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1978 in heavy metal music
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This is a timeline documenting the events of heavy metal in the year 1978.
Bands disbanded
Ian Gillan Band
Lone Star
Ram Jam
Sex Pistols
Events
Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne had a change of heart and returned to Black Sabbath after leaving abruptly the year before.
Gary Moore embarked on his third and final stint as Thin Lizzy's guitarist, replacing Brian Robertson.
Paul Di'Anno took over as Iron Maiden's vocalist, succeeding Dennis Wilcock.
Original Def Leppard drummer Tony Kenning departed the band, making way for Rick Allen, who, at just 15 years old, became their permanent drummer.
Uli Jon Roth parted ways with Scorpions due to creative differences, leading to Matthias Jabs joining as his replacement.
Guitarist Michael Shenker left UFO and rejoined Scorpions.
Deaths
January 23 – Terry Alan Kath, founder and guitarist of Chicago, died from an unintentional self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at the age of 31.
September 7 – Keith John Moon, founding member and drummer of The Who, died from an overdose of clomethiazole at the age of 32.
Albums
February
Day Artist Album 10 Judas Priest *Stained Class* Van Halen *Van Halen* 17 Budgie *Impeckable*
March
Day Artist Album 2 Quiet Riot *Quiet Riot*
April
Day Artist Album 10 Jethro Tull *Heavy Horses* 14 Rainbow *Long Live Rock 'n' Roll*
May
Day Artist Album 5 AC/DC *Powerage*
June
Day Artist Album 2 Thin Lizzy *Live and Dangerous* Whitesnake *Snakebite* (EP) 23 UFO *Obsession* Yesterday and Today *Struck Down*
August
Day Artist Album 15 Boston *Don't Look Back* Scorpions *Tokyo Tapes* (live album) 18 The Who *Who Are You* Magnum *Kingdom of Madness*
September
Day Artist Album 1 Molly Hatchet *Molly Hatchet* 13 Blue Öyster Cult *Some Enchanted Evening* 18 Ace Frehley Ace Frehley Gene Simmons Gene Simmons Paul Stanley Paul Stanley Peter Criss Peter Criss 22 Jethro Tull *Bursting Out* Ramones *Road to Ruin* 29 Black Sabbath *Never Say Die!* Styx *Pieces of Eight* Uriah Heep *Fallen Angel*
October
Day Artist Album 6 Wishbone Ash *No Smoke Without Fire* 13 AC/DC *If You Want Blood You've Got It* Whitesnake *Trouble* 24 Rush *Hemispheres* 30 Krokus *Pain Killer*
November
Day Artist Album 3 Judas Priest *Killing Machine* 10 Queen *Jazz* The Clash *Give 'Em Enough Rope* 17 Alice Cooper From the Inside Heavy Load *Full Speed at High Level* Rose Tattoo *Rose Tattoo*
December
Day Artist Album 2 Quiet Riot *Quiet Riot II* 20 Bow Wow *Guarantee*
Unknown release date
Artist Album Golden Earring *Grab It for a Second* Lucifer's Friend *Good Time Warrior* Ram Jam *Portrait of the Artist as a Young Ram*
1970s-in-heavy-metal-music
1978-in-music
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