheer or the Kinks - who probably invented the riff as we know it?What about the bands that Sabbath got their ideas from - e.g. Traffic, Pretty Things, Spooky Tooth et al?The omission of Motorhead is unforgivable too - Motley Crue and their ilk are important to mention because of the popularity they brought to metal, but not worthy of such a long slot - especially when most of it concentrated on their habits of transvestisicm and drug overload (yawn).More early Priest would have been nice - including "Exciter", the first ever thrash song, and mentioning that the song "Better by You Better Than Me which led 2 kids to commit suicide was actually written by Spooky Tooth in 1968.Otherwise, solid on the absolute basics - you could run an entire series on Heavy metal...You'll need a good historian of the genre, of course... :o)
Bert, Belgium
I can understand it is impossible to have every metal legend in your serie but how can you can you even DARE to call motley crue metal? There were a lot more interesting things to tell. This really is a missed opportunity...
darren palmer newmarket england
what no ac/dc and they put motley crue and wasp in it bout time somebody had a word
Steven, Scotland
No AC/DC, Motorhead or Van Halen? 3 of the most influential bands of this era and u dont even give them one little mention? What a joke.
Derek
I cannot believe Aerosmith has been omitted.
Steve Jarrett, Kingswood
Great program. Enjoyable. Except missed a whole era and I really mean AC/DC. Who were bigger than them in the mid 70s to early 80s. As Brits, them being Aussie is no excuse. They were the biggest band of the era by a long way.There are loads of others, but as much as I love them all, missing the biggest selling band of the era is inexcusable.
Lukas, Hilversum (Netherlands)
just watched it and it is nice to see and hear where the music came from that I listen to on a daily basis. You know how it went but to see it all in perspective is, in my opinion, always cool. The only thing that gets me thinking is all those other great bands that were part of that era who left their marks also all over the place though never got the bigger then life / origin status. Thank god the so far the title has not been proven wrong, it still lives :)
j-p from broadstairs
great serie but how can you talk up j priest when they they were only just a support act for acdc; the biggest ever heavy metal act..still nowadays!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rory Lynch, London
Damn!! I missed this episode.. the one i really wanted to see! i saw the end with metallica playing enter sandman over the credits... =[ looked like it was good! >=[
the doggs
why no ac /dc ?they are the greatest band ever
Steve, Swansea
Great programme! Been looking forward to the heavy metal episode since it began. Seems in the write up that Metallica get more airtime than Iron Maiden, always seems to be the way. So undeserved.Up the Irons
ross curtis newcastle
guns n roses?
Patrick Clancy, Liverpool
Metallica took metal back to it's roots?
Davdi Douglas
Missing Alice Cooper!Queen! Kiss! Rainbow! Dio!Journey!Styx!Twisted Sister!Whitesnake!Rush!Only Priest stand out from the line up on this programme....
Steve, Liverpool
I undersand that an hour isn't a long time when your dealing with a music genre that has been around for 40 years but there are some bands that you just can't miss out. The fact that Zeppelin and AC/DC don't get a mention is verging on the criminal. I Know that Hard Rock/Metal fans are obsessed anaracks, but we love our music and are very knowledgeable. On a more possitive note at least the BBC try to give us something a little different, so keep up the good work.
Gary, Cheltenham
Lets face it, heavy metal is the most successful music of all time, a fantastic series, shame the youngsters have lost their way a little, they need to learn from the masters and rekindle music for the masses and not for themsleves.
Berserker, Oxford
What .. no Motorhead !! And what about Lizzy. I can't believe you can make a programme like this and leave these two very influential bands out of it. Quite amazing !
Steven Crayn, London
Alec of London, have you nothing relevant to say?. I was told I wasn't in a position to criticise this series by someone simply because they thought my music was second rate and unsuccessful. I'm not here to boast, but for the record, my stuff has been heard all over the world and you don't get a rock song picked up for a massive ad campaign featuring the worlds most famous supermodel and paid money, if you are second rate and unsuccessful! You claim to work in publishing yet you can't even spell my name right! You also claim Alice Cooper is a has-been that no one else is interested in, despite plenty of people expressing the view on here that he should have been featured,so you can't read either! The fact that he is embarking on a massive world tour with a new album to follow and the BBC are broadcasting his 'Welcome To My Nightmare' film soon (probably because of all the complaints!) shows us what a fool you are! So keep your comments relevant and get your facts right! Any idiot can come on here and slag off someone without making a valid point. I've been insulted and praised by professionals alike, so don't give up your day job!
The Hairdrier, London
It seems a bit of an oversight to miss out the bands who brought Metal into the mainstream:Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and possibly Aerosmith.Also, where are Lizzy, Motorhead and AC/DC!
Gareth, Oxford
