How a bizarre 1983 studio idea led to one of music’s strangest collabs between the Prince of Darkness andthe Queen of Pop.
It sounds like something dreamed up in a Sunset Strip recording studio at 3 a.m. after a few rounds of coke and whiskey, but believe it or not, in 1983, Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna did actually appear on the same song!
The track was “Shake Your Head (Let’s Go to Bed)” an experimental electro-dance track from Was (Not Was), the Detroit-based band fronted by musician/producer Don Was. The plan? Put Ozzy on lead vocals and pair him with a then-unknown Madonna on the duet.
It wasn’t pop. It wasn’t metal. It was something that you might hear the Sprockets from Saturday Night Live listening to in an underground techno club somewhere in Germany in 1987.
“Shake Your Head (Let’s Go to Bed)” was slated for Was (Not Was)’s 1983 album Born to Laugh at Tornadoes. But just as quickly as the collaboration came together, it fell apart—because Madonna didn’t stay unknown for long.
Her self-titled debut dropped in July 1983, and almost overnight she went from East Village club kid to global superstar. With that came more control, and a hard no on the use of her vocals now that she was developing her own signature style. Just like that, the Ozzy–Madonna duet was shelved.
Later, Was brought in actress Kim Basinger to re-record the part, and the original became the kind of story that sounds too weird to be true.
Except it was true.
Accidentally Reviving an Ozzy/Madonna Collab
Nearly a decade later, “Shake Your Head (Let’s Go to Bed)” came back from the dead.
In the early Ninties, the song got a second life when it was remixed into a club track by producer Steve “Silk” Hurley. And that’s when destinies collided—or maybe just got mislabeled.
Metallica’s upcoming Sin City takeover has us fondly recalling…
California’s 5 Most Legendary ‘Tallica Tour Stops
California’s greatest heavy metal export, Metallica is gearing up to ignite the Vegas Strip with their 2026-2027 residency at the Sphere, dubbed “Life Burns Faster.”
From October 1 through March 13, 2027, the band will perform 24 dates. And to make a stellar event even more awesome, the showcase features a “No Repeat Weekend” setlist and immersive visuals for a one-of-a-kind experience inside what is unarguably Sin City’s coolest new concert venue.
As the excitement builds for ‘Tallica’s Las Vegas gigs, it’s worth looking back at some of Metallica’s most unforgettable California performances— shows and venues that shaped the band, rocked fans, and created pure heavy metal mythology right here in the Golden State.
1. The Whisky A Go-Go Debut (1982)
On March 27, 1982, at the world-famous Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip, a rare musical moment would cement Metallica’s place in the L.A. metal scene and eventually the entire planet.
Two sets featured early classics like “Hit the Lights,” “Jump in the Fire,” and “The Prince.” And, for the first time, “Metal Militia” live. This was before studio polish and global fame—just pure, thrash-metal glory!
The Whisky isn’t just a venue. It’s a proving ground, and Metallica slayed it.
Secret synth wizard helped to define Def Leppard’s signature musical style on Pyromania.
Sometimes the coolest stories aren’t on the cover, they’re buried in an album’s liner notes.
When Def Leppard unleashed Pyromania in 1983, they didn’t just redefine arena rock—they quietly recruited a future synth-pop legend to help shape its sound. But unless you were digging deep into liner notes (and even then, not really), you’d never know he was there.
That’s because Thomas Dolby—yes, that Thomas Dolby—was credited under the alias “Booker T. Boffin.”
When Dolby (pictured below) stepped into the studio, he wasn’t a household name yet. His quirky and contagious breakout hit, “She Blinded Me with Science,” hadn’t yet taken over MTV and radio. That explosion would come later in 1983, months after Pyromania had already hit record stores and landed numerous Billboard hits.
You can hear Dolby’s fingerprints woven into some of the album’s best tracks, including “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Die Hard the Hunter.” Notably, he also provides the intro to “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop).”
