Teenage Metal Fans Mature Into Well-Adjusted and Happy Adults

Since the peak of 1980s heavy metal, concerns have lingered among parents that bands like Iron Maiden could negatively influence vulnerable teenagers. In 1987, the U.S. Surgeon General compared the psychological impact of metal music on youth to that of pornography. Around the same period, multiple families filed lawsuits against Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne, claiming their music contained subliminal messages that led to young men taking their own lives.

However, a recent study reveals that fans of 1980s heavy metal have grown into emotionally stable adults, and their connection to this rebellious subculture—complete with its dark themes and lyrics—may have played a positive role. Published in the journal

Self and Identity, the research explored the lives of middle-aged adults based on their teenage music preferences. The study surveyed 377 individuals, examining their childhood experiences, adult personalities, and incomes. Participants included former metal fans, professional musicians, and those who avoided metal in the ‘80s. A group of contemporary college students was also included to provide a comparison to the experiences of young metal enthusiasts.

All groups of metal enthusiasts reported higher levels of happiness during their teenage years compared to non-fans and the current college students. They also expressed fewer regrets about their youthful actions. While metal fans admitted to higher alcohol consumption in their younger days, there were no notable differences in life outcomes or psychological well-being among the groups. This suggests that metal fans have led relatively normal lives. “Today, these middle-aged metal fans are part of the middle class, employed, well-educated, and nostalgic about their adventurous youth in the 1980s,” the researchers noted. “These findings indicate that alternative subcultures can attract troubled youth who may engage in risky behaviors, but they also provide a sense of belonging and support for young people navigating their identity development.”

The study had certain limitations. For instance, it relied on self-reported data and the participants were not a nationally representative sample—most were recruited through Facebook fan groups and consisted primarily of high-achieving individuals. However, these researchers are not alone in suggesting that metal music can have a positive impact. A 2013 survey of young British metal enthusiasts indicated that the emotional release provided by heavy metal might enhance self-worth and foster positive self-perceptions, particularly among those struggling with low self-esteem.

Rock on.