Posts Tagged ‘headbangers book’
Ragnarokkr Metal Apocalypse 2015 Concert Review, Chicago, IL, May 1 & 2, 2015
Wow. What another great weekend in Chicago. This was my second year attending this festival and it was a lot of fun, albeit tiring.
Like last year, Kelz flew in from NC and met me at the airport on Thursday. Local friends Rodney and Brent also flew along and we all rode together to the hotel. We chilled out for a bit at the hotel then headed over to a pizza place to meet with some fest regulars prior to the pre-party. I wasn’t so into my pizza but the Peroni on tap was right on. After eating we headed over to a great dive called The Mutiny and rocked out some great old metal. There were a few merch vendors as well. I was pretty worn out and so were Chris and Rodney so we headed back to the hotel. We had a long day ahead.
Early Friday consisted of going to Portillo’s for lunch and inhaling their incredible Italian beef sandwich. So incredibly awesome. Afterwards I napped. I wanted to get to Reggie’s for the fest as the doors were opening, mainly to catch Satan’s Hallow in which a good friend plays guitar. They’re a newer band and have only released 2 songs, but those songs are great. They were great! I really love Mandy’s vocal delivery and the riffs are good. New pal, Poncho, was filling in on bass and was absolutely badass. I see good things ahead for this band.
Twisted Tower Dire was up next and I had last seen them in 1999 with the old singer. Their power metal set was solid and they now share singer and a guitarist with Walpyrgus.
Cleveland’s Vatican came on next and I caught most of their set. Vince and company laid it down playing most of their Metalmorphosis re-release. They were fun to watch and their singer has some serious pipes. Added bonus getting those guys added to The Book!
With the fest having two stages, bands overlap and during Vatican’s set, Hessian started on the smaller stage and I wanted to catch a little of their set. While they were solid, they weren’t my thing.
Back to the main stage for my friends, Dantesco. I met them in Puerto Rico last year and was excited to see them. They were great. Powerful, heavy and Erico’s vocals were right on point. The crowd dug them a lot.
Back to the smaller stage for Kantation which featured Martin Debourge who fronted a more recent version of Damien Thorne. His vocals sounded great and the band was solid. Martin’s a good dude.
Salem’s Wych was up next and their set was a little loose. This was their first show since the 80s. Pretty legendary though.
I saw just a little of Beyond Fallen but wanted to catch Q5 on the main stage. They sounded really good. They were one of the biggest surprises to me. I had listened to them back in the old days but it didn’t catch on with me. I got to meet them in the green room before the show and they were super cool. Three original members got added to The Book.
I caught most of Ostrogoth’s set and they were pretty good. Their drummer is the only original member left and he’s an awesome guy. I caught a little bit of Iron Finger and they were ok, solid, but not my thing.
Then…LIEGE LORD. I’ve been a fan since randomly buying Burn to My Touch based on having an album cover by Ioannis (Fates Warning, Warlord, Obsession). Let’s make no mistake about it, I prefer the Andy Michaud era. Master Control never did anything for me but I was still stoked to see them live. They were another band I got to meet prior to them hitting the stage and they were all cool dudes. When showing Joe Comeau The Book, he said, “Ah cool. I have one of these” and continued to tell me a story about the promo shoot that the photo (see below) was taken from. Only original member, Tony Truglio, was also very nice. They opened with 2 from Master Control then Dark Take from Freedom’s Rise. Cast Out from Burn to My Touch was next and it sounded awesome. The band was tight and the crowd was loving it. They rolled through Rainbow’s Kill The King, a couple more from Master then went into Speed of Sound. I nearly lost my shit on that one. One of my favorites from Burn. Their whole set was good and I was so glad I finally got to see them. Then back to the hotel for the typical late night jibber jabber and sleep.
Saturday, Kelz and I went to a taqueria and had some awesome food. Afterwards we drove over to Cabrini-Green, the site that the TV show Good Times was based on. That used to be a very rough area. “The projects”. Now it’s all condos and heavily gentrified. Was hoping for some sort of historical monument to JJ and the family but it was nowhere to be found.
