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Kevin Kirk, owner of The Heavy Metal Shop, has devoted most of his life to supporting the metal scene in Utah and has created one of the most recognizable brands to come out of Salt Lake City.In the '80s and '90s it was not uncommon to see photos of metal legends such as Slayer, Alice in Chains and Megadeth clothed in the half-skull logo that has become a venerated symbol for Utah metalheads.
While stores like Hot Topic have become a haven for mall rats, Kevin refused a distribution offer years ago that would have put HMS T-shirts in malls because it would've cheapened HMS' authentic metalhead image. Today, sales from clothing eclipse music sales and HMS-branded clothing is sold to customers worldwide.
Since its inception, the HMS has hosted bands to sign autographs and/or play a set on its small stage. I remember meeting Alice in Chains and Slayer there as a teenager: The line for Slayer stretched for blocks and was flanked by bonfires on a cold January night.Slayer, who flew in a day early, didn't leave the store until every fan had an autograph. In my experience, that kind of dedication to fans by both the HMS and bands like Slayer has been a hallmark of the metal community.
Although the location of the HMS has changed over the years, the authentic vibe that permeates the store and impeccable customer service has remained consistent.
I took my son to the HMS for his first time on Record Store Day 2011. Kevin had black HMS balloons prepared for the kids, and I picked up some new vinyl and T-shirts to bring home to the family.
Whether it's running the HMS or playing drums for the Maggotheads (who have worn duct-tape underwear, eaten dog food and vomited onstage), Kevin is a testament that you can follow your passion and find success.
HMS is approaching 25 years of "peddlin' evil," and I expect that it will be around for a long time to come.
Kevin Kirk, owner of The Heavy Metal Shop, has devoted most of his life to supporting the metal scene in Utah and has created one of the most recognizable brands to come out of Salt Lake City.In the '80s and '90s it was not uncommon to see photos of metal legends such as Slayer, Alice in Chains and Megadeth clothed in the half-skull logo that has become a venerated symbol for Utah metalheads.
While stores like Hot Topic have become a haven for mall rats, Kevin refused a distribution offer years ago that would have put HMS T-shirts in malls because it would've cheapened HMS' authentic metalhead image. Today, sales from clothing eclipse music sales and HMS-branded clothing is sold to customers worldwide.
Although the location of the HMS has changed over the years, the authentic vibe that permeates the store and impeccable customer service has remained consistent.
I took my son to the HMS for his first time on Record Store Day 2011. Kevin had black HMS balloons prepared for the kids, and I picked up some new vinyl and T-shirts to bring home to the family.
Whether it's running the HMS or playing drums for the Maggotheads (who have worn duct-tape underwear, eaten dog food and vomited onstage), Kevin is a testament that you can follow your passion and find success.
HMS is approaching 25 years of "peddlin' evil," and I expect that it will be around for a long time to come.
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