Thin Lizzy: Ireland’s Hard Rock Pioneers and Storytellers Thin Lizzy. Formation and Early Years Thin Lizzy was formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969 by bassist and vocalist Phil Lynott, the band’s charismatic frontman and principal songwriter. The original lineup also included: Phil Lynott was notable not only for his talent but also as one of…
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Voices of Harmony and Protest Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I. Origins: A Supergroup is Born Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) formed in 1968 when: …joined forces after bonding over intricate harmonies, folk-rock roots, and progressive social ideals. Their blend of American and British styles, along with distinctive songwriting, made…
Elton John: Rocket Man of Pop, Glam, and Timeless Songcraft Elton John. Early Life and Career Beginnings Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. A child prodigy, he learned piano by ear at age four and earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at age…
Duran Duran: New Romantic Icons with Sonic and Visual Impact I. Formation and Early Years Duran Duran was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978 by: Despite the shared surname, the Taylors are not related. The band took their name from “Dr. Durand Durand,” a character from the cult sci-fi film Barbarella. Emerging from the New…
Nine Inch Nails: Industrial Rock’s Visionary Force Nine Inch Nails. Origins: The Birth of a One-Man Machine Nine Inch Nails (NIN) was founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and visionary artist from Mercer, Pennsylvania. At the time, Reznor was working as a janitor and engineer at a recording studio in Cleveland, Ohio….
Blue Öyster Cult: Architects of Intelligent Hard Rock and Occult Mystique Blue Öyster Cult. From Soft White Underbelly to Rock Legend The story of Blue Öyster Cult is one of transformation, experimentation, and endurance. Formed in Long Island, New York, in the late 1960s, they began as a psychedelic-leaning group called Soft White Underbelly, but…
Children of Bodom: Finland’s Melodic Death Metal Titans Children of Bodom. Formation and Early Years Children of Bodom was formed in 1993 in Espoo, Finland, by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Alexi Laiho, alongside bassist Henkka Seppälä, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, keyboardist Janet “Janne” Wirman, and rhythm guitarist Alexander Kuoppala. Originally named Inearthed, the band changed their name…
Tom Waits: The Growling Bard of the American Underbelly Tom Waits. Early Life and Influences Born: December 7, 1949 – Pomona, California, USAFull name: Thomas Alan Waits Tom Waits grew up in working-class Southern California, steeped in the music of Frank Sinatra, Howlin’ Wolf, Bob Dylan, and the Beat poets. He worked odd jobs, rode…
Megadeth: Precision, Power, and the Politics of Thrash Megadeth. Formation and Origins Formed: 1983Origin: Los Angeles, California, USAFounder: Dave Mustaine – vocals, guitar, songwriter Dave Mustaine founded Megadeth shortly after being fired from Metallica due to substance issues and personal conflict. Fueled by rage and a desire to outdo his former band, Mustaine vowed to…
Guns N’ Roses: The Last Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaws Guns N’ Roses. Formation and Origins Guns N’ Roses (GNR) was formed in Los Angeles in 1985, combining members from two bands: Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns. Guns N’ Roses. Classic lineup: Their name came from merging the names of their previous groups — and…
