Rare and exclusive photographs fill the pages of this visual history of Metallica’s debut shows in San Francisco. Influenced musically by the new breed of British metal, yet epitomizing the punk rock scene, the band's loud, snotty, and dismissive attitude is evident everywhere in these photographs that document six of the legendary band's earliest performances. Tracing the band's growth, there are shots of Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney playing together, Cliff Burton's introductory gig with the band at The Stone, the last Metallica show with Dave Mustaine, and Kirk Hammett's Metallica debut. Behind the camera is the book's author, who was invited behind the scenes to hang out and photograph the band’s brazen energy in concert, as well as their crazy and unpredictable backstage antics. Shot without the safety of a photo pit, many of the photographs are close-ups of wild crowds as they head-bang fearlessly to the music of their local heroes. Perfect for browsing, the collection is interesting in its contribution to music history, for its intriguing photography, and as a documentary on the youth culture in the Bay area during the 1980s.
Bill Hale started photographing Rock and Roll Bands in 1979 @ the age of 18.
In the 1980's, Bill was the Chief Photographer for Metal Rendezvous Int. Heavy Rock - Metal Magazine.
While on staff he was able to shoot many of the top bands of the day including Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Riot and UFO. Bill was fortunate enough to photograph many legends before they transcended to "Rock and Roll Heaven), Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), Bon Scott (AC/DC), Freddie Mercury (Queen) and Rory Gallagher are on that list.
"MRV" gave 1st press to some of the biggest metal and Hard rock bands of the day. Anthrax, W.A.S.P., L.A. Guns and Armored Saint, the list goes on... Bill worked exclusively with MRV, yet, his work appeared in such Metal Magazines like Kerrang (UK), Enfer (France) and Metal Mania (San Francisco).
Bill now lives in Hawaii and still works with Rock and Rollers. His client list contains some of the state's most loved and legendary stars such as C&K, up and coming Guitar virtuoso Makana and the Hawaiian Super Star Henry Kapono!