Yet again, Led Zep are overlooked, although I suspect Page, Plant & Jones like it that way. Why were Black Sabbath inducted into the UK R&R Hall of Fame before Zep!!! British music critics and producers haven't got a clue.
Julian, Manchester
AC/DC? Come on! I can't believe Judas Priest (ugh) are in here and no AC/DC. And no Angus!
David Cotton, Sevenoaks, Kent
Motley Crue were never seen as heavy metal. They are glam rock pure and simple, a poor imitation of KISS, and they havent influenced anybody.I would love to know why there is no mention of Guns N Roses, who for a while were quite simply the biggest and most important band on the planet. How can you have a rock documentary series without mention them?
Dan, London
I'm glad that, for once, this is a documentary on metal that does not include nu-metal such as slipknot and korn, and also omits metalcore, as those genres are both looked down on by most fans of the genre.
Andy, London
The punk show mentioned Iggy once, citing the 'godfather of punk' label but not playing any Stooges tunes (apart from the Pistols doing No Fun). I guess these are big topics for 1 hour shows...
Samantha Taylor, Cramlington, Northumberland
I feel I have to express my disappointment at AC\DC missing from the programme. As a teenager it was AC\DC that introduced me to heavy metal and now my 15 year old son and his friends are listening to them. Bryan Johnson who took over from Bon Scott hails from just a few miles from me and I always remember a concert at Newcastle City Hall when he stopped singing high voltage to let the audience know that the toon had scored. I have to agree with the other posters and say I feel you have not covered the topic well at all there are many bands not featured who influenced a whole generation of heavy rockers.
Sion - Anglsey
Surley Led Zepplelin should have featured! Probably the best Rock band in the World! And British.
Peejay, Reading
I'm afraid this series is yet another case of the Beeb re-writing history - people who evidently know very little about the subject giving us their interpretation. So, best thing to do is ignore the silly commentary and just concentrate on what music there is, even though so much has been ignored and omitted.
zabiddee
Very poor - no AC/DC or Motorhead. Thin Lizzy?The research for this series is rubbish.
J B, Leeds, West Yorkshire
BBC i salute you with the sign \m/ i am very impressed that a tv station finally has answered the prayers of rock and metal fans and based the programme on the birth of it all.And what a first episode jimmy hendrix legends.lets see more programmes like this on different genres not just the whole thing. like a documentary series based on 70's, 80's thrash, 80's hair, 90's thrash and the nu metal of todays decade.JP.S i have copyrighted this idea so i want a share of the cash if you do it ha ha ha ha ha only joking
Duffmeister
No AC/DC? One of the biggest selling bands of off all time regardless of genre! ...and yet you include Motley Crue!What about Van Halen, Def Leppard and the NWOBHM scene. This line up reads like someone having a regression trip into their own favourites without thinking of who the key 'scene' contribuors were. Who really needs to listen to an outspoken drummer (Ulrich). What a misinformed program this is going to be!
Neil Collier, Dorset
It would seem that a seperate program was need for hard rock and especially UK acts that made there way with influences of Zep, Deep Purple, through Rainbow, Whitesnake, Sabbath etc, then to US with UFO, KISS etc. These band led the middle ground which rock bands now spawn from.
Zilly, Oxford
This looks great but how can you run a programme like this and totally ignore the influence that Motorhead have had, especially in the late 70's and eary 80's. Don't forget 'No sleep 'til Hammersmith' went straight to number one in 1981. They still deliver a unique live experience and are more popular than ever.
G Henderson Scotland
There is no doubt in my mind that Motorhead should have been given a mention as they were critical in linking the diminishing punk scheme and the rise of NWOBHM. Motorhead certainly flew the flag of heavy metal from around 1979-1981. Metallica proved to be the phoneys they really are. I quote Napster: They symbolised corporate rock at it worst! The complete antithesis of Nirvana.
Sean, Oxford
A prorgamme like this with no AC DC? Pointless.
ZOSO 1978
To not include Guns n Roses in this series is frankly ludicrous. Possibly the last truly great rock and roll band. Amazing lead guitarist, charismatic lead singer, every album was superb and more sex drugs and rock and roll than you could shake a stick at. Judas Priest? Give me a break, they had one or two half decent, and I mean half decent tracks.This episode should have been Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zep,Iron Maiden, Metallica and Guns N Roses,
CRAIG K, NORTHANTS
Yet another documentary focusing on the origins of Metal with Priest and Sabbath from mighty blighty, but no Zeppelin !! However, it was America who really cherished this genre and took it to the next level and made it what it has become. Bands such as Kiss and Crue glammed it up and took it across the world and helped to make it the phenomena that it is, but us Brits are loyal folk and are nostalgic too and I feel that it is us fans who have helped to keep the flame alive by still cherishing its true origins here and the great bands that made it. Keep it loud, keep it heavy and keep it British !! And don't forget the Monsters of Rock and Download festivals are still helping the fans to see the best in the business year after year. Nice try Beeb, but to do it justice the whole series could have been about Metal rather than Rock (which touches upon almost every type of music genre if truth be known).
