This web-page list people who have played an important role in the evolution of rock music as musician, producer, sound engineer, mastering engineer, artwork artist, photographer or just by hanging around.
Dan Johnson - Producer and sound engineer has succesfully produced and engineered heavy metal music during the 1980s. Some of the band he has worked with include Coroner, Crimson Glory, Death, Mad Max, Savatage.
Dan Lilker (full-name: Daniel A. Lilker) - a highly influential figure in the heavy metal and underground music scenes, known primarily for his work as a bassist and founding member of several prominent bands. Born in 1964 in New York, Lilker began playing music as a teenager and formed his first band, Overkill , in 1980.
In the years that followed, Lilker played with a number of other bands, including Anthrax , Stormtroopers of Death , and Brutal Truth, and became known for his aggressive and innovative bass playing style. He also became a prominent figure in the underground metal community, both as a musician and as a producer and engineer.
Throughout his career, Lilker has pushed the boundaries of what is considered heavy metal, incorporating elements of punk, hardcore, and experimental music into his work. He has been praised for his technical ability as well as his willingness to experiment and take risks with his music.
In addition to his work in music, Lilker is also a vocal advocate for animal rights and has been involved in various animal welfare organizations. He is known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial views on a range of issues, including politics and the music industry.
Overall, Dan Lilker is a highly respected and influential musician who has had a significant impact on the heavy metal and underground music scenes. His innovative approach to bass playing and his willingness to experiment and push boundaries have made him a revered figure among fans and fellow musicians alike.
has performed includes: Anthrax (USA), Blurring (Band), Brutal Truth, Crab Society, Crucifist, Evil Wrath, Exit-13, Extra Hot Sauce, Hemlock, Holy Moses (Germany), Human Garbage, Last Satanic Dance, Malformed Earthborn, Nokturnal Hellstorm, notS.O.D. Fist Banging Maniacs, Nuclear Assault (USA), NunFuckRitual, Overlord Exterminator, Redrum, S.O.D. Stormtroopers Of Death (USA), Sick of It All, Stormtroopers of Beer, The Ravenous, United Forces, Venomous Concept, White Heat (BEL).
Dan Spitz ( full-name: Daniel Alan Spitz ) is an American musician and Heavy Metal watch-maker. Spitz started his musical career in 1981 as guitarist in the American Thrash Metal band Overkill. He left Overkill in 1983 to join Anthrax as lead guitarist. Spitz performed in Anthrax mainly from 1983 until 1995. After 1995 he started to developed himself into mechanical watchmaker and has won several awards for this.
Daniel "Lapin" Lapp, (Bass) - founding member of the French Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band: Sortilège
Darren Cook used the pseudo "D.C. Rage" while playing bass with the Atomkraft band. Darren Cook is the brother of Ged Wolf.
Darryl Johnston was founder of the "Ebony Records" company and has been producing several dozen heavy metal (NWOBHM ) albums between 1982 and 1987. Bands he has worked with are Chateaux, Grim Reaper, Savage, Blade Runner, Samurai, Fast Kutz and many others.
Dave Ellefson ( full-name: David Warren Ellefson ) a highly respected and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the world of heavy metal music. As a bassist, songwriter, and founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth, Ellefson has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless musicians and fans alike.
Born in Jackson, Minnesota in 1964, Ellefson began playing bass at the age of 11. He was heavily influenced by hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Judas Priest, and began playing in local bands during his teenage years. In the early 1980s, Ellefson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, and it was there that he met guitarist Dave Mustaine, who was forming a new band after being fired from Metallica.
Ellefson and Mustaine formed Megadeth in 1983, and the band quickly established itself as a major force in the thrash metal scene. Ellefson's aggressive, intricate bass lines and tight rhythmic sense helped define the band's sound, and his songwriting contributions were crucial to the success of many of the band's most iconic songs, including "Peace Sells," "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due," and "In My Darkest Hour."
Throughout Megadeth's early years, Ellefson and Mustaine were the band's driving creative force, with Ellefson playing a key role in the songwriting and production of the band's early albums. However, in 2002, Ellefson left the band following a falling out with Mustaine. He went on to form several other musical projects, including the band F5 and the group Temple of Brutality, and also pursued a career as a solo artist and producer.
