Raven are an English heavy metal band, formed in 1974 by the Gallagher brothers, bassist and vocalist John and guitarist Mark. They have released fourteen studio albums to date, and had a hit with the single "On and On". Often referred to as "athletic rock", the band gained notoriety as part of the early-to-mid 1980s new wave of British heavy metal scene and is considered to be an influence and inspiration on the development of the thrash metal genre, including "the big four" (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax), as well as other bands such as Testament, Exodus, Overkill, Kreator, Destruction, Sodom, Onslaught, Death Angel, Flotsam and Jetsam, Coroner, Annihilator, and Razor. Raven are also notable for headlining Metallica's first-ever national tour in 1983. History Formation (1974–1979) Raven was formed in 1974 in Newcastle, England, by brothers John and Mark Gallagher, and Paul Bowden. The band began creating a sound which was rooted in British hard rock, with progressive rock tendencies and a willingness to take musical chances. Raven's highly energized live show and interaction between band members developed a unique image and style of play, described as "athletic". They began wearing guards, helmets, and plates from various sports (hockey, baseball, etc.), and incorporating them into the playing of their instruments (for instance, elbow pads and hockey masks were used to strike cymbals). Their music began to develop into a unique amalgam of speed and power – heavily influencing the genres of speed/thrash metal and power metal. They started by playing local pubs and working men's clubs in the North East of England – occasionally opening shows for punk bands such as the Stranglers and the Motors. Early years (1980–1983) Eventually, the band signed with Neat Records, a low-budget metal label based in Newcastle, England. They released their first single, "Don't Need Your Money", in 1980 and embarked on a number of UK shows opening for bands such as Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz, Motörhead, Whitesnake, and Iron Maiden. Raven's first album, Rock Until You Drop, was released to critical acclaim in 1981, leading the band to tour Italy and the Netherlands. Their second album, Wiped Out, was released in 1982, and was influential on creating the burgeoning thrash and speed metal genres, making their only appearance in the UK Albums Chart, with the collection peaking at No. 63. Sufficient noise was made for the American market to take notice and