OPEN BARS (5)
Helgi's
London, United Kingdom
A self-described occult rock bar, considered a heavy metal bar by any other name. A true labour of love reflecting owners' tastes for 60s/70s heavy rock, psychedelia, and the occult & horror. Features vibrant psychedelic rock decorations, occult decor, good vibes, and heavy music. Known for its welcoming, diverse crowd. Described as "Hackney's heaviest late-night hotspot".
Duff's Brooklyn
New York, United States
Iconic Williamsburg heavy-metal dive packed with memorabilia and a legendary metal jukebox.
Lucky 13 Saloon
New York, United States
Brooklyn's first dedicated metal bar featuring go-go dancers, live shows and a famed jukebox.
Cart and Horses
London, United Kingdom
Famously known as "The Birthplace of Iron Maiden". A traditional East End pub transformed into a shrine for Iron Maiden fans, with photos, posters, and memorabilia. It has a dedicated rock bar and museum space, including a replica of the original stage. The main bar area serves drinks and food, remaining accessible even when the basement venue hosts ticketed gigs. The band's December 21, 1976 show with new guitarist Dave Murray is legendary.
The Black Heart
London, United Kingdom
The Black Heart is a renowned rock and metal pub in Camden, often described as a "heavy metal hotspot". Nestled in a lamplit, brick-walled back alley near Camden Town Tube Station, it is about a fifteen-minute walk from King's Cross St. Pancras. The interior is decked out in exquisite all-goth attire; its walls painted black and smattered vibrantly with music artwork, fairy lights sparkling in the dimness, unisex bathroom stalls plastered with band stickers and extremely entertaining graffiti. The downstairs bar is a bustling social hub for metalheads and night-creatures from all walks of life, offering craft beers, shots (including the 'Lucky Sod' Irish liqueur), cocktails, and mocktails.
CLOSED BARS (10)
The Crobar
London, United Kingdom
An iconic Soho rock and metal bar, affectionately dubbed the "beer-soaked jewel of London's metal community". It was located on Manette Street. Known for its endearingly grubby décor, a killer jukebox (which even spawned a compilation album), an extensive bourbon collection, and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere that felt like home even when it was brand new. It was a quintessential dive bar for metalheads and rock fans.
The Intrepid Fox
London, United Kingdom
A historic pub with roots dating back to 1784, named after statesman Charles James Fox. Originally at 97-99 Wardour Street, it became a prominent goth and heavy metal venue by the 1970s. Known for its distinctive dark, goth-rock aesthetic, featuring black-painted interiors, a mock graveyard, and other macabre decorations. It was a key meeting point for the goth and metal scenes. After closure in 2006, it reopened at 15 St. Giles High Street (2007-2014) before final closure.
The Marquee Club
London, United Kingdom
One of the most legendary music venues in London's history, operating across various locations from its opening in 1958 until its final iteration closed in 2008. Initially a jazz and skiffle club on Oxford Street, it became synonymous with R&B and then rock at its Wardour Street address. The Wardour Street venue, despite its small stage, was a crucible for emerging talent.
The Ruskin Arms
London, United Kingdom
L'Amour
New York, United States
Bensonhurst warehouse turned 'Rock Capital of Brooklyn' and East-Coast thrash cradle. A storied rock/metal club that was the premier venue for heavy metal and hard rock in the NYC area throughout the 1980s.
The Cat Club
New York, United States
Two-level hard-rock bar with cage dancers in Greenwich Village.
Scrap Bar
New York, United States
Heavy-metal dive built from welded junk in Greenwich Village.
Gazzarri's
Los Angeles, United States
Strip landmark that broke The Doors in the 60s and hair-metal titans (Poison, Warrant) in the 80s.
FM Station
Los Angeles, United States
A large hard rock and metal club in North Hollywood. FM Station – originally opened by nightclub impresario "Filthy" McNasty (real name Ed Danky) – was the premier rock venue in the San Fernando Valley during the 1980s and early '90s. It featured a stylish roadhouse vibe, stage with pro lights, and was a key venue for the hair metal era as well as other rock genres.
The Starwood
Los Angeles, United States
A notorious nightclub and live rock venue on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. The Starwood was active in the mid-to-late 1970s and was a key venue bridging the glam, hard rock, and early punk scenes in L.A. It was known for wild nights and for the criminal exploits of its owner, Eddie Nash, as much as for the music.