At the time, Dolby was a behind-the-scenes synth innovator with a knack for turning good tracks into unforgettable ones. Producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange brought in Dolby to add textured synthesizer layers and doubled guitar lines for a thicker sound that has now become an iconic signature style of the band.
We’re betting that the next time “She Blinded Me with Science” comes on the radio, you’re never going to look at Thomas Dolby the same way again after learning he’s a key innovator of one of the best rock albums ever produced!
From R.E.M.’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ to GN’R’s ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and Zep’s ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ these aren’t just ballads—they’re emotional gut punches wrapped in melody and distortion.
Sunset & Clark rounds up 20 slow-burning anthems that hit as hard as any riff in your metal playlist. Because sometimes, the heaviest thing in rock isn’t the volume, it’s the vulnerability.
#1: ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ – Guns N’ Roses
From the opening riff—Slash’s accidental warmup turned iconic melody—to Axl’s soaring vocals, this song is a thunderous love letter. Written for then-girlfriend Erin Everly (daughter of rock legend Don Everly), the relationship didn’t survive—but the song did. It’s a bulletproof ballad that turns sentiment into something seismic. Decades later, “Sweet Child” remains an anthem that proves even the sleaziest L.A. rockers had a soft spot, buried under layers of leather.
#2: ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – Led Zeppelin
Equal parts mythology and heartbreak, “Stairway to Heaven” is a slow climb into something transcendent. Robert Plant’s abstract storytelling meshes beautifully with Jimmy Page’s ascending arrangement—culminating in a solo that feels like a soul exiting the body. It’s spiritual, but not preachy. It’s heavy, but not weighed down.
#3: ‘Right Now’ – Van Halen
Often overshadowed by the band’s party-hard image, “Right Now” is a bold, piano-driven anthem that trades booze and bravado for reflection and social urgency. Sammy Hagar called it “the most serious lyric I ever wrote”—and it shows. This track implores listeners to stop waiting and take action, set against one of Eddie Van Halen’s most emotional compositions. More than a song, it’s a call to live.
The searing “Everybody Hurts” is the ultimate comfort song for the quietly broken. Strings, restraint, and sheer humanity combine to create one of the most universally healing rock ballads ever recorded–and sung by what is unarguably one of our generation’s greatest and most emotive singers (Sorry, Axl.). Though often associated with singer-songwriter Michael Stipe’s own vulnerability, the lyrics were actually written by multi-talented drummer Bill Berry.
Stipe later admitted to subtly tweaking the phrasing so fans wouldn’t assume the pain was autobiographical—highlighting how deeply he cared about the song’s message reaching listeners, not circling back to him. It’s one of two heartbreakingly tender tracks Stipe helped shape on Automatic for the People—the other being “Nightswimming,” which he did write himself. Equally moving, “Nightswimming” trades direct sorrow for nostalgic ache, and together, the two songs form the emotional core of R.E.M.’s most soul-baring album.
#6: ‘Wasted Years’ – Iron Maiden
Yes, Maiden. Known for epic gallops and fantastic fantasy tales dipped in equal parts evil and energizing, but “Wasted Years” hits different. A rare Adrian Smith–penned introspective cut that reflects on time lost and life on the road. The song’s yearning chorus, Bruce Dickinson‘s raspy and powerful vocals, and twin-guitar harmonies remind us all to stop chasing time and enjoy the moment—metal with a message that even Eddie the Head would support.
Marilyn Manson returns to L.A. this fall for Antichrist Superstar’s 30th anniversary.
Los Angeles loves its monsters–and it particularly loves the ones who survive. Marilyn Manson is one of those monsters.
Nearly 30 years ago, in June 1997, a skinny, snarling rock and roll newcomer in ripped fishnets and black lipstick stepped onto a stage at the Blockbuster Pavilion in San Bernardino County, and the crowd immediately booed him. Laughed at him. In fact, the first five minutes of his set consisted of the crowd pelting him with whatever was available: hot dog wrappers, a random sneaker, a dirty cup…
But I was in that crowd. I was cheering from the get-go, because I already knew the brilliance that is Marilyn Manson—though the rest of the world had yet to discover it.