Amar.M London
Why no guns n roses, one of the best bands in the 80s-90s period! Awesome guitar solos and vocals!also were are aerosmith and AC/DC, artic monkeys could nt hold a candle compared to these bands
Amar.M London England
Why no Guns N Roses, They were awesome guitar and vocals! I demand an answer!Also were are aerosmith and AC/DC, Artic monkeys could nt hold a candle next to these 3
Steve Stubbs,Barnsley
Cant wait to see the show.In my opinion ACDC and Zep arnt Metal.They do have influences however its bands such as Judas Priest,Maiden and Metallica which are the true metal bands.Its good to see these are featured.
Alec, London
Steven Crayne - who told you that you were a writer of "first rate rock music". I work in music publishing and I've never heard of you. So you might write it but I suspect no-one gets to hear out outside of the confines of your bedist. And who are you to say what the job of the BBC is? You don't even pay a licence fee! I think it might be their job to make stuff that entertains a broad range of people, not some tragic individual with an obsession for some has-been artist that no-one, other than you, appears to be interested in! As someone else on this forum said ... get over it!
isaac woods, Hull, England
okay people, AC/DC and Led Zep aren't really metal bands are they? I guess this program is about actual heavy metal, not the bands which inspired it. Anyway, a one hour program has to make compromises over what bands it chooses, and if you don't like at least two of the bands featured, can't really call yourself a metal fan can you, eh?
sven. Birmingham
The beeb were right to leave out acdc. Although a great band they are not metal. Same goes for led zep
john barrett,waterford ireland
oh come on,hendrix gets his own episode,sgt pepper gets 5 mins,the punk one had no take on where the punk attitude started ie. jim morrison,now there is no AC/DC or guns n roses come on!! the bbc are renowned for their great musical documentaries but you've let us down badly this time,not with the potrayal of the content....just the content itself
Dave, Essex
Good series but poor decision to omit Zeppelin and AC/DC. We know not all bands can be featured. We know it's not just about album sales, we know it's an hour long programme and we know they both might not be even be classified as Heavy Metal, etc, etc, BUT these two bands were SUCH major forces on the way this genre developed and so many bands cite them as influences that to omit their reference in an historical look at the way the genre developed borders on criminal.
Craig, St. Albans
I am a huge metal fan and love everything from Black Sabbath through NWOBHM band like Miaden and up to modern metal masters like Lamb of God and Meshuggah. I know it is mentioned that there is too much to tell in the story of metal but there is definately one major part of it that is missing. Nu Metal. While this is not the greatest form of the genre I love it has to be mentioned as it made metal cool again in the late 90's and early 00's. Also, Pantera - the world's greatest ever heavy metal band don't get a mention. This is criminal.
Michael, Hull, UK
Whilst Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple are two of my favourite bands, I don't think either of them come under the banner of Heavy Metal. To me they're both hard rock bands. As many others have said, how a "definitive" history of heavy metal does not mention Motorhead or AC/DC is to be approached with caution!
Rick, Essex
No Motorhead No Ac/dc No Dio....you cant just leave them out of a series about heavy metal bands ....Thats like doing a series on the Royal family and not including the queen in the series....someone has got this episode all wrong GREAT SHAME because the other episodes are excellent
Tom Sheffield
Seems a bit dissapointing that you have made a documentary on glam metal not heavy metal. There are some of the right early influences there i.e. sabbath, priest and madien but from the mid eighties actual heavy metal took off. Metal is not a subgenre of rock and bands such as slayer, sepultura, exodus, venom, death, megadeth, kreator, anthrax, morbid angel, mayhem, napalm death and celtic frost were the real first wave of bands that is what is considered heavy metal in the modern environment. These bands show what is wrong with the idea that metal died out in the early 90s as this is when most of the massive range of subgenres around today became widespread. As the introduction states itself metal is still completely misunderstood.
Russ, Warrington
My only regret for this program is that there's no Van halen..but really, there's not much that you can do in an hour, they should have made the programs longer then they could have included more bands..
Paul, Scotland
You cannot do a feature on Heavy Metal without featuring AC/DC and Motorhead - it ain't possible.......and you can't include Deep Purple without also including Led Zep......shame on you BBC!
Gareth, London
Motley Crue? Please.......... and what about all the bands that came after Metallica?
Peter, Woking
Where is queen, right said fred, village people, sissor sisters...
Steve, MK
To Peter, Woking...Are you an old batchelor..??Your alone on the AC/DC front.
nikki, London
Missing out Led Zeppelin is a massive oversight and typical of this country where they never seem to get the recognition they deserve. Perhaps the makers of this show should research a little deeper than watching the Osbournes....
