Heavy Metal Musicians

Singer, songwriter, and musician Chris Cornell rose to fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. One of the key figures of the 1990s grunge movement, he also had a successful solo career. Unfortunately, he suffered from depression and died of suicide at the peak of his career.

The lead vocalist of the hard rock band, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne is an iconic hard rock star. His successful stint with the band was followed by an equally successful solo career with albums like No More Tears. However, the Godfather of Metal has also attracted media glare owing to his alcohol and drug abuse issues and crazy public behaviour.

Regarded as one of the most popular and influential rock musicians of the 1990s and 2000s, Dave Grohl is best known for his association with the famous rock band Nirvana, for which he was the drummer. Also a singer-songwriter, Dave Grohl was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Popularly known as the Demon of Screamin, Steven Tyler is the lead singer of the famous rock band Aerosmith. Known for his high-energy performances, Tyler is named in Rolling Stone magazine's list of 100 Greatest Singers. Also a well-known philanthropist, Tyler launched a non-profit organization called Janie's Fund and has helped raise more than $2.4 million for the organization.

The founding member of the popular heavy metal band White Zombie, Rob Zombie is an American singer-songwriter, voice actor, and filmmaker. Having incorporated horror and sci-fi themes into his music and lyrics from the beginning of his career, Zombie often entertains his audience visually in his live shows; he is credited with popularizing shock rock theatricality.

Nikki Sixx, the co-founder, songwriter, and bassist of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, has also worked with side bands such as Sixx:A.M. Sixx owns a clothing line, has been part of radio shows such as Sixx Sense, and has written a bestselling memoir. He is also a talented photographer.

James Hetfield is an American songwriter and musician. He is credited with co-founding one of the most popular heavy metal bands of all time, Metallica. James Hetfield is often regarded as one of the greatest guitarists and vocalists ever. Since the 1980s, Hetfield has played a key role in the success of ESP Guitars, as one of its major endorsers.

Co-founder of the rock band Kiss, Gene Simmons is also known by his stage persona, The Demon.  With his band, he has over 25 gold-certified albums. A devoted philanthropist, he has donated to charities related to underprivileged children. He created an animated series and owns a magazine and a label.

Vince Neil, lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, had a successful solo career too, with albums such as Tattoos & Tequila. He owns several businesses, including a tattoo parlor and a vineyard. He was imprisoned for vehicular manslaughter in the death of Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle.

 Amy Dumas (Lita) is an animal welfare activist, singer, and retired professional wrestler. Beginning her career as a wrestler, she was a full-time wrestler with WWE for a few years. After her retirement, she embarked on her second career as a singer and founded the punk rock band, The Luchagors. She is a dedicated animal lover as well.

Bruce Dickinson is an English singer-songwriter best known for his association with the heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. An important member and lead singer of the band since 1981, Dickinson is famous for his energetic stage presence and wide-ranging operatic vocal style. Also an aircraft enthusiast, Dickinson is credited with creating Cardiff Aviation, a pilot training and aircraft maintenance company.

Serj Tankian is an Armenian-American record producer, singer, and songwriter. Tankian is credited with co-founding the popular band System of a Down. Renowned for his wide vocal range and unusual delivery, Serj Tankian is widely considered one of the best heavy metal vocalists of all time. Also a political activist, Tankian co-founded Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization.

Sebastian Bach is a singer-songwriter best known for his association with American heavy metal band, Skid Row, where he served as frontman from 1987 to 1996. Known for his high-pitched singing style, Sebastian Bach underwent singing-related hernia surgery in 2017; it was later said that the surgery was required as he literally screamed his guts out.

Singer, songwriter, and painter, Paul Stanley is best known for being a co-founder of the rock band Kiss. A rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the band, he also wrote or co-wrote many of their hit songs. He has been ranked 18th on Hit Parader’s list of the Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time.

The son of famous guitarist Eddie Van Halen, Wolfgang Van Halen is a musician and bassist. He is currently the youngest member of the popular rock band Van Halen, which was founded by his father. Over the years, Wolfgang Van Halen has contributed immensely to the success of his band.

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Zakk Wylde is best known for his stint as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. He is also the founder, lead singer, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Black Label Society. He started playing guitar as a child and was already performing in bands in his teens. He also sells custom guitars and amplifiers.

Ace Frehley is an American songwriter and musician. He is credited with co-founding the rock band Kiss, for which he served as the original lead guitarist. Renowned for his aggressive guitar-playing style, Frehley was named in Guitar World magazine's Greatest Metal Guitarist of All Time list. He is also popular for playing guitars that emit smoke to create special effects.

Andy Biersack is an American pianist and singer-songwriter. He is credited with founding a rock band named Black Veil Brides where he also serves as the lead vocalist. In 2011, Biersack was mentioned in Revolver magazine's 100 Greatest Living Rock Stars list. In 2012, he was ranked fourth in Kerrang magazine's 50 Greatest Rock Stars in the World Today list.

Japanese kawaii metal sensation Suzuka Nakamoto is best known for being part of the band Babymetal. Also known as Su-metal, she entered the world of showbiz with Jewel Drop commercials and later won a kids’ audition. She has also been part of the idol girl group Sakura Gakuin.

Singer Marilyn Manson, whose name is a juxtaposition of the names of actress, Marilyn Monroe, and serial murderer, Charles Manson, is considered a controversial figure because of the anti-Christian messages in his songs. He leans towards the social Darwinist theory. Mechanical Animals is his most successful album to date. He has also dabbled in acting and has done some movies.

Lzzy Hale is a singer, musician, and songwriter best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the hard rock band Halestorm. She is also the co-founder of the band. She began writing and performing music as a teenager and began her career collaborating with her brother, Arejay. She has also collaborated with many other artists.    

Devin Townsend is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is the founder of the extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad. For several years, he was its primary songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. He also has an extensive career as a solo artist and has more than 25 albums to his name. He suffers from depression and bipolar disorder. 

Perry Farrell is a singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. In 1991, he created the touring festival Lollapalooza, which has since evolved into an annual destination festival. Besides music, he is an environmentalist and has worked with Global Cool in the past.