What if Black Sabbath never fired Ozzy Osbourne or Metallica never bought Dave Mustaine a cross-country bus ticket? The entire landscape of rock and metal would be drastically different. Here’s a list of 10 firings that changed rock and metal forever.

What happens if Black Sabbath don't fire Ozzy? It’d mean no Ozzy solo band; no rise of Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde and Gus G. as guitar titans; no Ozzfest and no Dio-era Sabbath. Maybe even no Osbournes TV show. With Ozzy's drug and alcohol use ramping up during the late ‘70s, there’s no way Sabbath would have survived as long as they did. The move was ultimately good for all parties, and led to Black Sabbath playing arenas four decades later.

A world without Megadeth or the Black Album? We’ll pass, thanks. The Thomas Edison of thrash — Dave Mustaine — was booted from Metallica in 1983, just a year after joining the group. Hellbent for revenge, Mustaine aimed to start thrash’s most punishing band, successfully doing so with Megadeth. It could be argued that Mustaine’s viciously heavy compositions would’ve worked for Master of Puppets or …And Justice for All, but the Black Album certainly wouldn’t have been so radio friendly. Plus, who would ever give up Megadeth’s genius ‘80s and early ‘90s discography?

The greatest strategic move in heavy metal history, arguably, is Iron Maiden recruiting Bruce Dickinson. With the Air Raid Siren on vocals, Maiden was able to become an arena and stadium act, expanding on grand compositions and larger-than-life storylines. To this day, there’s no active live band who can touch Iron Maiden. Not bad for a bunch of geezers.

Check out these 10 Firings That Changed Rock + Metal Forever in the Loud List above. To grab your Metallica concert tickets, click here.