Robbo , North west
The legendary Diamond Head get a mention!! Pity it's only on this mailbox rather than the prog. The prog looks poorer for the lack of Zep, UFO and what about Girl a band 20 years ahead of their time?
Paul Addison, Nuneaton
There's no point moaning about Led Zeppelin as they are in the next episode on stadium rock which seems a fair compromise. Alice Cooper should have ben included as he set the standard for theatrical rock and should have been in episode 2. AC/DC for many reasons - as an alternative to punk and as an Australian/Scottish rock band that survived the death of its lead singer.Still its about time we had a genuine rock series. Lets hope there will be more of them
Paul Round, Dublin
Much as I love Cream and Led Zeppelin and recognise that their music was the inspiration and springboard for the great metal acts to come, they are not and would not consider them to be heavy metal. Similarly AC/DC are arguably the best heavy rock band on the planet but again not metal! Black Sabbath and Deep Purple started real heavy metal as we know it and Judas Priest and Metallica (again undisputably real metal) took the baton and ran with it into the 80s. Iron Maiden were at the forefront of the NWOBHM and deserve to be on the programme, while Motley Crue - whether you like them or not - were the original and best American hair metal band of the 80s, a genre which - whether you like it or not - is fully justified in getting a mention. After 1991 all the distinctions become blurred and anyway, in a programme which is only 60 minutes long, I think it is right to spend a worthwhile length of time on a few truly significant number of acts rather than water down what should be an informative documentary just for the sake of mentioning some more of the many, many possible contributors to the greatest of all music genres.
Paul Round, Dublin
I await with great anticipation your programme on the greatest of all the rock genres - metal. Judging by the previous three episodes in the series, it should be informative and entertaining and break the mould of the ususual metal documentary, which almost invariably sets out to mock and ridicule. Long live rock 'n' roll!
Steven Crayn, London
Pleased to be proven wrong and see in last nights punk episode Alice Cooper's 'I'm Eighteen' playing as John Lydon spoke of his influence.Still doesn't excuse his omission in the Art Rock show which focused on Theatrical Rock and left out the pioneer and master of the genre, plus the number of metal bands Cooper has influenced is worthy of a mention.Just ask Guns n Roses & Megadeth, but of course you didn't did you Anna!And as for the womens libber-Jonah of Somerset saying my attitude is sexist, have you had a sense of humour bypass? BBC producers are there to be shot at if they get it wrong, regardless of their gender. I'd make Anna a cup of tea anytime but they wouldn't let me through the door as I haven't paid my licence fee yet!
keith virgin, Devon
ANOTHER documentary once again AC/DC ignored, now i know they maybe not classed as "metal" nearer the raw energy of punk!!!!but most "metal" bands state AC/DC as an influence,how can you ignore a band that travelled from Australia to make the U.K. its base in '76 while the punk revoluton was in its heyday, and kicked its ass.
Tom, Redditch
the problem is that there are so many sub-devisions of metal, thrash, death, speed, industrial etc. it is impossible to cover them all in one single program so the bbc have decided to cover some of the more mainstream bands so that people other than complete metal fans will watch it, to accuratly describe heavy metal you would need a 30 show series or more
Joel, Epsom
To all the people wandering where zeppelin are, they arein stadium rock. although i'm sad to say i havent a clue where motorhead, ac/dc, and guns and roses are going. :(
Dingo, London
How on earth can you make a film about this era without AC/DC? Lazy production?
El, London
Without Led Zeppelin this programme is pointless. It's like focusing on the Renaissance period and missing out Leonardo da Vinci. Total rubbish.
heyworth leicestershire
Echoing a few others comments , where in this series does Led Zeppelin and Ac/Dc fit? Are they country and western outfits?
Amar m England, LOndon
Come just listen to some guns n roses, one of the best bands ever and there not here. I wonder y artic monkeys are there but no Guns n roses, aerosmith or AC/DC. takes the piss.
Tim South Wales
Did Lemmy not want to take part?
Haggis Heid, Guess Where?
Your selection is quite pathetic because you miss out Motorhead and also a whole plethera of NWOBHM bands!Gimme a break!
Steven Crayn, London
Alec of London, it is the BBC's job to get their facts right!Just look at the number of complaints on these pages and along with Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper's name appears more than any other, so it's not just me that knows the Beeb got it wrong.Cooper was the pioneer and is still the master of theatrical rock. He also had a big influence on the Punk and Metal scene, just ask John Lydon and Bruce Dickinson. The fact you and the BBC filmakers can't see that say's it all really.Shame as the BBC can still make great programmes like 'Life On Mars' and Simon Scharma's 'History Of Britain', but Seven Ages Of Rock is not one of them.
David Edinburgh
I want to agree with you and say "where are AC/DC?", if not in this film then in one of them. Whilst their timescale and style do not fit easily with any one of the programmes surely they deserve at least a mention somewhere? Whilst I do not think Back in Black was their best album it is the 5th highest selling album in the USA ever and yet no mention in any one of the 7 ages?