In 2010, Ellefson rejoined Megadeth, and has remained a vital part of the band ever since. In addition to his work with Megadeth, Ellefson has continued to pursue a wide range of musical projects, including collaborations with other artists and his own solo work. He is also an accomplished author, having published a memoir entitled "My Life with Deth: Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock and Roll" in 2013.
In addition to his contributions to the world of heavy metal music, Ellefson is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and music therapy. He has established several charitable organizations, including the Ellefson Youth Music Foundation, which provides music education programs for children and young adults.
Dave Lombardo (Full-name: David Vincent Lombardo) is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of heavy metal music. Known for his lightning-fast double bass drumming, complex rhythms, and innovative playing style, Lombardo has had a profound impact on the genre, influencing countless drummers and bands over the course of his career.
Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba in 1965, but his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just two years old. He began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a love for heavy metal music, citing bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden as early influences. In the early 1980s, Lombardo co-founded the thrash metal band Slayer along with guitarist Kerry King and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya.
With Lombardo on drums, Slayer quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands in the thrash metal scene. Their 1986 album "Reign in Blood" is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, featuring Lombardo's lightning-fast drumming and complex rhythms on tracks like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood." Lombardo's playing on "Reign in Blood" set a new standard for thrash metal drumming and helped cement Slayer's place in heavy metal history.
Lombardo's playing continued to evolve over the years, and he became known for his technical skill, complex rhythms, and ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. In addition to his work with Slayer, Lombardo has played with a wide range of other artists, including Testament, Fantômas, Grip Inc., and Suicidal Tendencies. He has also collaborated with musicians outside of the heavy metal genre, including avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn.
One of Lombardo's most notable collaborations was with guitarist Mike Patton in the experimental supergroup Fantômas. The band's music was a fusion of heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, and noise rock, and Lombardo's playing was a key component of their sound. His ability to seamlessly transition between different time signatures and rhythms was especially evident in Fantômas' music, and his technical proficiency on the drums was a perfect complement to Patton's experimental vocals.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Lombardo has remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He has been praised by fans, fellow musicians, and critics alike for his technical skill, innovation, and contributions to heavy metal music. In recognition of his achievements, Lombardo was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016.
Dave Murray (Full-name: David Michael Murray ) is an English guitarist best known as a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on December 23, 1956 in London, England and is one of the founding members of Iron Maiden, along with bassist Steve Harris. Murray is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal music and has been a member of Iron Maiden since their inception in 1975.band.
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Murray's musical style is characterized by his fluid and intricate lead guitar playing, as well as his creative use of harmonies and solos. He is known for his distinctive sound and technical prowess, and is widely regarded as a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. He has played on all of Iron Maiden's studio albums and has been an integral part of the band's success, helping to establish their distinctive sound and style.
In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Murray has collaborated with a number of other musicians and bands over the years. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists in heavy metal, and continues to tour and perform with Iron Maiden to this day. He remains an active member of the band and continues to play an important role in their ongoing success.
Dave Murray has been a member of Iron Maiden since the band's formation in 1975 and has been a key part of their sound and style ever since. He is known for his fluid, melodic playing style and his ability to incorporate intricate harmonies and solos into Iron Maiden's music. Over the years, Murray has established himself as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal and has earned a reputation as a master of the genre.
One of the hallmarks of Murray's playing style is his use of harmonies and counter-melodies in his solos. He often doubles his lead lines with a second guitar part, creating a rich and layered sound that has become a signature of Iron Maiden's music. He is also known for his creative use of bends and vibrato, as well as his ability to incorporate classical music and folk influences into his playing.
Throughout his career with Iron Maiden, Murray has remained a dedicated and hard-working musician. He has continued to evolve his playing style and push the boundaries of heavy metal guitar, and has been an important part of Iron Maiden's success and longevity as a band. He remains an active member of the band and continues to tour and perform with them to this day, entertaining fans with his virtuosic guitar playing and his distinctive sound.
Trivia for Dave Murray:
David Coverdale a renowned English rock singer, songwriter, and musician who has made a significant contribution to the rock music industry. He was born on September 22, 1951, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, and grew up in Redcar. He first gained recognition in the early 1970s as the lead singer of the hard rock band Deep Purple before embarking on a successful solo career and forming his own band, Whitesnake.
