Forty-four years ago today, one of the greatest heavy metal guitarists in history died when a prank turned fatal.

Metallica’s first gig took place on this day, March 14, 1982, at Radio City in Anaheim, California. Hetfield took on vocals for the performance, along with newly recruited members Dave Mustaine on ...

As Metallica et al broke through, Kreator, Sodom and Destruction were forging an even harder sound. They recall gigs in coalmines, sessions in steelworks – and boozing with Slayer ...

From missed millions to botched tours, discover how the pioneers of thrash metal were also the unluckiest band in rock history ...