It was that performance, during that Ozzfest tour, where he single-handedly turned around audience show after show by sheer talent and determination, making sure his art and his music hit you upside the head, made you think a little deeper, and rock a little harder. By the end of “The Beautiful People,” even the skeptics were on their feet, screaming, cheering, and wondering if maybe they’d been wrong.
In 1978, the God of Thunder and the Queen of Disco ignited one of music’s earliest and most electrifying genre crossovers.
Long before mashups were cool, KISS‘ Gene Simmons teamed with Donna Summer on his 1978 self-titled solo album, with the Queen of Disco laying down backing vocals on “Burning Up with Fever” & “Tunnel of Love.”
The duo may have performed distinctly different styles of music, but they shared the same legendary label, Casablanca Records, and had mutual respect for one another as artists.
“For quite a few years, Donna was the queen of disco–nobody touched her,” Simmons told Rolling Stone in a 2015 interview. “And unlike other disco artists of the era, Donna had credibility. She even had a duet with Barbra Streisand, which also, of course, became a huge smash [“Enough Is Enough (No More Tears)”].
“KISS was the first act on the new Casablanca Records label,” he added. “And then they signed Donna Summer, and the walls came a-tumblin’ down.
“We also happened to live in the same building in New York City at one point,” he continued. “I had the penthouse floor, and Donna lived on the first floor. …the Donna I remember was …gracious and charming. RIP Donna Summer.”
California mourns its adopted Prince of Darkness with royal salute from across the pond.
By Mac Davis Fleetwood
On July 30, 2025, something extraordinary echoed through the normally regal atmosphere outside England’s Buckingham Palace. During the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony, the Band of the Coldstream Guards fired up a full-throttle, horn-heavy rendition of Black Sabbath’s timeless classic “Paranoid.”
The performance came in the wake of Ozzy Osbourne’s death on June 24, and it struck ap chord in the hearts of fans on both sides of the Atlantic — especially here in California, where Ozzy and his family spent decades as adopted Angelenos.
Sure, Ozzy was born in Birmingham, England on December 3, 1948, but for millions of fans, the Prince of Darkness became a full-fledged citizen of California cool — part Sunset Strip rocker, part domestic dad next door in the hills of Beverly.
Ozzy’s longtime Beverly Hills residence was more than a home; it was the epicenter of chaos, love, family, and cable-TV gold, as seen by millions on the MTV reality TV hit The Osbournes. Ozzy was L.A.: raw, loud, unpredictable, and full of heart.
A Royal Riff for Rock Royalty
Fans pay tribute at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham, England.
The Buckingham Palace performance, captured in fan-shot video, features the British Army’s Coldstream Guards — one of the most elite military bands in the U.K. — delivering a surprisingly faithful (if orchestral) version of “Paranoid.” Brass horns blared Ozzy’s legendary melody, while woodwinds and percussion filled in the heavy groove.
The best part? They played the whole thing. Not a snippet, not a teaser — but the full, three-minute, headbanging classic. And though the crowd stayed out of frame, you can hear the eruption of applause at the end. Even in a land of strict protocol, Ozzy still found a way to raise hell.
It was a fitting tribute to a man who turned rebellion into religion — and who always had one boot in the mosh pit, the other in California dreaming.
Forget the Walk of Fame—West Hollywood’s alley walls are where legends like MJ and Ali are immortalized in raw, street-level glory.
By Mac Davis Fleetwood
In West Hollywood, legacy is not confined to curated museum walls like at LACMA or the Getty. Instead, it spills out in the quiet shadows of WeHo’s forgotten blocks, just past shuttered nightclubs, empty warehouses, and graffiti-scarred alleys. Here in the Creative City, a unique and captivating kind of idolization festers—louder, rawer, and more honest than anything you’ll find embossed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Take a turn down an alley just south of Santa Monica Boulevard and off Sycamore, and suddenly you’re face to face with a pair of familiar eyes that stop you in your tracks. Piercing, soulful, surreal. It’s the immortal King of Pop, MichaelJackson, or at least the memory of him, rendered in rich colors, framed by waves of soft pastel lines that ripple across his face like soundwaves from a song you can almost hear. His expression is both ethereal and human, as if watching over the sacred Hollywood streets he once danced across in music videos. MJ isn’t just remembered here. He’s revered in a saintly glow.
