Heavy metal developed out of influences such as electrified blues (Jimi Hendrix), rock and roll (The Rolling Stones) and acid rock (Deep Purple). Black Sabbath is generally agreed to be the originator of what is now known as heavy metal, beginning the style with their album Black Sabbath in 1970. Since that time, heavy metal bands have sold hundreds of millions of records and played thousands of concerts around the world.
Some of the more famous heavy metal bands include Led Zeppelin, whose single "Stairway to Heaven" is one of the most famous rock songs of all time, Metallica, known for their sped-up, quasi-punk form of heavy metal, Judas Priest, whose singer Rob Halford originated the head-to-toe-leather look that is the virtual uniform of heavy metal musicians, and AC/DC, whose guitarist Angus Young is known for his blistering guitar solos and incongruous school uniform.
Many heavy metal fans see the music as a central influence in their lives. Styles of clothing and appearance that are related to heavy metal make fans instantly recognizable: black tour t-shirts, long, dyed black hair, trench coats, piercings, and tattoos are all common among fans. Claims have been made that satanism is common among heavy metal musicians and fans, although this almost certainly a myth perpetuated both by uninformed opponents and by fans who enjoy the notoriety.
Since its inception in 1970, heavy metal has evolved into numerous sub-genres as a result of experimentation and fusion with other styles of music. Death metal, hugely popular in Scandinavia for some reason, focuses on dark themes of death and destruction and is popular among goths. Thrash metal is a fusion of heavy metal and punk. Other styles focus on mystical or mythical themes, virtuoso guitar playing, and expressions of alienation from mainstream society.
Heavy metal is no stranger to controversy. In 1985, the band Judas Priest was accused of influencing the suicide attempts of two teenagers. Several years later, the Parents' Music Resource Group (PMRC) attempted to limit accessibility to heavy metal music, claiming it was detrimental to young people. Both Dee Snider of Twisted Sister and Frank Zappa famously testified in opposition to the plans of PMRC at their public hearings. In 1999, following the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, musician Marilyn Manson was accused of influencing the shooters.