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The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal

Written by Daniel Bukszpan

Forward by Ronnie James Dio

I have some dim recollection of being taught my ABC's as a lad. These were the building blocks of the words that have allowed us to rise so dramatically above the other animals on this planet, and thanks to those lessons we hated, but learned out of necessity, you'll be able to discover more than you ever imagined about the genesis and guts of Heavy Metal Music.

We seem to have an overwhelming genetic need to chronicle all the events of our passage through life's triumphs and tragedies. So take heart all of you that worship at the feet of the Great God Information: Daniel Bukszpan presents for your viewing and reading pleasure, The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal. From Abdullah to Zebra and everyone in between, it is the most informative publication on metal that I have ever read. The photos are historical and extensive. From Gene's tongue to Lemmy's mic stand, Blackmore on stage, Steven Tyler off stage, and Rob Halford on his bike, the pics are great. The book rings with facts and statistics but is never overshadowed by either. Daniel Bukszpan's knowledge and obvious love of the music is evident in the care with which he has assembled this wonderful book of reference.

I see my own life reflected in the pages of the Encyclopedia. We all wanted to be bigger than life, but never as big as our heroes. Who could be better than Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, or any of the others I listened to until the grooves in the vinyl collapsed from the constant pounding I gave it. Yes, there really were records, and I had to be the first to have them. I would rush home to examine the back and front of the album sleeve for an eternity before even removing the plastic wrapping. The art work was innovative, free of restrictions, and best of all, HUGE! A portrait suitable for framing and very often framed. The info on the back side was invaluable: Who played what? Who wrote what, and in what exotic place did they do all that? Then came the grand opening. Should I save the plastic? No, that's too silly. Well, I'll just put it aside for now. Then the rules:

1. Don't put your fingers on the surface of the record.
2. Handle the record only by the outer rim.
3. Check the stylus (the needle for those who don't remember).
4. Be sure the rpm speed is properly adjusted (very antiquated).
5. Lower the stylus.
6. BLAST OFF!

We've come so far since then. Aside from a glitch or two, the new generation of musical storage device is approaching indestructibility and offers options we could only hope for. But one thing remains constant despite the upswing in technology. The music still stirs the imagination, and Daniel Bukszpan's Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal takes you on a journey through the minds and times of those musicians who affected our thoughts, and even our lives, in so many ways. So let the images you see and the images you create flood the senses with memories of what was and always will be, MAGIC METAL.

Ronnie James Dio

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