1974 in heavy metal music

This is a timeline documenting the events of heavy metal in the year 1974.

Bands formed

 * The Angels
 * Baker Gurvitz Army
 * Bijelo Dugme
 * Drugi način
 * George Thorogood and the Destroyers
 * Helix
 * Jefferson Starship
 * Krokus
 * Moxy
 * Ñu
 * Point Blank
 * Praying Mantis
 * Ramones
 * Streetwalkers
 * 38 Special
 * Raven
 * Stress
 * Y&T

Bands reformed

 * Iron Butterfly
 * MC5
 * Steppenwolf

Bands disbanded

 * King Crimson
 * The Stooges

Events

 * John Rutsey, one of the original members and the drummer of Rush, left the band due to health issues. Neil Peart was picked as his replacement.

Deaths

 * Hans-Joachim Rietenbach, drummer of Lucifer's Friend, died at the age of 25.

Albums

 * Lucifer's Friend – Banquet