Musicologer — 7 months ago(August 12, 2025 09:13 AM)

Metallica:
Lars Ulrich famously placed an ad in Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler, seeking metal musicians to jam with, citing influences like Tygers of Pan Tang, Diamond Head, and Iron Maiden. James Hetfield answered the ad, leading to the formation of one of the biggest metal bands of all time.
Mötley Crüe:
Mick Mars, frustrated with his previous bands, placed a blunt ad in The Recycler, declaring himself a "loud, rude, aggressive guitarist available". Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx, looking for a guitarist, responded to the ad, and after a successful jam session, Mick Mars joined the band.
The Bangles:
Vicki and Debbi Peterson placed an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper, which led to them connecting with Susanna Hoffs.
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Guns N' Roses:
The Recycler was also instrumental in bringing together members of Guns N' Roses, with Steven Adler placing an ad looking for a bassist. Duff McKagan responded, eventually meeting Slash through the phone call and joining the band, initially named Road Crew before evolving into Guns N' Roses with Axl Rose on vocals.
Black Sabbath:
Ozzy Osbourne placed an ad seeking a band, which read "Ozzy Zig, needs a gig. Have own P.A.”. This led him to Geezer Butler and the eventual formation of Black Sabbath, widely considered pioneers of heavy metal.
KISS:
Paul Stanley placed an ad in the Village Voice looking for a lead guitarist with "Flash and Ability." Ace Frehley answered the ad, and after auditioning, became the lead guitarist of KISS.
Hole:
Courtney Love placed an ad in The Recycler, listing her influences as Big Black, Sonic Youth, and Fleetwood Mac. This led to the formation of the influential alternative rock band Hole.