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1979 in heavy metal music

This is a timeline documenting the events of heavy metal in the year 1979.

Bands formed

Bands disbanded

Events

In the May issue of Sounds magazine, music journalist Geoff Barton wrote about the emerging scene at the Bandwagon Rock Club in Kingsbury, North London. It was in this article that the term "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" was first introduced, coined by Sounds editor Alan Lewis.
Black Sabbath parted ways with lead singer Ozzy Osbourne due to his persistent drug abuse issues. He was replaced by Ronnie James Dio.
Tensions within Aerosmith reached a boiling point when lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry engaged in a heated confrontation after a show in Cleveland, leading Perry to depart from the band.
Dennis Stratton joined Iron Maiden as the second guitarist, while Clive Burr took over drumming duties, replacing Doug Sampson.
Guitarist Michael Schenker departed from Scorpions, and Matthias Jabs was brought in as his permanent replacement.

Deaths

February 2 Ã¢ÂÂ John Simon Ritchie, better known by his stage name Sid Vicious, former bassist of Sex Pistols, died from a drug overdose at the age of 21.
March 22 Ã¢ÂÂ Clayborn Pinkins, founding member and bassist of Black Death, was murdered by gunshot at the age of 25.
June 21 Ã¢ÂÂ Angus William MacLise, original drummer of The Velvet Underground, died from hypoglycemia and pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 41.

Albums

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

Unknown release date

References