Ruthless Metal: 1979


						THE YEAR IN REVIEW: 1979

1979, The year when the dam burst according to Saxon and their song 'Denim and Leather' from 1981. 1979 was the year when the New Wave of British Heavy Metal became a thing and a term that was used to describe this new wave of British heavy metal bands that were taking the world with storm.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
1979

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FORMED

Europe
Exodus
Crimson Glory
Grim Reaper
Savatage (as Avatar)

DISBANDED

The Runaways

LINEUP CHANGES

Dennis Stratton joined Iron Maiden as the second guitarist, while Clive Burr took over
drumming duties, replacing Doug Sampson.

Black Sabbath parted ways with lead singer Ozzy Osbourne due to his persistent drug
abuse issues. He was replaced by Ronnie James Dio.

Guitarist Michael Schenker departed from Scorpions, and Matthias Jabs was brought in as
his permanent replacement.

Guitarist Joe Perry departs from Aerosmith after an argument with vocalist Steven Tyler.

Randy Rhoads left Quiet Riot to join Ozzy Osbourne's new solo band.

IMPORTANT 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.

IN MEMORIAM

Sid Vicious (Sex Pistols)
Clayborn Pinkins (Black Death)

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