Saturday’s show started a little earlier at 4:30 and got started with Kentucky’s Savage Master. They were solid but not completely my thing. There’s a buzz about them and I think it’s mainly because of the scantily clad singer. I’m not much of a fan of her vocal delivery and I think she could work on her stage presence a little. The rest of the band is dressed in black hoods and the whole thing reminded me of the band Bitch being backed up by The Mentors. I think a little tweaking could get their live show more exciting. Nice folks, though.
Crumble came on the small stage and I caught a little of it. By “a little” I mean less than one song.
Züül was up next on the main stage and the singer announced that it was their last show ever. I had seen them a time or two before in Austin and enjoyed them. They sounded good in Chicago as well but the singer seemed to be having a few vocal issues. He was lacking some of the power he normally has. Still sounded good.
Skelator was up next and delivered their sword-wielding metal the masses that were really just starting to roll in. They sounded great but I only caught about half of their set as I needed to catch Moros Nyx on the small stage.
Moros Nyx has the drummer for Satan’s Hallow on bass. This was their first show and they did a great job. Looking forward to more from these guys. Their drummer is a bad ass.
Back to the big room for the return of Skullview. I’ve always liked their debut quite a bit and it was good seeing them finally. Especially good to finally meet their guitarist, Dean. We’ve known each other from online forums for a long time. Their singer has an enormous range, but antics I saw before and after the show pretty much let me know that I can’t care to see him again. I stayed for half of the set and went back to the small stage.
Hrom was up next and they were powerful with yet another singer with a great high range. Nice kids, too.
I went back to the main room to catch a little of Chicago’s reunited Aftermath. They were good straight up thrash and super nice guys.
I went back to the small room and waited for Walpyrgus to come on. This band features members of Twisted Tower Dire as mentioned above. They put on a great set. Would like to see them again.
As soon as they were done I rushed back over to catch High Spirits. I really enjoy this band. Good, straight up hard rock and I really like Chris’ vocal delivery. “Without Zuul, there would be be no High Spirits,” Chris said. He’s good at working the crowd too. When I saw them in San Antonio, he was on bass but had a full backing band for this show.
I caught a little of Coven 13 but it wasn’t my thing.
Coming up next…ATTACKER! Another band I’ve loved since their debut, Battle At Helms Deep. That album rules. I’ve no problem admitting that I didn’t care much for the follow up, Second Coming. But no matter. I was finally getting to see them live. They opened with The Hermit from their debut and the crowd went nuts. The band was tight and most recent singer, Bobby Lucas, sounded great. Original drummer, Mike Sabatini, and guitarist, Pat Marinelli were great as well as the rest of the band. Their set was great and very tight.
Wretch played the small stage and they were another band who was solid, but I didn’t get to see enough to really form an opinion. We were so hungry we went next door to grab a burger.
Upon returning, The Rods were already playing the main stage. I’ve seen them before and I am 0.0% a fan of them. Their brand of hard rock just never caught on with me.
Nuclear Assault was on next, but again, I’m not really a fan. I had met and seen them live in 2003 in Norfolk, VA and got Dan and John to sign The Book. Glenn signed in the green room earlier that evening. The room was packed and there was a big pit going. I saw about 1.5 songs and retreated to the small room where all bands had finished for the night. Kelz and I got to sit and hang out with Sabatini and just talk about stuff. We talked with him for a long time and he was very cordial. “Playing festivals like this is great, but we all have jobs.” It was great hanging out with him and the rest of the band.
What a great night and fun festival. After Nuclear Assault, we were all dog tired and went out to the street to say goodbyes to all of our friends. I hope they continue to get quality bands for next future fests. My band, Eternal Champion, was originally slated to play but had to back out a few months ago. Warlord was also originally booked but backed out. That was a crushing blow for me.
Click here to see the setlists from the festival.
Mouse over or click photos to see captions.
On Meeting Alice Cooper, Dallas, TX, May 17, 2014
Unbelievable. I got to meet Alice Cooper today in Dallas at the ComicCon. Completely surreal.
About a week or so ago, Jason K. hits me up about going to Dallas with him to meet Alice Cooper and of course I accepted. What a wonderful signature to get in The Book! We made the 3 hour trek to Dallas around noon, got parked, got our tix and made our way through the convention center. There were thousands of people in lines to see the casts of The Walking Dead and Firefly. Insane! We get to Cooper’s booth and there was virtually no one in line. Lines for movie and TV personalities were long, but not many there for Alice. That proved beneficial for Jason and me.
