Heavy Metal Fan Clubs

Back in the day joining a band's fan club meant a periodic newsletter and maybe a t-shirt and some stickers. Today the cost of joining official heavy metal band fan clubs is higher, but so are the benefits. Online benefits include private message boards, email addresses and exclusive audio and video content. Offline benefits include presale ticket access, free or discounted merchandise and maybe an old fashioned printed newsletter. Following are a list of official heavy metal band fan clubs, including their cost along with a list of online and offline benefits you'll receive for joining the club. If you know of a metal band with an official fan club that's not listed here, send me an email and I'll add it.

Anthrax

Cost: $29.99
Online benefits:
Email address, podcasts, blog, contests, forum, audio and video.
Offline benefits:
T-shirt, laminate, key chain, presale ticket access, meet and greets.

Def Leppard

Cost: $30
Online benefits:
Exclusive audio and video, monthly e-newsletter, webmail, contests.
Offline benefits:
Presale ticket access, t-shirt, merchandise discounts.

Dio

Cost: $30
Online benefits:
None.
Offline benefits:
Autographed photo, keychain, guitar picks, buttons, stickers, merchandise discounts, meet and greets.

Megadeth

Cost: $39-$49
Online benefits:
Fan club website, private forum, live chats with Megadeth, contests, auctions, audio and video downloads.
Offline benefits:
T-shirt, custom laminate, photo, keychain, postcard, patch, membership card, guitar picks, greeting card.

Metallica

Cost:$25-$45
Online benefits:
Members only website with exclusive message boards, contests, audio and video.
Offline benefits:
Magazine, t-shirt, membership card, band photo, chance for presale tickets and meet and greet passes, exclusive and discounted merchandise.

Queensryche

Cost: $30
Online benefits:
Members only message board.
Offline benefits:
Fanclub events, soundcheck passes, meet and greet passes, photo, presale tickets.

Slipknot

Cost: $25
Online benefits:
Email address, private message board, contests, audio, video, photos.
Offline benefits:
Presale tickets, patch, t-shirt, meet and greet opportunities.