June 1987

METAL LETTERS: THE THINKING ROCKER’S FORUM

We’re back. Yes, it was one year ago that the first issue of METAL LETTERS hit the stands. The first magazine ever devoted to the opinions of you, the metal fans. In short, the first magazine that did away with bad, narrow-minded rock critics and allowed music to be discussed—and discussed quite intelligently!—by the people who make it all happen: you.

CONTENTS

HEAVY METAL WILL NEVER DIE!

Back in the March, 1987 issue of METAL, we printed a rather fateful letter. It seems these two guys over in Riverdale, CA—writing under the obvious pseudonyms of “David and Dick Waaktaar’’— absolutely hate heavy metal. As you’ll see from their letter (it kicks off this section), they think that metal is bad! Can you imagine?

Keeoers Of The Flame!

It’s been said before that there’d be no Ratt had there not been an Aerosmith. No Motley Crue had there not been a Kiss! No anything had there not been a Led Zeppelin—and no you had there not been a mom and dad! Yowza! Anyway, many people feel irate when their faves of the past are attacked—and many more feel that there are certain bands that keep this older spirit of metal rock alive!

MOTELY CRUE A Threat... Or Rockin' Mofos?

Next to the surge of letters sent to METAL protesting the anti-metal sentiments of Dick & David Waaktaar (see “Heavy Metal Will Never Die!” elsewhere in this issue), no issue has elicited more mail than a series of letters that appeared condemning both the music and the antics of Motley Crue.

Make Way For The Metal Of The 80's

Sure, a lot of our readers appreciate the hard sounds of Deep Purple, Kiss, the Scorpions, Judas Priest and other stunning acts that've been with us for quite some time. But, increasingly, we’ve noticed that many of you find your ultimate satisfaction in the newest metal acts: Poison, Cinderella, Europe and other chart-toppers of 1987.

THRASH, TRASH, & CASH

Once upon a time, it seemed that heavy metal was a genre all its own. When you spoke of metal, you were speaking of one similar type of music. That was before punk and hardcore. With the advent of these two musical forms, the whole thing got twisted.

MOTLEY CRUE

MORE MEANING OF LIFE! To all people who can really appreciate music, then you can directly understand what we’re about to say. And for those of you who wouldn’t know metal if it hit you in the face... I suggest you read this letter and take it to heart!

BON JOVI: Will They Rule The Universe?

Well, as this issue goes to press, there’s no question that Jon Bon Jovi and his merry gang of Italian/Jersey playboys are the cat’s meow.

POISON

METAL: The Issues

Over the last couple of years everyone from the PMRC to Jimmy Swaggart to places that sell (some) magazines have been after metal’s scalp. Talk of concert violence, drug abuse and satanic lyrics have fueled their arguments. Our readers, being as great as they are, and not ill-informed as the Washington Wives might want to believe, are mad as hell!

KIRK HAMMETT OF METALLICA

MUSIC & RELIGION: THE BATTLE RAGES

Being as impartial as we are, we at METAL cover Stryper, the Rez Band and other Christian rock groups regularly. And we’ve found that few issues raise the ire of you readers more than this one. In this happenin’ section of METAL LETTERS, you’ll read some pretty strong words, which is kind of surprising considering the topic.

METAL: THE MAGAZINE

More than a mere concept, METAL is also a great magazine, as we keep reminding our publisher. And, of course, we’ve got the ammo to back that up: namely, you, our wonderful readers, who've made this magazine possible. Not to mention the swank penthouse apartments we in Editorial live in, swilling beer and throwing stuff on the floor!

EUROPE

RITCHIE BLACKMORE OF DEEP PURPLE

CINDERELLA

JON BON JOVI