Bon Scott, lead singer of AC/DC, dies at 33 on February 19 after a binge of heavy drinking.
October: Iron Maiden comp guitarist Dennis Stratton leaves and is replaced by Adrian Smith.
John Bonham, drummer for Led Zeppelin, dies at 32 on September 25, after a binge of heavy drinking. His death was similar to Bon Scott's, and caused Led Zeppelin to disband.
April: Brian Johnson joins AC/DC replacing Bon Scott as lead singer.
Sounds Music Paper Editor Dave Lewis, invents the term New Wave Of British Heavy Metal to accompany an article Geoff Barton wrote on three young British Heavy Metal bands touring together, namely Samson, Iron Maiden and Angelwitch.
Preceded by1979
Heavy Metal Timeline 1980
Succeeded by1981