Coverdale's career began in 1973 when he replaced Ian Gillan as the lead vocalist of Deep Purple. He recorded three studio albums with the band, "Burn," "Stormbringer," and "Come Taste the Band," before the group disbanded in 1976. During his tenure with Deep Purple, Coverdale developed his unique style of blues-based rock and roll, which would later become a signature sound of his own band, Whitesnake.
After Deep Purple, Coverdale formed Whitesnake, which quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom and the United States. The band's first album, "Trouble," was released in 1978, followed by "Lovehunter" in 1979. In 1982, Whitesnake released their self-titled album, which contained the hit single "Here I Go Again." The song topped the charts in the United States, propelling the album to multi-platinum status. The album also included the hit singles "Still of the Night" and "Is This Love."
Throughout the 1980s, Whitesnake continued to release successful albums, including "Slide It In" and "Whitesnake." The band's lineup changed frequently, with Coverdale being the only constant member. The band's music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of glam rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. Whitesnake's live performances were also legendary, featuring impressive guitar solos, powerful vocals, and a high-energy stage presence.
In the 1990s, Coverdale continued to release solo albums and worked on various side projects. He also reunited with Deep Purple for a short period, performing on their 1984 album "Perfect Strangers" and their 1987 album "The House of Blue Light." In 2003, Coverdale released an album titled "Whitesnake - The Silver Anniversary Collection," which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the band's formation.
Coverdale's music has influenced many artists in the rock and roll genre, and his powerful vocals and stage presence have made him a true rock icon. He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy for the song "Still of the Night" and an MTV Video Music Award for the video "Here I Go Again." He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of Deep Purple.
Dave Mustaine ( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene.
Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica, but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth, which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting.
In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career.
David Gilmour (Full-name: David Jon Gilmour) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the guitarist, co-lead vocalist and one of the main songwriters of the rock band Pink Floyd. He was born on March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England.
Gilmour began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Jokers Wild, in 1962. He later joined the band Bullitt, which also included future Pink Floyd member, Roger Waters. In 1968, he was invited to join Pink Floyd as a replacement for the band's original lead vocalist and guitarist, Syd Barrett, who had become increasingly unreliable due to his use of psychedelic drugs.
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Gilmour quickly established himself as an integral member of Pink Floyd, contributing to the band's songwriting and providing lead vocals on many of their songs. He played an important role in the band's success, particularly with the release of their critically acclaimed and commercially successful album "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), "Wish You Were Here" (1975) and "The Wall" (1979)
In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has also released several solo albums, including "David Gilmour" (1978), "About Face" (1984), "On an Island" (2006), "Rattle That Lock" (2015) and "No One Home" (2020)
Throughout his career, Gilmour has been recognized as one of the greatest guitar players of all time and has been awarded with numerous accolades, including several Ivor Novello Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pink Floyd in 1996. He continues to perform and record music, and remains an influential figure in the music industry
He is the first child of Douglas Gilmour and Sylvia Wilson.
On 7 July 1975, he married Virginia "Ginger", Hasenbein. He married Polly Samson in 1994. He was 29 years old when he married Virginia "Ginger", Hasenbein. He was 48 years old when he married Polly Samson. He got divorced from Virginia "Ginger", Hasenbein around 1994.
David T. Chastain an American musician, composer, and record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as the founder and lead guitarist of the band CJSS (Chastain, James Murphy, David T. Chastain), which was active in the 1980s and 1990s. He has also released solo albums and collaborated with other musicians in the heavy metal and neoclassical metal genres.
Chastain began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Chastain, in the early 1980s. The band released several albums and gained a following in the heavy metal scene. In the late 1980s, Chastain formed CJSS with James Murphy and released several albums together.
In the 1990s, Chastain released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians in the heavy metal and neoclassical metal genres. He also founded the record label Leviathan Records, which released albums by other heavy metal and neoclassical metal artists.
Chastain continues to release music and tour as a solo artist and with various bands. He is also a music teacher and has released instructional guitar videos.
D.C. Rage (real name Darren Cook) - Bass on "ATOMKRAFT - Queen of Death"
Dean Davis a sound engineer working together with "Karat Fave" on the albums "Bloodlust - Guilty as Sin" and "Megadeth - Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!"
Didier "Dem" Demajean, (Guitars) - founding member of the French Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band: Sortilège
Derek Riggs an English artist best known for creating the iconic artwork "Eddy" for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Born in 1958 in Portsmouth, England, Riggs showed an early talent for drawing and went on to study illustration and design.
