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Kieron Tyler |

Quicksilver Messenger Service were central to what emerged from San Francisco as 1966 unfolded – the psychedelic-dance-ballroom scene. They first played the city’s Avalon Ballroom on 13 May 1966, and were there a further 74 times. Before this, the band had been on stage at the also-Family Dog-promoted Fillmore on 26 February, and over 25 to 27 March.

Guy Oddy |

Anyone doubting Venom’s place on the highest level of the pantheon of Rock Gods might want to check out Sunn O)))’s recent, self-titled album. Their track “Does Anyone Hear Like Venom?” may not ape the Geordie trio’s black metal sound, but it’s clear that the Seattle ambient metalheads are seriously keen to pay homage to their huge influence on heavy music.

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