description Kerrang! Overview
Kerrang! is a British music magazine focused on hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and related alternative genres. It first appeared in 1981 as a one-off heavy-metal supplement to the weekly newspaper Sounds, with Geoff Barton as editor, and later became a standalone publication. Its coverage has included artist interviews, album and concert reviews, news, photography, and features for readers interested in guitar-based heavy music.
[Source](https://www.kerrang.com/rip-alan-lewis-kerrang-founder-and-british-publishing-legend)
help Kerrang! FAQ
When was Kerrang! first published?
Kerrang! launched in the United Kingdom in 1981 as a heavy-metal and rock supplement associated with Sounds. Its first issue appeared on June 6, 1981. [Kerrang! history](https://www.kerrang.com/rip-alan-lewis-kerrang-founder-and-british-publishing-legend)
Why is the magazine called Kerrang!?
The name imitates the sound of a guitar chord being struck hard. It reflects the magazine's original focus on loud guitar music and heavy metal.
Which bands were central to Kerrang!'s early identity?
Its early coverage was closely tied to the new wave of British heavy metal, including Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Motörhead. The magazine later expanded into grunge, punk, hardcore, emo, and alternative rock. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/jul/16/alan-lewis-obituary)
How has Kerrang!'s coverage changed since 1981?
It began with heavy metal and guitar-led rock but later covered grunge, nu metal, post-hardcore, emo, punk, and other alternative styles. Kerrang! now also operates as a broader global music platform alongside its magazine history. [Kerrang!](https://www.kerrang.com/info/about-us)
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