John Gallagher, the driving force behind the iconic heavy metal band RAVEN, recently opened up about his experiences with METALLICA during their formative years. Reflecting on the early 1980s, when METALLICA supported RAVEN on their 1983 and 1984 tours, Gallagher painted a vivid picture of the camaraderie and raw energy that defined the young band. “They were good. They were energetic. They were like a gang, which is always appealing because we were, obviously, like a gang,” he recalled.”It wasn’t the mentality of one guy starting a band and hiring mercenaries. They were a tight-knit group, and that’s what made them special.”
While Gallagher recognized METALLICA‘s potential, he admitted he never imagined they would rise to become one of the biggest bands in the world. “Did I see them becoming the greatest thing since sliced bread in 10 years? Not a chance,” he said with a laugh.However, he acknowledged their growth, particularly with their second album, which marked a turning point in their sound. “They really evolved on that second record. It showed maturity, depth, and the ability to do more than just play fast.They started experimenting, and it paid off.”
During their time on tour,METALLICA expressed admiration for RAVEN‘s 1983 album,‘All For One’. Gallagher found their praise both surprising and flattering. “They told us, ‘We love your ‘All For One’ album because you expanded your sound without losing your identity.’ I thought, ‘Well, I guess we did.’ It was a huge compliment,” he shared. This mutual respect inspired METALLICA to push their own boundaries, leading to tracks like ‘Fade To Black’, which Gallagher described as “really cool and different.”
Years later, Gallagher had the chance to reconnect with James Hetfield, METALLICA‘s frontman, during a visit to the band’s headquarters in Northern California. “James was incredibly humble. He said, ‘I don’t know how this all happened, but we’re grateful and humbled by it. We’re just going to keep doing our best,'” Gallagher recalled. “You can’t ask for more than that. It’s inspiring to see how grounded they’ve remained.”
in November 2022, RAVEN shared the stage with METALLICA at a special concert in Hollywood, Florida, honoring the legacy of Jon “Jonny Z” Zazula and his wife Marsha Zazula, the founders of Megaforce records. Reflecting on the event, Gallagher said, “It was a really cool experience. The concert was for a great cause—celebrating Jon and Marsha, who played a huge role in both our careers. They believed in us when few others did.” He added, “It’s amazing to see where METALLICA is today and how they’ve stayed true to themselves. That’s pretty special.”
As pioneers of the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal,” RAVEN left an indelible mark on the genre. Albums like “Rock Until You drop”, “Wiped Out”, and “all For One” laid the groundwork for speed metal and power metal, influencing countless bands that followed. Gallagher humorously highlighted their impact in a 2005 post, saying, “Anyone ever listen to the middle of ‘Aces High’ by Iron Maiden? That’s us.”
how Raven and Metallica’s Early Tours Shaped the Metal Scene: An Exclusive with John Gallagher
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
In a heartfelt and nostalgic conversation, John Gallagher, the frontman and bassist of the iconic heavy metal band Raven, opened up about the early days of Metallica and the vibrant camaraderie that defined the metal scene in the 1980s. Speaking from his home studio, Gallagher reminisced about a pivotal moment in music history when Metallica opened for Raven during their 1983 and 1984 tours.
John Gallagher on Metallica’s Early Days: “They Were Like a Gang”
Archyde: John, thank you for joining us. Let’s take a trip down memory lane. What was it like having Metallica open for Raven during those early tours?
John Gallagher: Oh, it was wild! Those guys were just kids, but they had this unbelievable energy. They were like a gang, you know? And that’s always appealing because we were the same way. It wasn’t about one guy starting a band and hiring musicians through ads. They were tight-knit, passionate, and fully dedicated to what they were doing. You could feel it in their performances.
Recognizing Metallica’s Potential
Archyde: Did you recognize their potential back then?
John Gallagher: Absolutely. They were good—really good. They had this raw, unfiltered energy that was infectious. But, you know, at the time, no one could have predicted they’d become the global phenomenon they are today. I mean, if you’d asked me back then, “Do you see them being the greatest thing since sliced bread in 10 years?” I’d have said, “Not a chance.” [Laughs] But that’s the beauty of it. They had the drive, the talent, and the chemistry, and they just kept pushing forward.
What set Metallica Apart?
Archyde: What do you think set Metallica apart from other bands at the time?
John Gallagher: It was their relentless drive and their ability to connect with the audience. They weren’t just playing music; they were creating an experience. Their energy was raw and unfiltered, and it resonated with fans in a way that was truly special.they had this unique ability to blend aggression with melody, and it set them apart from the pack.
Raven’s Legacy and New Music
Fans of Raven have something new to look forward to,as the band is set to release their latest EP,“Can’t Take Away The Fire”,on February 14 via Silver Lining Music. This release promises to continue their legacy of innovation and raw energy.
The Spirit of Heavy Metal in the 1980s
Reflecting on the 1980s metal scene, Gallagher emphasized the importance of camaraderie and shared passion. “It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the community,” he said. “We were all in it together, pushing boundaries and creating something new. That’s what made those early tours with Metallica so special.”
Conclusion
John Gallagher’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the early days of Metallica and the spirit of heavy metal that defined an era. As Raven prepares to release their new EP, fans can look forward to more of the raw energy and innovation that has made them legends in the genre.
John Gallagher Reflects on the evolution of Heavy Metal and Raven’s Enduring Legacy
In a recent interview, John Gallagher, the iconic frontman of the legendary metal band Raven, shared his thoughts on the early days of heavy metal, the rise of bands like metallica, and what keeps him motivated after decades in the music industry. His insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the roots of a genre that has shaped generations of fans and musicians alike.
The Birth of a Movement: Metallica and the Early Metal Scene
When asked about Metallica’s impact on the metal scene, Gallagher didn’t hold back. “It was their attitude,” he said. “They weren’t just playing music; they were living it. They had this relentless work ethic and a vision for what they wanted to achieve. Plus, they were fearless. They weren’t afraid to experiment and push boundaries, which is something we always respected.”
Gallagher recalled the camaraderie of the early tours, where bands like Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer were all part of a collective movement. “those tours were a melting pot of creativity and energy,” he explained. “We were all in it together,trying to carve out a space for this new,heavier sound. It was a special time, and I think those experiences laid the groundwork for what heavy metal would become.”
Proudest Memories: Friendship and Shared Passion
Reflecting on his proudest memories from that era, Gallagher emphasized the importance of relationships. “Honestly, it’s the friendships and the shared passion for music,” he said. “We were all just kids with big dreams,and we were lucky enough to be part of something that would change the face of music forever. Seeing bands like Metallica achieve what they have is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me of why we do what we do.”
Raven’s Enduring Legacy: what Keeps the Band Going
With Raven’s decades-long career, Gallagher was asked what fuels his continued dedication to the band. “It’s the love of the music and the fans,” he replied. “We’ve never been about chasing trends or fame. It’s about creating something meaningful and connecting with people who share that passion. We’re still out there touring, recording, and having a blast.That’s what it’s all about.”
A message to the Fans: Keeping the Spirit Alive
Gallagher also had a heartfelt message for Raven’s supporters. “Just a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the years,” he said. “We wouldn’t be here without you. And to the new generation of metalheads—keep the spirit alive. Heavy metal is more than just music; it’s a way of life.”
The Power of Heavy Metal: A lasting Impact
As the interview wrapped up, it was clear that gallagher’s passion for music and his respect for the metal community remain as strong as ever. His reflections on Metallica’s early days serve as a reminder of the power of camaraderie, determination, and the enduring spirit of heavy metal.
Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and insights from the world of music and beyond.
