When a young Judas Priest fan took his own life, his parents sued the group claiming he heard the words "do it" when the song was played backwards. The band ultimately won the case.
Visionary musician Frank Zappa appeared before Congress to protest attempts to legislate and censor the lyrics of heavy metal songs — with Zappa saying that the proposed legislation was like "treating dandruff by decapitation."
The metal mockumentary about the adventures of a metal band on tour, turned into an iconic tour de force starring Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer.
Judas Priest's album, "Hellbent for Leather," introduced the pairing of leather and metal studs as a fashion statement with a nod to gay lifestyles.
Black Sabbath used loud clashing guitar solos as a reaction to the despair and dreariness of life in the economically depressed area of West Midlands, England.