Steven Crayn, London
Hey Ellen Van Rage, of Cardiff, thanks for the free publicity!I've been insulted by professionals mate! and as the writer of first rate rock music, I can criticise the BBC who have made a real error in this series by leaving out Alice Cooper.
Mike , Amsterdam
I miss Bad News in the preview.
Peter, Woking
To Rod from Barnstable and all the other who say where are ACDC - this is not a film about who sold the most records... ok!? It's a film of 60 minutes, that's all. Bear that in mind will you? How can you expect a fil of that duration, geared toward a mainstream audience, not diehard metal fans, to cover ALL the bands listed in these messages - from Twisted Sister to Diamondhead to the Scorpians. Get real will you! You want yet another list show ehre we spend 2 mins with each act? And for a start Led Zeppelin hate being linked with heavy metal - is it worth supposing that they tried to get Zep in but were refused? Ever consider that? And as for ACDC, a superb band, yes, but they hardly pushed the envelope did they? A great, blues based rock band for sure, one of the best, but they did not change the look or sound of metal compared to Sabbath, Priest or even Iron Maiden. Whether you like Maiden or not they did sum up and represent a moment that is being investigated ie, NWOBHM. As for referring to Wikipedia as a research tool, come on... please don't use that as the font of all knowledge. If we were going on sales alone then there'd be a whole film on The Eagles or even Nana Mouskouri, who has sold more than ACDC - OK??!!
Jonah, Somerset
Thing is maybe the BBC approached these people and they didn't want to take part?? Rock stars can be an indifferent bunch of egotistical idiots eh? Eddie Van Halen..I heard he was poorly anyway and David Lee Roth, Lemmy..well he hates talking about the ol'days preferring to tout his latest offering..Led Zeppelin hate being associated with heavy Metal so maybe that's why they're not featured?? I for one am still looking forward to it. Steven Crayn do sexists like you still exist? Wow..how quaint. I'm guessing you're still making the tea somewhere..sad
Grasshopper, London
If any of you had bothered to read the director's notes you might not be wasting your time shouting about why (insert name of your favourite band here) isn't mentioned. There just isn't enough time to cover everything in one hour, unless you'd just like 15 seconds on each band. Doh. And as Petula rightly says, Led Zeppelin aren't really a metal band; metal at its purest has nothing to do with the blues, and essentially Zep were (in their early days at least) a blues band.
Butch, Newport
Never mind about Led Zeppelin check out Lez Zeppelin...far more entertaining in my opinion! As for AC/DC - that's music for pimply schoolboys isn't it?
Jane, Abergavenny
I can't wait to see this programme! I've been a metaller for 20 years and it's gonna make my week. Nice to see the "halcyon years" being covered and all my favourite bands [not Motley] but all the rest. :)
David, Hitchin
If I had my way, metal wouldn't be featured in this series at all. It is a ridiculous music played by even more ridiculous musicians. Did anyone see that Harvey Goldsmith programme recently where he tried to help some aged metal band (Saxon?) to revive their tired old act. In typical - stuck in a time warp fashion - the band refused to take his advice. These metal bands are truly a lost cause. Just take a look at they way they look now. Someone should put them out of their misery. And as for the fans. Just take a look at the comments in this page. Really, really sad. I can just imagine what you all look like. Tragic. Stop moaning and be grateful that the BBC are making a programme catering to all you sad, sad people.
Angharad, Crumlin
You bunch of moany ol' whingers. I think this looks set to be brilliant!! Thing is you could never fit every metal band into an hour anyway could you - coz there's MILLIONS! I'm just glad we've got something. Thanks BBC. Am setting my recorder...see you at Download!
Alec, London
STEVEN CRAYN - you need to get over yourself! I see you have left an enormous rant on one of the other pages bemoaning the fact that Alice Cooper is not featured in this series. If you are so passionate about Alice Cooper, why don't you make your own programme? Not that anyone would necessarily want to watch it. Alice Cooper had their moment but they are hardly that influential in the great scheme of things. Move on!!!!
Ellen Van Rage, Cardiff
Steven Crayn? You mean THE Steven Crayn..the one in the ad with Kate Moss, the one Steven Crayn who writes less than successful second rate "rock music"...are you really in a position to criticise??
Kevin, Bucks
Can you do a REAL programme covering heavy metal.??Apart from the obvious missing legends in this genre that have been mentioned (some omissions are totally unbelievable... AC/DC, Motorhead!!! ???? unreal!), how about including..UFO/Scorpions, Quiet Riot, KISS, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Diamondhead....
Rupert, Devizes, UK
No Zep because they wouldn't let BBC play footage maybe?
Steve, Hertfordshire
I can't believe you include Motley Crue and not Van Halen who are the original party band of that era and by far more influential. AC/DC is a huge oversight too, so is Led Zep. I can see the connection between the great british heavy metal scene and their influence on Metallica but to omit the amazing bands i've mentioned above is a crime
