Metalheads

Metalheads are fans of heavy metal music and its subgenres. They form a global subculture defined by a shared musical interest, distinctive fashion, and participation in live scenes such as concerts and festivals. The term encompasses a diverse range of ages, nationalities, and identities united by metal culture.

The heavy metal genre emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s in the United Kingdom and United States, with bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest. As the scene grew, fans began identifying as metalheads and adopting styles such as band T-shirts, leather or denim jackets, boots, and long hair. Subgenres like thrash, death, black, and power metal developed their own communities within the broader scene, often linked to distinctive fashion, artwork, and lyrical themes.

Metalheads participate in local scenes and international festivals, attend concerts, and engage in activities like headbanging and moshing. Collecting music, vinyl, and band merchandise is common, as are fanzines and, later, online forums and social media. Visual culture emphasizes band logos, album art, and themes of fantasy or rebellion; corpse paint is associated with some black metal groups but is not universal.

The community emphasizes loyalty to bands, DIY ethics, and mutual respect at shows. While metalhead culture is global and increasingly diverse, stereotypes persist about aggression or insularity. The subculture has influenced fashion, visual art, and independent music, and remains active in live venues and online communities.

Live performances can be very loud; attendees are advised to use ear protection.