NWOBHM legends Raven recently spoke with Jimmy Kay at The Metal Voice in an interview that took place on April 19.

The discussion covered their career, upcoming documentary, and current tour schedule.

On how Ozzy Osbourne brought the band on his first solo tour after hearing their first single on the radio, John Gallagher stated, \“Yeah… ‘Ozzy wants you to open up on four dates on the Blizzard of Oz tour.

Ohh-kay.

Right.’ And, it changed our lives.” Mark Gallagher added, “That was pretty awesome, because I remember them being kind of like they weren’t sure of themselves.

They were saying, ‘I don’t know if people are really digging this because the record had just been out not long…’ I don’t understand why they were thinking that way.” The conversation also touched on Raven’s forthcoming documentary, with Mark Gallagher explaining, “We actually pretty much worked out the details and we’re starting work on it.

There’s going to be a Raven documentary, like a full document.” Raven’s US tour schedule includes stops in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and more.

The tour will run from April 22 to May 3.

The trio has been instrumental in shaping the sound of heavy metal music.

Formed in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1974, Raven’s NWOBHM releases were extremely influential, inspiring bands like Metallica and Anthrax.

Following a tumultuous move to the USA and deals with Atlantic Records, drummer Rob Hunter left the band in 1987.

He was replaced by Joe Hasselvander, who added a new dimension to Raven’s sound.

In 2001, guitarist Mark Gallagher was involved in a near-fatal accident but fought his way back from the brink.

This renewed spirit and attitude was reflected in their 2010 album Walk Through Fire.

Raven has undergone several lineup changes throughout their history.

The current lineup consists of John Gallagher on lead vocals and bass, Mike Heller on drums, and Mark Gallagher on guitar and vocals.

The band’s most recent release is the EP Can’t Take Away The Fire, which came out in 2025.

Raven continues to tour and create music, with their next album in the works.