Understanding the Early Internet: Debunking Metal's Existence in the 1960s and 1970s
Revisiting the common myth about the existence of metal music on the internet during the 1960s and 1970s is more than just a discussion. It provides valuable context for understanding the evolution of internet technologies and their cultural impact. This article explores why metal metal could not have existed on the internet in those early decades, delving into the origins of both metal music and internet technology.
Origins of the Internet
The internet, as we know it today, did not come into existence until the late 1980s. To understand this, we must first look at the history of computer networks and the development of the internet protocol suite.
The Birth of Networking
In the 1960s, computer networks began to emerge as a means of connecting multiple computing systems. Early examples include ARPANET, which was developed by the United States Department of Defense and was the precursor to the modern internet. However, ARPANET was not designed to share the information we associate with the modern internet; it was primarily used for communication and data transfer between research institutions.
The Rise of the Modern Internet
The modern internet began to take shape with the development of TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) in the late 1970s. The TCP/IP suite, introduced by Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn, provided the standard protocols needed for the internetworking of computers. It was in 1983 that ARPANET fully transitioned to using TCP/IP, marking the true birth of the internet as we know it today.
Evolution of Metal Music
Now, let's turn to the history of metal music. Metal music, a genre characterized by heavy sounds, often aggressive lyrics, and complex musical structures, began to take shape during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It evolved from earlier forms of hard rock and psychedelic rock, with influential bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Metallica paving the way. However, these bands were active during the era of emerging recordings and live performances, not the internet.
Audio and Communication Technologies
During the 1960s and 1970s, the technology for recording and playback of audio was still evolving. Magnetic tape and vinyl records were the primary means of distributing music, and the internet was nowhere in sight. Similarly, the hardware and software required for digital communication and networking were decades away from becoming accessible to the average consumer.
The Growth of Underground Scenes
Even as metal music was emerging, the underground and local nature of these scenes meant that music distribution was predominantly through record labels, vinyl records, and live performances. The internet, with its global reach and instant communication, would not have been a factor in how these bands reached their audience. Instead, local and regional movements played a significant role in the development and spread of metal music.
Conclusion: A Historical Perspective
It is understandable to confuse the modern internet with earlier technologies, but the timelines of metal music and internet development are separate. Metal music, which began to take flight in the 1970s, was born in an era of vinyl, cassette tapes, and live performances. Meanwhile, the internet, in its formative years, was still many decades away from becoming a widely accessible and ubiquitous technology.
As we continue to explore the rich history of both technologies, it is important to separate fact from fiction. The internet as we know it today did not exist in the 1960s and 1970s, and consequently, metal music in its modern form could not have existed on the internet during those decades.
Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating world of technology and music history!