Jon Wiederhorn

On Dec. 8, 2004, Dimebag Darrell's life ended when he was shot by a gunman onstage during a Damageplan show in Columbus, Ohio.

On Sept. 7, 1988, Metallica released '...And Justice For All,' their first album without Cliff Burton.

A major step forward on their first album with Ronnie James Dio.

The first album after Ronnie James Dio was kicked out of Black Sabbath.

On April 27, 1979, after various attempts to get Ozzy back on the team, Black Sabbath fired their lead singer.

March 15, 1976.

On Feb. 18, 1974, KISS arrived.

Is it their best? The debate rages on...

On Sept. 17, 1991, Ozzy Osbourne reached a career turning point with his solo disc 'No More Tears.'

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne were sent fleeing from their Buckinghamshire estate due to a fire in 2005.

On May 24, 1986, AC/DC released 'Who Made Who,' the soundtrack for the Stephen King film 'Maximum Overdrive.'

On Jan. 8, 1991, Def Leppard's Steve Clark died from an overdose.

Here's how one of the most successful rock albums ever came together.

One of the biggest albums ever made.

God save us all!

A true metal classic.