The D.O.G., Bucks
Agree with fellow metalheads here... missing loads of 'significant' influences in Heavy Metal! A few others, not yet mentioned, that i'd like to chuck into the melting pot are...Aerosmith, UFO/Scorpions, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Faith No More.... BAD NEWS!How about a programme just for metal, covering metal!!!!
Doreen, Daventry
Come on Gwyn in North Wales! Give it a chance. How can you make judgements about the programme when it hasn't yet aired? Metalheads constantly moan about their music being ignored and marginalised and yet here we have - finally - a big doc on mainstream TV that celebrates the genre. I, for one, can't wait. And I'll reserve judgement about whether they've got it right or wrong until I've seen it. And as for all the moaning about ACDC? So what if they sold millions of records. It's doesn't make them interesting.
Steven Crayn, London
Anna,Go back to making the Tea for the other deluded producers at your failing public information broadcasting relic.3 weeks running and no mention of Alice Cooper; the originator of Theatrical Rock,the original punk and, with albums like 'Killer' and the blood and gore that followed, the heaviest of acts you can get.You are all a complete joke, and I won't be paying my licence fee!
steve, coventry
Can I mention RAINBOW? Surely the best rock band that helped "start" the rock movement, certainly one of the original "Greats" and along with LED ZEP, and ACDC, probably still amongst the very best. So why aren't they on this program?
mike clarkson
To end the history of metal with Metallica is as short-sighted/ignorant as not properly exploring its origins. A missed opportunity.
jesus jerusalem
metallica are the best
russell. Hull
ac/dc are not a metal band and would not deserve to go in this catagory. They are a chesey rock band how were school uniforms
Hamish
Motorhead? Guns? Zep? Lizzy? And Master of Puppets is better than the Black album
The Metal Head Show, England
Where are ACDC?
Frasier Crane
I have to say, the missing out of Led Zeppelin for this entire program is ridiculous. It is a pity that Roxy Music were seen as being fit to be included, and yet the 300 million album selling Led Zeppelin were left out. Perhaps it is yet again an example of the critical reaction to their music, and also because they never released a single. Neither of these things should have left out what were the band who were bigger than Sabbath or Deep Purple in influencing Heavy Metal.
Andy Quantick Liskeard, Cornwall
Not a mention of rocks greatest band, AC/DC. Bon Scott, rocks most influential singer of that time and Angus Young, the best guitarist since Jimi Hendrix. AC/DC's live performances were and still are, absolutely first class rock 'n' roll with brilliant solo performances from Angus. I don't know anyone who can play a guitar so excellently whilst headbanging and throwing himself around the stage. Brian Johnson was the only man at the time of Bon's death to have taken over the singing role and although his style is different to Bon's, AC/DC still have the best rock singer since Bon, with the best band behind him. So, why haven't they been mentioned, absolute rock 'n 'roll blasphemy!!
Cameron, Inverness
Well, about time the Beeb finally acknowledge heavy metal, though I certainly don't like the fact that we stop dead in 1991. Heavy metal is still going from strength to strength, with some of the most unique and original recording artists around performing in the genre, such as groups like Ulver and Sigh. It is long overdue a degree of respect from modern media, rather than just being brushed under the carpet like an embarassing cousin.
Geoff,Harrison,Mansfield
7 years of rock, I was born in 1972 and used to rock music. I have a variety of music taste but their was no mention of my favourite groups such as Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Sweet, Slade, Def Leppard ect. I feel this is supposed to be a history lesson in music more so to the younger generation than the people who actually lived through these eras. How are they to gain knowledge when you miss out most of the best groups mentioned that started it all off. This is just typical of the BBC just look at top of the pops when that was broadcast.
Alex, Rotterdam Netherlands
What about Led Zeppelin!!??.
Peter, Devon
yeh, you've missed out loads !! What about Slayer, Sepultura...... the list goes on. But then I supose the program would go on for hours :) just no more Metalica PLEASE. Great band, but a little to much of them on this sort of program.
Petula, Basingstoke
Led Zep a heavy metal band? I don't think so. Robert Plant would keel over if he heard his former band described as heavy metal. I'm soooo looking forward to this programme if only to see what these metal dweeks look like 20 years on. How much do you bet they ain't cut their hair? And y'all know they should!
julian london
The bbc has made a big blunder with this part of seven ages of rock How led zep are not featured is astonishing.Its like having a show about the tory party in the 80's without featuring thatcher. Sorry but it does not work.I take it the bbc were refused to allow led zep to be mentioned.Crazy,absolutely crazy. Tell me please,who had and is voted still today as the best song ever realeased.I will leave you to ponder over that one.
Charlie, Wales
How can you possibly justify omitting Led zeppelin from this series? It’s almost laughable. You wouldn’t create a documentary about the Bible and fail to mention God.
Danny,Manchester
where the hell is AC/DC ?