I paid my fee to get 2 items signed and walk right up to the table where Alice is sitting. I open the book and put the CD cover for From the Inside in front of him and he signs them both. He didn’t sign on his photo unfortunately, but no biggie.
Backstory…a guy I work with found Cooper’s golf club ID on a course in Florida in the late 80s and turned it in to the club. I asked Alice if he remembered any of that and he said, “I vaguely remember that ID thing and definitely remember that club. Thank your friend for being a good citizen.” We both laughed.
No one was behind me in line so I stayed there and talked to him for a few minutes. He wasn’t trying to move me along at all. I tell him about the death of my brother 2 years ago and how much he loved Alice and got me into him at an early age, and especially our love for From the Inside. The conversation got personal and in depth in discussing my brother and Alice says, “Sounds like you had an awesome older brother who influenced who you are.” Alice got it. He’s been there. It was a personal moment and one that I’ll never forget. I shook his hand and thanked him for talking and for his musical influence on me. He’s got such an infectious smile, still very childlike. It was a pleasure and totally worth the trip.
Alice!
The hands of Alice Cooper signing my book and CD cover
Deep discussions.
My favorite album by Alice
Headbangers – The Worldwide MegaBook of Heavy Metal Bands
Back in 1995/1996 I was still married to my now ex-wife. She was a voracious reader and during our brief marriage it inspired me to do some reading. Most of the time it was band/musician biographies. Sometimes it was just catching up on John Saul books (all of which suck anymore). One day I went to the library and was just thumbing through the reference books and came across “Headbangers – The Worldwide MegaBook of Heavy Metal Bands” by Mark Hale. I cracked it open and just started freaking out. This book had just about everyone in it that was a metal band. It spans from the late 60s to about 1990 and does a wonderful job of cross-referencing bands, listing albums and catalog numbers. There’s an index in the back of musicians, band names, countries of origin and record labels with catalog 
numbers. It’s a pretty extensive hardcover book.
Hale gives descriptions of the bands and does his best not to inject bias. It’s 540+ pages of heavy metal goodness.
My ex and I split up in late 1996 and by early 1997 I had started my own CD sales business. I was mostly doing it by word of mouth between friends, eBay and had started an online music store, Acacia Music (defunct). I checked the book out from the library several times and finally called the publisher to see if they still had any copies. Luckily they did. Having a business license and tax ID number, they sold me the book for $75. One of the best investments that I have ever made.
The book has 2 editions. The first edition had a run of 750 copies and the second run of the first edition had 250 copies. That’s it!
Somewhere along the line I decided to get it signed by bands that were in it. If I remember correctly the first signatures were by Warrell Dane/Jim Shepherd (Sanctuary) and Jon Schaffer (Purgatory 60 aka Iced Earth) when Nevermore and Iced Earth were touring together in 1999.
Over the years I’ve met a lot of bands who are in it and some of the encounters were pretty random. I think in the coming months I’ll start writing about the signatures and how I obtained them. Many of them had some good stories attached to them. Typically I get the same reaction, “What the hell is this and where the hell did you get it?”
If you’re a fan of metal, especially the pre-1990 stuff, this book is a must have. They typically don’t come cheaply but you can generally find some on Amazon.com. Most of the copies there are ex-library copies.