The ‘devil’s horns’ is more than just a symbol in heavy metal–it’s a defiant salute and a badge of allegiance. But who truly created this iconic emblem of all things loud and unholy?
There are few things in rock ‘n’ roll more iconic than a crowd of sweaty, black-clad heavy metal fans, fists in the air, two fingers raised like pitchforks to the sky. The “devil’s horns” isn’t just a hand gesture—it’s a battle cry for those who choose to keep the flames of metal alive forever. A secret handshake. A tribal chant forged in distortion and molten metal. But who actually invented this worldwide symbol of all things hard, loud, and gloriously unholy?
With the legendary BlackSabbath set to take its final bow on July 5 in their hometown of Birmingham, England, there’s no better time to dive into the origins of one of heavy metal’s most enduring symbols: the iconic devil’s horns. Who truly brought this gesture into the heart of the genre? Let’s break it down.
Dio’s Bond with Fans Inspires Legendary Salute
Ronnie James Dio flashing the horns during a Black Sabbath concert.
The story begins—where else?—with Black Sabbath. And not, as many believe, with Ronnie James Dio. Long before Dio’s mighty pipes lured audiences to the Dark Side, it was Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler who first threw the horns. The year was 1968. The setting: a photo shoot for Sabbath’s earliest incarnation. The image? Butler curling his fingers into the now-infamous salute—middle and ring finger down, pinky and index finger up, thumb across the palm. Proof? You bet your leather pants there is. Geezer’s got the photo to back it up. No TikTok filters. No staged Instagram lighting. Just pure, proto-metal attitude caught on film.
Ozzy Osbourne giving a two fisted peace sign during Black Sabbath’s early days..
So, why does Dio get the credit? Well, credit where it’s due—Dio did for the devil’s horns what Jimi Hendrix did for the Stratocaster. He took an idea and turned it into a movement. When Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne as Sabbath’s frontman in 1979, he knew he had big (and bat blood-stained) shoes to fill. Ozzy had his peace sign—a groovy remnant of flower power days. But Dio? He wanted something different. Something darker. Something that screamed “I command the night!”
Buckcherry’s hard-hitting first single from SoCal band’s upcoming album sets the stage for a high-voltage summer.
If Buckcherry’s scorching new single, “Roar Like Thunder,” is any indication, this summer is about to be a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll inferno. The band dropped the track online earlier this week, along with the announcement that their 11th studio album—also titled Roar Like Thunder—will hit on June 13. And if this lead single sets the tone, expect a high-voltage assault of pure, unfiltered Buckcherry.
True to form, “Roar Like Thunder” is a riff-fueled adrenaline rush. Guitarists Stevie D. and Billy Rowe lock into a relentless groove, trading razor-edged licks, while the rhythm section—Francis Ruiz’s thunderous drumming and Kelly LeMieux’s deep, swaggering bass lines—keeps the engine roaring at full throttle. At the helm, singer-songwriter Josh Todd delivers a ferocious vocal performance that practically spits fire.
The band also unleashed a no-frills, high-energy music video directed by Tom Flynn. Shot on a rooftop with a gorgeous panoramic view of Downtown L.A., the clip captures Buckcherry doing what they do best—bringing the heat, no gimmicks necessary.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience the madness live. Buckcherry kicks off their Roar Like Thunder tour on April 11 in Redding, California, joining forces with glam-metal Sunset Strip stalwarts Steel Panther.
A wild night of L.A. rock anthems proves the City of Angels’ music legacy is alive and louder than ever.
