Today we mourn the death of a legendary metal journalist and author who first coined the term thrash metal. Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, and many more have paid tribute to the late Malcolm Dome, who died at the age of 66.
Dome began his career as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene first emerged in the UK, quickly becoming the early champion of heavy metal. Within two years of starting out at Record Mirror in ’79, Malcolm co-authored Encyclopedia Metallica, chronicling the development of Metal and its prime movers.
As Dome’s career progressed, he moved on to write for Metal Fury magazine before finding home at Kerrang! Malcolm had two stints at the long-running metal magazine, leaving in the mid-’80s before re-joining in 1994 and eventually leaving at the back of ’99.
In the ‘80s, Malcom worked as a journalist for the UK edition of Metal Hammer magazine, before launching his own magazine, RAW, in 1988. Transitioning to broadcasting in the late ‘90s, Malcolm co-founded the UK’s first rock radio station, Rock Radio Network – becoming TotalRock in 2000.
The late Malcolm has been remembered warmly by former employers, Kerrang! in a heartfelt tribute piece, as well as various legends of metal. Iron Maiden, members of Black Sabbath, Lars Ulrich, Mötley Crüe, and Gary Holt, all express their sorrow at his passing, while sharing words that underscored his esteemed career, influence, and personal character.
Iron Maiden said Malcolm “was fearless, intrepid, passionate and forthright as a journalist and latterly a broadcaster and we respected him immensely”. While Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi said he “was a lovely guy, he interviewed me many times and was always positive about the music. He was one of the first journalists to totally get metal. We even worked together last year when he helped me sort out my Wikipedia entry. Sadly missed.”
Lars Ulrich said he is “extremely sad” to hear of Malcolm Dome’s passing. “Not only was he an incredible talent who helped guide my relationship with heavy music, but he was also a great person. Today, I’m thinking of the fun, memorable times we spent together back in the day”.
Radio Nova 100 would like to extend condolences to the Malcolm Dome’s family, his many peers, and beloved friends. A true legend of the game, his presence will be sadly missed.
Words cannot express how sorry I feel to hear about the passing of Malcolm Dome. Rest In Peace. God Bless
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) November 1, 2021
Sad to hear about the passing of Malcolm Dome. He was such an important figure for all things rock and metal and championed so many bands over the years. RIP Malcolm https://t.co/Ogy4HSr7Eb
— Mötley Crüe (@MotleyCrue) November 2, 2021
Very sorry to here that Malcolm Dome has left us. He was a champion of great rock music and a supporter of @myMotorhead all the way through to @PCATBS. RIP Malcolm. https://t.co/C6v5F2eSqg
— Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) November 1, 2021