In the late 1970s, Riggs was approached by Iron Maiden to create artwork for the band's first album, "Iron Maiden." The album's cover, which featured a zombie-like figure known as "Eddie the Head," became a defining image for the band and helped to establish their visual style. Riggs continued to create artwork for Iron Maiden throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and his distinctive and often macabre illustrations have become synonymous with the band.
More about Derek Riggs is here...
In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Riggs has also created artwork for other musicians and bands, as well as for books, comics, and other media. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists in the heavy metal genre, and his work has helped to shape the visual style of the genre as a whole.
Today, Derek Riggs continues to create new artwork, and his legacy as one of the great heavy metal artists of all time remains intact. His influence can be seen in the work of countless other artists and musicians, and his iconic images continue to inspire fans and artists alike.
Derek Riggs was raised in a creative environment, with his father working as an artist and his mother as a fashion designer. This artistic background helped to lay the foundation for his later success as an artist. After completing his studies in illustration and design, Riggs worked as a freelance artist, creating illustrations and designs for various clients.
Riggs's work with Iron Maiden was groundbreaking, and he quickly became one of the most important and influential artists in the heavy metal genre. He was responsible for creating some of the most iconic images associated with the band, including Eddie the Head, who has appeared on almost every Iron Maiden album cover. Eddie has become one of the most recognizable mascots in the heavy metal genre, and is a beloved figure among fans of the band.
In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Riggs has created artwork for a variety of other clients, including other musicians and bands, comic books, and book covers. He has also collaborated with other artists on various projects, and has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of heavy metal art.
Derek Riggs is regarded as a true innovator in the field of heavy metal art, and his impact on the genre cannot be overstated. His work continues to inspire new generations of artists and musicians, and his legacy as one of the greatest heavy metal artists of all time is secure.
Dieter Dierks Dieter Dierks is a German record producer and sound engineer, best known for his work in the music industry. He was born on 19 June 1944, in Stollberg, Germany.
Dierks is a highly regarded figure in the German music scene, and has been involved in the production and engineering of many successful albums and songs. He has worked with a wide range of artists and genres, including rock, pop, folk, and electronic music.
One of his most famous collaborations was with the hard rock band Scorpions, for whom he produced and engineered several albums in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Taken by Force," "Lovedrive," and "Animal Magnetism." These albums helped establish Scorpions as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era, and are widely regarded as classic examples of the genre.
In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Dierks is also known for his contributions to the field of recording technology. He has been involved in the development of several new recording techniques and technologies, and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry.
Overall, Dieter Dierks is a talented and influential figure in the world of music production and engineering, who has made a significant impact on the German and international music scenes.
A Chronological list of albums produced and engineered by Dieter Dierks during the 1980s:
Dieter Dierks Studios is a recording studio located in Stommeln, Germany. It was founded by Dieter Dierks, a German record producer and sound engineer, in the 1970s. The studio has been used by a variety of artists, including Scorpions, Accept , and Udo Lindenberg. It is known for its state-of-the-art equipment and for its rock and metal-oriented sound.
Dimo Safari has been photographing many music artists, performers and bands for their album covers. Some well-known names include: Rush, Kick Axe, Lee Aaron, Triumph, Helix, Billy Idol, Pink Floyd, Jeff Healey Band, Celine Dion, Fates Warning, Rolling Stones and many others.
Dino Alden an American Sound Engineer who has worked on dozens of heavy metal albums during the 1980s. Some the bands he whose albums he has engineered are: Apocrypha, Attitude, Cacophony, Dr. Mastermind, Joey Tafolla ( Band ), M.A.R.S., Marty Friedman ( Band ), Mordred, Racer X, Tony MacAlpine, Vicious Rumors, Vinnie Moore.
Dirk Steffens - From the late 1970s and onwards, Dirk Steffens was an active and noted Record Producer in the Germany area, and this is a list of artists and recordings he produced: Accept , Running Wild , Pink Cream 69, Sinner, Zed Yago.
Don Brautigam , American Painter and graphic artist , he painted over 3000 book and record cover works in a career that spanned 35 years. During the 1980s he painted the albums covers for Heavy Metal bands like: Anthrax , Axe, Metallica , Motley Crue , Vicious Rumors.