Julian Cope presents Head Heritage

Although bands like Budgie weren't 'new' even at the time, it is fair to say that they, and other bands of a similar vintage, did benefit hugely from the NWOBHM. Bands like Rainbow, Gillan, Whitesnake, UFO, Judas Priest and even Wishbone Ash all enjoyed renewed interest from being name-checked as influences by the newer bands and, in some cases, had actual, proper hit singles! Budgie even went on to headline the Reading festival one year, when it was at the height of it's denim-cut offs and patches period.

One of the odd highlights for me at the time was the often quite odd sight of a rock/metal band like Gillan or Whitesnake suddenly appearing on Top of The Pops 'performing' their hit and being surrounded by the often bewildered studio audience shuffling about sort-of-dancing with perhaps a few at the front showing some initiative and attempting a polite head bang. And as one of the few metal-heads at school I was often required to explain "what on earth was that all about?!" the next day from inquiring and bemused class-mates.