If there was a lifetime achievement award for real metal...

[Vic Rattlehead]

That being said...I gotta vote for Dave Mustaine. There are a shitload of death/thrash guitarists out there that point to him as their primary influence.

Seconded, thirded, and fourthed.

 

[Lykorian]

I'm trying to think of similarily old bands still as relevant as Motorhead. Drawing a blank...

 

[Lykorian]

Blue Oyster Cult...good pick. But, their new material isn't of comparable quality to their classic old stuff -- Motorhead's actually is as good or better at times.

BOC is still great live, though. Those guys bleed talent...