Budgie was a Welsh heavy metal band from Cardiff, formed in 1967. Initially playing blues-influenced hard rock, their style soon evolved into a heavier, more aggressive sound. The group, typically a power trio with occasional keyboards, released ten albums between 1971 and 1982 with MCA, A and M, and RCA. Though only moderately successful commercially, Budgie gained a dedicated following and played a key role in shaping early heavy metal, influencing later bands such as Metallica and inspiring the new wave of British heavy metal. They are remembered as one of the heaviest and most influential bands of their era.