The Whisky A Go-Go once again turned back the clock for its long-running Ultimate Jam Night, delivering a high-voltage tribute to the music of L.A. bands on March 18. The night was a celebration of the city’s hard rock royalty—Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Buckcherry, Guns N’ Roses—blasting through a two-hour setlist that turned the iconic venue into a time machine straight to the Sunset Strip’s golden era.
Tuesday’s lineup was stacked, featuring go-go dancers, rock trivia, giveaways, guest appearances from Sunset Strip legends Femme Fatale, and fresh blood like arena rockers Classless Act, who surprised the crowd with new material that fit seamlessly alongside the night’s legendary setlist.
Adding to the night’s epic moments were two unexpected Ozzy Osbourne covers—an unofficial nod to the late, great Randy Rhoads, who was born in Santa Monica. With the 43rd anniversary of Rhoads’ passing the next day, the tribute hit extra hard and was one of the most memorable moments of the evening, with BulletBoys guitarist Ira Black effortlessly delivering faithful renditions of Rhoads’ legendary solos.
The show kicked off with Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health,” a fist-pumping, headbanging classic that immediately had the crowd pumping their fists. The Ultimate Jam Night house band delivered a razor-sharp rendition of the metal anthem, setting the tone for a night that felt like a rowdy reunion of rock’s wildest anthems. Host Hal Sparks respectfully gave proper dues to Quiet Riot for igniting the ’80s metal explosion with their genre-defining album, Metal Health.
Feeling like you’re going off the rails on a crazy train? Heavy metal anthems have been scientifically proven to do more than just make you wanna pump a fist in the air, they also elevate your well-being.
By Mac Davis Fleetwood
In the neon glow of the 1980s, Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip was the epicenter of a musical revolution. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt transformed the boulevard into a haven for heavy metal fans, delivering electrifying performances that celebrated excess, rebellion, and unbridled joy. Decades later, the feel-good anthems of these Sunset Strip bands and other iconic hard rockers continue to resonate, not just as nostalgic relics but as catalysts for happiness, health, and a positive outlook on life.
The Cathartic Power of Heavy Metal
Contrary to the stereotype of heavy metal as dark and aggressive, research indicates that the hard-rockin’ genre offers significant psychological benefits. A 2015 study titled “Extreme Metal Music and Anger Processing” revealed that listening to extreme metal can serve as a healthy way to process anger, providing listeners with a form of emotional release and catharsis. This aligns with the experiences of many fans who find empowerment in the music’s intensity.
Moreover, heavy metal’s thematic exploration of real-world challenges—such as disillusionment, isolation, and political and societal corruption—allows listeners to confront their own struggles and learn how to process complex emotions, leading to improved mental health. Playing or listening to music activates the brain’s cortex and cerebellum and, according to a 2008 report, also enhances cerebral plasticity in the brain, helping regenerate any damaged neurons.
Feel-Good Anthems and Positive Psychology
The anthems of Sunset Strip bands are particularly noteworthy for their upbeat tempos and celebratory lyrics, which often revolve around themes of freedom, overcoming challenges, and living life to the fullest. These elements contribute to the listener’s elevated mood and increased energy. Songs like Poison’s “Nothin’ But a Good Time” encapsulate this energy, encouraging a carefree attitude that can alleviate stress and promote happiness.
Psychologically, engaging with music that embodies positivity and rebellion against societal constraints can inspire listeners to adopt a more optimistic and liberated outlook. This phenomenon is supported by studies showing that music with uplifting messages can enhance mood and encourage a more positive perspective on life.
We Built this City on Rock ‘n Roll
Heavy metal music is more than just a genre—it’s a deeply rooted subculture that offers significant psychological benefits. While its thunderous riffs and aggressive rhythms may seem intimidating to outsiders, many fans describe the heavy metal community as a welcoming and supportive family, united by shared musical tastes.
The heavy metal scene fosters a unique culture where shared values, rituals, and experiences—like attending concerts, collecting albums, or engaging in online forums—create powerful social bonds. This communal connection is more than casual friendship; it’s a network that provides emotional support and combats loneliness, both of which are essential for mental well-being.