james, stoke
where are zeppelin in this programme? i'm tired of British media refusing to accept zeppelin as the great and awesome band that they were. i have friends from the states who tell me that the two big names in music over there are the beatles and zep. I find it an insult that people can include queen in the same sentence as zeppelin.
Simon, Kirkcaldy
Which just goes to show that as soon as you mention metal, it's not so much a programme you need, it's a whole other series in its own right. This whole genre of music is so huge in its own right it's another culture altogether. And to think it was less than 20 years ago that Radio 1 axed the Friday Rock Show and didn't broadcast Monsters of Rock at Donington because it was a minority music form! That same gnre of music now needs a 3 day festival (Download). But it's a minority isn't it?
peter , holland
i think Led Zeppelin & AC/DC were 2 of the most influential rock groups around and leaving them out is a sin!!
Rod, Barnstaple, Devon
Have the makers of this programme any idea of 'heavy metal'? Did they pick these groups out of a hat, perhaps? Just a 2 minute visit to Wikipedia's website would tell us just who are the 'greatest'. AC/DC have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, including more than 68 million albums in the U.S. Back in Black has sold 42 million units worldwide, including 21 million in the U.S., making it the second-highest-selling album ever internationally, and the biggest-selling album by any band. THESE FIGURES CAN ONLY BE DREAMED OF BY THE REST. Metallica has sold merely 90 million albums worldwide, including only 57 million albums the US. Iron Maiden sold only 70 million albums world-wide. Motley Crue sold a paltry 41 million albums worldwide and 24 million records in the US. Judas Priest has sold only 35 million albums globally. As a solo artist, Ozzy Osbourne has sold a meager 30 million albums in the US and 75 million albums worldwide. Even Sabbath, despite named the no.1 band on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists have only 15 million US sales and 70 million worldwide. The true kings are, though, with sales of 200-300 million worldwide, are Led Zeppelin.AC/DC are ranked fourth on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, behind Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Jimi Hendrix. They rank above Metallica (5), Ozzy Osbourne (18), Deep Purple (22), Judas Priest (23), Iron Maiden (24) and Mötley Crüe (29). THEREFORE, TO OMIT SUCH ROCK ICONS FROM A LIST CONTAINING CAMPSTERS MOTLEY CRUE IS CRIMINAL!
Kelly, Ireland.
I completely disagree with Motley being included, otherwise great selection, these bands are probably the greatest of all metal bands. Major mistake leavin out AC/DC though. By the way Richie, Bon Jovi aren't remotely metal, and to just disregard Metallica like that is pathetic, they are one of the all time greats. Its about the music, not Lars' huge ego.
Steve, Birmingham
Kudos for covering Black Sabbath and Metallica and not Guns n Roses, Motley Crue or Bon Jovi as metal.Its a shame to see though that (according to the timeline) you don't think anything significant happened in metal between 1983 and 1991, which if you ask any serious metal fan (hessian, metalhead) was something of a renaissance period for the genre. How can a documentary of metal fail to note SLAYER?I'm also disappointed to see that the extremely important death/black metal counter-movement (1990-1996) has seemingly gone completely unnoticed after it made international headlines for its spree of violence, murders, and arsons as well as making massive strides in musical developments. (google 'death black metal')Nevertheless, can't wait for this!It'd be great if the bbc made a follow up documentary on the complete story of metal and I'm sure it'd be really popular.
Dan, West Bromwich
Finally a televison program has given importance to Rock in general. Since 7 ages of rock is going on now, how about '4 decades of Metal' being the next documentary series to be shown on BBc. Agree or disagree?
Sean, Bolton, Uk
There is no history of rock that doesn't include AC/DC.
Pete, Cradley Heath, West Midlands
Got to agree with a lot of the comments submitted. Why are Led Zep not part of this programme?
Jimbo, Chingford
AC/DC anyone? Whats going on here?!
Tom, London
I agree with Simon...What about Led Zep??? Ahem... Black Sabbath owe a lot to them. They created the hard rock sound which lead to Metal, they also introduced it to the world, all others trailed in their wake. So where are they??? ... Motley Crue?...give me a break
Richie, The Steel City
Sorry? You have missed out so many major acts that this is going to be woeful. AC/DC, Motorhead, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, etc. should all be there to help tell the story. Then you add in Metallica and likes of Lars Ulrich, this is going to be such a skewed vision of the greatest and most enduring genre in music. Sad really.
james wilson
great choice of music. glad iron maiden is in there.
Alex T, Elham
Where's Guns N' Roses? I thought they were in this era
Mark, Holloway
Where's the poodle rock majesty of Guns N Roses?? but then again, best not go there...
Helen, Middlesbrough
I'm glad Metallica are mentioned in this programme they are never mentioned on the terrestrial TV, I can't afford digital. I think they are a good band, going to see them live in July I can't wait!!!! (my first gig)
METAL!!!!!
