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ABOUT US

Heavy Metal Shop Music

The Heavy Metal Shop was first opened in 1986 by Kevin and Angie Kirk in Salt Lake City. 

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Kevin's goal for his shop is to know all about everything he sold.  The music ranges from Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll to American Roots. 

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His shops location has moved from Sugarhouse, to Downtown, to it's NEW location off of 900 south and 100 East. 

Heavy Metal Shop Family

Kevin & his family, Owner of Heavy Metal Shop

Heavy Metal Shop Shirt

Kevin Kirk successfully marketed T-shirts featuring the store’s logo to his customers and various businesses. However, it was the influential endorsement from Tom Araya and Jeff Hanneman, members of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, that propelled the shop’s merchandise to the forefront of the music scene.

 

Their support was especially impactful after Araya appeared on the cover of the September 1991 issue of *Kerrang!*, a highly respected music magazine. This prominent exposure significantly increased visibility for the shop, leading to overwhelming demand and excitement among fans eager to show their support for both Slayer and the store.

 

As the popularity of the logo grew, Kirk took the opportunity to expand the brand by creating a full line of merchandise. New product ranges from hats, coffee mugs and pint glasses, sweatshirts, sweatpants, collectible patches, and even booty shorts, catering to a diverse range of fans and solidifying the shop's presence in the metal community.

Kevin met Alice Cooper, the godfather of shock rock, when he came in his shop in 1987 and again in 1991 with Judas Priest and Motorhead.   Since then, Alice Cooper and Kevin have a longtime friendship and you can spot several photos with Alice, Kevin and his wife Angie on the heavy metal shop social media. 

Kevin has had thousands of bands come through the shop from all walks of life; Metal, Grunge, Country, Rock n Roll Legends, and more! 

 

The Heavy Metal Shop has seized a presence with fans and musicians of all kinds from all over the world. 

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But don't take our word for it, feel free to review decades of articles about the shop and the owners on our News Page as well as our instagram feed. â€‹â€‹

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*Our shop is on the main floor of the building and is ADA Accessible. 

Heavy Metal Shop Shirt Araya

Tom Araya in '94

Heavy Metal Shop

SHOP HOURS

Tuesday - Friday: 12:00p - 6:00p

 

Saturday: 12:00p-6:00p 

 

Sunday & Monday - Closed

"When Alice Cooper wore my shirt, in 1991, I couldn’t believe it. It just snowballed from there."
- Kevin Kirk, Salt Lake Sideways

ADDRESS

156 E 900 South #103

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

801-467-7071

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Store Hours

Tuesday - Friday: 12:00p - 6:00p

Saturday: 12:00p-6:00p 

Sunday & Monday - Closed

© 2025 by HEAVY METAL SHOP. Powered by MUSIC. 

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