Interestingly, research highlights that these communal experiences can have significant psychological benefits. For instance, a 2011 study published in the Journals of Youth and Adolescence found that participation in music subcultures, like heavy metal, can enhance social connectedness and provide a buffer against feelings of isolation. Similarly, findings from the Australian Psychological Society suggest that listening to heavy metal can help listeners process emotions like anger and sadness in healthy ways, reducing stress and promoting emotional release.
Moreover, heavy metal culture is known for its inclusivity—welcoming anyone who embraces the genre’s codes of authenticity and shared identity. This fosters a space where individuals can express themselves freely, forging deep and lasting interpersonal connections.
Looking west along the legendary Sunset Strip, the road stretches out like a journey into infinite possibilities, passing the storied sites where landmarks like Tower Records Sunset, SST Records, and Duke’s Diner once shaped the boulevard’s iconic legacy. Today, the Rainbow Bar and Grill and the iconic Whisky A Go-Go, thankfully, keep the heavy metal flame burning bright.
Three quick facts about the Rainbow…
Iconic bands Dokken and Guns N’ Roses both prominently featured the Rainbow in their iconic music videos.
The Sunset Strip haunt is so legendary that Richie Blackmore named his band Rainbow after the restaurant, which opened in 1972.
Joe DiMaggio took Marilyn Monroe out for their first date to Villa Nova, which stood where the Rainbow does today.
Ultimate Jam Night celebrates L.A.’s greatest music exports at the Whisky, March 18.
There are few things in life as badass, life-affirming, and—let’s be real—completely free as Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky A Go-Go. This monthly rock ‘n’ roll blowout is a full-throttle celebration of music, bringing together L.A.’s best musicians (plus a few legends) for a night of epic covers, surprises, and pure Sunset Strip energy.
On March 18, the jam gets even wilder with a tribute to “Bands of L.A.,” meaning anything from the Beach Boys and the Bangles to Mötley Crüe, Metallica, and Slayer is fair game. The setlist is top secret until showtime, but expect a rollercoaster of rock anthems delivered by world-class talent.
KICK OUT THE JAMS: Hal Sparks & guitarist Miles Schon at a recent “Ultimate Jam” event.
For over five years, Ultimate Jam Night has been the city’s premier live-music spectacle, blending rock trivia, giveaways, and jaw-dropping performances. Past guests have included rock royalty like Don Dokken, Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward, Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes, and Metallica’s Robert Trujillo—so don’t be surprised if a few icons crash the stage.
Actor, comedian, and all-around rock aficionado Hal Sparks returns as host, dropping music history anecdotes between songs and maybe even jumping onstage himself—no surprise for the multitalented frontman of Nerd Halen.
ERUPTION: Nerd Halen frontman and “Jam Night” host Hal Sparks covering the classics.
And because one insane set isn’t enough, the night kicks off with Mr. Crowley’s Ozzy Experience, delivering face-melting covers of the Prince of F***ing Darkness himself. Plus, free tarot card readings before the show? That’s some rock ‘n’ roll mysticism right there.
HELLRAISER: Mr. Cowley paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at a past “Ultimate Jam” show.
This is pure L.A.—a legendary venue, top-tier musicians, a party-ready crowd, and an unforgettable show. And did we mention it’s free?
Details: 📍 Whisky A Go-Go (8901 Sunset Blvd.). Doors open at 6 p.m. ⏳ Free tarot readings at 8 p.m. 🎸 Mr. Crowley’s Ozzy Experience at 9 p.m. 🔥 Ultimate Jam Night at 10 p.m.
Def Leppard joins the fight against cancer with St. Jude charity auction.
Rock legends Def Leppard are stepping up for a cause that hits harder than any drum solo. The band is teaming up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign, offering fans a chance to score an epic piece of memorabilia while supporting a life-saving mission.
Up for grabs is a Tama drumhead signed by all five members of Def Leppard—a must-have for collectors and die-hard fans alike. The auction runs through March 17 on Charity Buzz, giving bidders the chance to own a piece of rock history while helping families facing childhood cancer.
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