The Heavy Metal Shop
Address: 156 East 900 South, Suite 103
Telephone: 801-467-7071
Website: heavymetalshop.com
District: Maven
“I always felt a connection with metal people because they’re passionate about music, just like I am. And despite what people think, they’re some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet.”
Kevin Kirk’s journey into music and the creation of The Heavy Metal Shop started at an early age. He recalls vividly being mesmerized when he first saw Alice Cooper on TV in sixth grade. “I was just really intrigued by it - he had the snake, and my sister screamed when she saw it come through the smoke. I thought that was funny.” From then on, Kevin’s love for music only grew. He bought records with money he earned from working with his father, a meat cutter, and from his paper route. “I got into bands like Aerosmith, Thin Lizzy, and Cheap Trick, and I still love them to this day.” He even grew his hair long as a young teenager as he only wanted to be a rock star. At just twenty-five years old, Kevin took a leap of faith, opening what would become an iconic fixture in Salt Lake City: The Heavy Metal Shop. It did not start as a metal-only store, though. Originally called The CD Shop, he soon realized he wanted to sell what he knew best—hard rock and metal. “I changed it to The Heavy Metal Shop in ’87 because I didn’t like selling stuff I didn’t know about. That’s when it really took off.”
Kevin’s passion for music was undeniable, and his shop became known not only for its wide collection of metal records but also for its now-famous merchandise, especially the shop’s shirts worn by bands like Slayer and Alice Cooper. “When Alice Cooper wore my shirt, in 1991, I couldn’t believe it. It just snowballed from there.” Over the years, Heavy Metal continued to develop a loyal following and moved locations several times before landing at its current spot in the Maven district. Despite the changes, one thing has remained constant: Kevin’s deep-rooted love for music and his ability to create a space that reflects that passion.
Kevin’s family has always been a crucial part of his journey. His father’s career in the meat business is where Kevin learned the value of hard work, and later, it was his wife, Angie, who became his partner in life and music. “We were married for forty years. She was the one, and we had a wonderful life together until she passed away in 2022. Now, I’m raising our grandkids, who are the light of my life.
Even after decades in the business, Kevin’s enthusiasm for music has not wavered. He continues to attend concerts with his grandson and is engaged as ever with the shop and the community. His enduring love for all genres of music is a testament to his broad and inclusive perspective. Kevin said that people always assume he is just into metal, but “If it’s good, I’m into it.”
When asked if he still loves what he is doing, the look on his face told it all, and then he smiled and added, “I’ve been fortunate. What started as a passion for music turned into a life I never could’ve imagined. It’s about more than just the shop—it’s about the community, the connections, and the music that brings us all together.”
