Metallica's First Label and Fellow Bands Comment on Rock Hall Induction
04/03/2009
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(Megaforce Records) Megaforce Records congratulates Metallica on their induction into the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame. It's astoundingly poignant that this band that crossed our path in 1983, and in many ways was the impetus for Megaforce even starting as a label, would reach such importance. It's probably safe to say Metallica are the most important American rock band in the history of music.
The genesis of Metallica's growth and independence is important in these tempestuous days in the music industry. When pretty much nobody would sign Metallica, we kicked and scratched to raise money. We had no idea what we were doing and we had little funds, but it was something we believed in. Megaforce had the wherewithal of releasing both Kill Em All and Ride The Lightning. Looking back, Metallica gave us more than the leverage and stature to release more artists -- they raised the bar for everyone.
"We always believed in Metallica from their very first krunch. It's no surprise to us that we are all gathered in Cleveland for this well-deserved amazing Metallibash! Keep bangin' that head," says Jonny and Marsha Zazula/Megaforce Records co-founders.
On the beginnings and rise of Kill Em All: "Jonny Z would come to our warehouse looking for import vinyl. One day he walked into our office and said he wanted to start a rock label and release this band Metallica. From that day, Metallica and Megaforce Records forever changed our lives, the music community, and set the stage for other underground artists and labels.
We shipped a few thousand units of Kill Em All. I still remember the catalog number Megaforce MRI 069. I had never seen anything like it. Metallica's fans had amazing ears and word of mouth was crazy. Stores we never knew existed were calling us out of nowhere.
Because of Kill Em All, we went from local to national distributor. Everyone who worked on behalf of Metallica and Megaforce, both then and now, owe them and Jonny and Marsha Zazula and later on, Missi Callazzo, a debt of gratitude; and if not for them, this would be a very different company and music world today," says Alan Becker SVP of RED Distribution (formerly Important Distribution).
Anthrax on Metallica: "I've been around since the beginning of the Metallica/Megaforce days. I saw Kirk's first show, bottles of booze being emptied, food fights, and much more. The one thing that was always evident was the music, it made you want to get out of your seat and act out.
Who would've thought that all of these years later it would come to this? The Hall Of Fame! Congrats to the boys! Let's empty some bottles in Cleveland! Whooo hooo!" - Charlie Benante of Anthrax
Metallica's ethos of doing it themselves became Megaforce's ethos as well. "Still today, most everything we do comes from those beginning days and the attitude that we can do anything, with or without money -- it's a great lesson for any new artist just beginning. On behalf of Megaforce, may Metallica celebrate this tremendous honor of being inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame," - Missi Callazzo, Megaforce co-President.
History Of Megaforce: Started in 1982 as the home of Metallica, this little label in New Jersey named Megaforce started for the right reason -- to release great music, period. Megaforce has gone on to sell over 25 million albums and continues its search for unique artists.
Megaforce has also been operating for 15 years a distribution arm fostering artist-owned entities releasing artists such as The Verve, Andrew Bird, The Black Crowes, Willie Nelson & Asleep At The Wheel, and many others.
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