awesome that something metal is going on the TV although i dont really agree with metallica lol. they should of gone abit more into it as well maybe with some thrash metal or death metal instead of just doing the heavy/speed thing although i cant wait to see judas priest on there!
Simon Jones
Sounds good but sorry don't see how you could do this programme without covering ACDC ????
Marc, manchester
thank god youve put the crue in here there like the all time greatest glam metal bands, true geinus! keep up the good work
Steev, England
what happene guys, this is an ok prog but one of the biggest influences on the likes of U2 or Bon Jovi and a whole host of bands like Def Leppard, Iron Maiden or The Darkness, who's live gigs blew Queen off the stage and sold out wherever they played.... THIN LIZZY........ not even a mention....... your programme seven ages of rock is less with out them
claire cumbria
cant believe eddie van halen not mentioned as like hendrix before him he revelutionised guitar playing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gabriel Neale from harpenden
yes, metal is certainly not dead!!!! ( by the way why isnt it carried on on the timeline all the way to now?) + well said about the linking park thing!!
chris flockhart, Edinburgh
Where are Saxon, Motorhead and Dio?
Mike, Shoreham by Sea
Intersting looking series. Really looking forward to it. I've been a HM/HR fan for nearly 30 years, but where is AC/DC? The worlds greatest rock band don't even get a menton? Back in Black is still one one the all time biggest selling rock albums ever, that alone should have had a nod. And where's Lemmy? He makes Lars look like a fairy. Get with it.
Raja Vidya
The fundamental mistake of including Heavy Metal in a history of Rock music is that Heavy Metal is not a sub-genre of Rock music. It shares only the Rock format and, as such, this documentary is only going to be able to look at Heavy Metal as a different expression within the Rock music instrumental set-up, and miss the key ideas and ideals of the genre. Add this to the long list of journalistic attempts to penetrate a music that, at its core, is far outside of society.
Simon, Brighton
Does anyone know why Led Zep weren't on this programme?
KP, London
I have to say, though, "why no AC/DC?" One of the biggest, most influential bands of the last 30 years didn't warrant at least a mention? Or are they not "metal" enough, but couldn't fit in anywhere else? I was looking forward to this series, but now I'm not going to bother: I cannot trust the quality of such an enterprise with such obvious omissions!
Gordon, North Lincs
err, has anyone at the BBC heard of Motorhead????
Dave,Shrewsbury
As has been said well done for playing this particular episode on the same weekend as the Download festival were 80,000 potential viewers of this episode will be sat watching Maiden,Motley Crue etc perform live........... schedule it for the weekend after and your ratings may go up.
Dale Brown Portsmouth
About time too. During the late 70s through to the early90s Metal sold a lot of records, inspired a lot of people to pick up guitars and probably kept MTV in business. . Despite this pretty much every music history I've ever seen and read treats it as a footnote. Hopefully the programme will also point out that Metal is still very much alive and kicking.
John McCenroe, Metalland
YOU CAN NOT BE SERIOUS! You omit Motorhead and AC/DC but include Motley Crue - what a joke!
Tony Goodman
I am not inspired by this. You are not displaying a deep enough undersatnding of where 'heavy metal' came from. Cream were the first to explore the genre, although Led Zeppelin were the first real 'heavy' band. It always amazes me how little recognition they seem to get when programmes like this are made. To not have them featured at all in this film is unbelievable. The bands you are featuring were sporned by Leed Zeppelin. This shows ignorance of the massive contribution they made. OK they feature in the stadium film but stil as supporting players to lesser bands!
Gwyn, North Wales
I fail to see how a series focusing on the 7 ages of rock can take itself seriously when it fails to focus on one of the world's most succesful and influential bands, Led Zeppelin! Franz Ferdinand? Do me a favour!
Geoff Boycott
How can you have 3 motley poo songs and yet no Motorhead or Pantera!What a complete load of bollocks.Still I'm waiting with baited breath to hear the most tedious man in rock Lars Ulrich being interviewed.
Peter, Wales
Is this series not going out in HD?
Phil, London
Oh, well done BBC - you've scheduled this on the same day as the Download Festival!! Still, maybe they'll play it on the big screens ... then when Linkin Park come on, we can all go see a rockumentary about Maiden instead :)
Juan Carlos Vintanelli, Torreón, Coahuila, México
What a great idea!!!, I have been a heavy metal fan for as long as 23 years, and specially the british heavy metal, by far away the best in the world. There is no other country with such a collection of inspired bands. BRAVO!

Seven ages of rock - a history of rock music over the past 50 years

Metallica live - 1984

Video Title

Date

More videos

Never Say Die - Heavy Metal 1970-1991

Artist Videos

Featured Tracks

Fans' Photos

Have Your Say


7 Ages of Rock Programmes Blues-based Rock Art Rock Punk Heavy Metal Stadium Rock Alternative Rock Indie Artists Events Embeddable Video

	Contact Us Like this page? Send it to a friend!

Seven ages of rock - a history of rock music over the past 50 years

Metallica live - 1984

Video Title

Date

More videos

Never Say Die - Heavy Metal 1970-1991

Featured Events

Artist Videos

Featured Tracks

Featured Artists

Fans' Photos

Have Your Say