Michael Christopher

Nine Inch Nails and Metallica helped the festival push past bad weather and lineup changes.

Judas Priest made an effort to get back to metal basics on 'Ram It Down' without shaking off the synths.

A post-Grammys surge helped Adele's '21' block Van Halen's 'A Different Kind of Truth' from the top spot.

A turbulent two-month span led into a difficult recording session.

Band reconnected with David Lee Roth for the single, but things did not sail along smoothly.

The thunderous backbone to Led Zeppelin’s sound went silent on Sept. 25, 1980.

Song marked the first time James Hetfield was challenged on his lyrics.

All of the songs and artists referenced by Joe Elliott in the final single from the blockbuster album.

From synths to New Wave, the year's evident musical shifts deeply impacted the future of rock 'n' roll.

Former bandmates have been prolific, with solo albums, tours, film projects and more.