(Classic Rock) Brian Tatler says Diamond Head inspired the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) bands to adopt a faster, aggressive edge to their music. The guitarist and founder of the pioneering metal outfit says his love of punk rock fuelled the band's DIY attitude - and taught him that you don't have to play "like Ritchie Blackmore" to be a rockstar.

When asked how Diamond Head influenced the NWOBHM movement, Tatler tells Loudwire: "I suppose we took things further in a speed way. I always said that I really liked punk rock.

"I was 17 when punk exploded in the UK. It was very aggressive and raw. It was very fast, and it sort of left behind a lot of the prog bands of the 70s. I picked up on that."

Tatler says it was listening to John Peel's radio show in the 70s that made him want to become a musician. He adds: "It made me think you haven't got to spend 15 years in your bedroom learning to play the guitar to the standard of someone like Richie Blackmore." Read more here.

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