1984: ACCEPT release their landmark Balls To The Wall.

1994: IRON MAIDEN vocalist Blaze Bayley smashes his leg in a motorcycle accident that puts him out of commission for three months.

1996: ALICE COOPER signs to Hollywood Records.

1997: W.A.S.P. are scheduled in Germany. Rumour has it that they will only play if Blackie Lawless is supplied with a live pig that will be killed onstage.

1997: RUSH's Test For Echo becomes the band's 21st consecutive gold release in the U.S. That ties the band with KISS as the third most consecutive certified albums. THE ROLLING STONES lead the way with 36, followed by THE BEATLES with 28.

1998: former SEPULTURA frontman MAX CAVALERA names his band SOULFLY.

1999: IRON MAIDEN could make millions if their management company launches a 20m bond issue. Music and media group Sanctuary, who look after the band's affairs, are finalising plans to issue bonds through a major investment bank. The idea is to "securitise the Iron Maiden back-catalogue", says Sanctuary's Andy Taylor.

1999: former BLACK SABBATH vocalist TONY MARTIN has resurfaced in a band named THE CAGE , masterminded by well known Italian guitarist Dario Mollo.

2000: METALLICA's S&M goes quadruple platinum after only 3 months in release.

2000: a Canadian DEF LEPPARD fanatic sneaks his way onto the band's tour bus at a venue in British Columbia and makes off with $5,000 worth of "personal effects," including clothing, videotapes and electronics.