Here’s the current list of signatures (updated 3/30/2021):
| AC/DC | – | Simon Wright |
| Accept | – | Udo, Peter Baltes, Wolf Hoffman, Herman Frank |
| Ace Frehley | – | Anton Fig |
| Aerosmith | – | Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford |
| Aftermath | – | Charlie Tsisolis, Steve Sacco, John Lovette, Ray Schmidt, Eric ? (not in the book) |
| Agony Column | – | Stuart Laurence |
| Alcatrazz | – | Graham Bonnet, Gary Shea, Jimmy Uvena |
| Alice Cooper | – | Alice Cooper |
| Amulance | – | Rick Baez, Bob Luman, Chuck Hamilton (not in the book) |
| Anthrax | – | Dan Spitz, Scott Ian, Joey Belladonna, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello |
| Armored Saint | – | Joey Vera, John Bush, Phil Sondoval, Gonzo Sandoval |
| Assalant | – | Mike Botello |
| At War | – | Paul Arnold, Shawn Helsel |
| Attacker | – | Mike Sabatini, Pat Marinello |
| Autograph | – | Steve Lynch, Randy Rand |
| Banshee | – | Terry Dunn |
| Baron Steele | – | Joe Szabo, Al Ortiz |
| Battlezone | – | Paul Di’Anno |
| Bitch | – | Betsy |
| Black N Blue | – | Pete Holmes, Jaime St James, Patrick Young |
| Black Roses | – | Chuck Wright |
| Black Sabbath | – | Glenn Hughes |
| Bloodcum | – | John Araya |
| Bloodlust | – | Sandy K |
| Britny Fox | – | Johnny Dee |
| Bullet | – | Fitty |
| Bullet Boys | – | Marq Torien, Jimmy D’Anda |
| Celtic Frost | – | Tom G Warrior |
| Chastain | – | Leather Leone, David T. Chastain, Mike Skimmerhorn, Ken Mary, David Harbour |
| Cheap Trick | – | Tom Petersson, Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen |
| Cinderella | – | Tom Keifer |
| Cirith Ungol | – | Tim Baker, Robert Garven, Mike Flint, Greg Lindstrom, Jim Barraza (not in the book but verified inclusion based on other resources) |
| CJSS | – | Les Sharpe, Russell Jenkins |
| Damien Thorne | – | Ken Starr, Rick Browz (not in book but played on original demos) |
| Dangerous Toys | – | Scott Dalhover, Meark Geary, Mike Watson |
| Dark Angel | – | Gene Hoglan |
| Death Tripper | – | Jerry Blanco |
| Deceased | – | King Fowley |
| Deliverance | – | Glenn Rogers |
| Destruction | – | Schmier, Mike |
| Détente | – | Steve Hochheiser |
| Devastation | – | Rodney Dunsmore, Alex Dominguez, Louie Carrisalez |
| Diamond Rexx | – | S.St. Lust, Andre |
| The Dictators | – | Handsome Dick Manitoba |
| DIO | – | Rowan Robertson, Craig Goldy, Vinny Appice |
| Dirty Looks | – | Paul Lidel |
| Dokken | – | Jeff Pilson, George Lynch |
| DRI | – | Felix Griffin, Josh Pappe (RIP) |
| English Dogs | – | Graham Butt (one of the funniest inscriptions ever…you had to be there)(signed while playing with Sabbat) |
| Enuff Z’Nuff | – | Chip Znuff, 3 non-original members; none of them in the book |
| Exodus | – | Gary Holt, Tom Hunting |
| Faster Pussycat | – | Taime Down, Brent Muscat, 2 non-original members |
| Fates Warning | – | Frank Aresti, John Arch, Jim Matheos, Victor Arduini, Steve Zimmerman, Joe DiBiase |
| Ferrari | – | Oni Logan |
| Flotsam and Jetsam | – | Eric AK, Kelly David Smith, Ed Carlson, Michael Gilbert |
| Forbidden | – | Tim Calvert, Paul Bostaph |
| Forte’ | – | Rev Jones (band not in the book) |
| Glacier | – | Mike Podrybau |
| Great White | – | Jack Russell |
| Grim Reaper | – | Steve Grimmett |
| Joe Hasselvander | – | Joe Hasselvander |
| Hawkwind | – | Nik Turner |
| Hellion | – | Ann Boleyn |
| Helstar | – | James Rivera, Larry Barragan |
| Hirax | – | Katon W. DePena |
| Hurricane | – | Kelley Hansen |
| Impaler | – | Bill Lindsey, Commander Court |
| Jag Panzer | – | Chris Cronk (also listed with Fates Warning), Harry Conklin, Joey Tafolla, Rikard Stjernquist, Mark Briody, John Tetley |
| Jaguar | – | Garry Peppard |
| Jet Red | – | Brad Rang |
| Juggernaut | – | Harlan Glenn, Eddie Katilus, Scott Womack |
| Keel | – | Scott Warren |
| Killer Dwarfs | – | Russ Dwarf, Bryce Dwarf |
| King Diamond | – | Mikkey Dee, Pete Blakk |
| Kingdom Come | – | James Kottak |
| Kreator | – | Ventor |
| Krokus | – | Marc Storace, Chris Von Rohr, Mandy Meier |
| LA Guns | – | Philip Lewis, Tracii Guns, Steve Riley |
| Lethal | – | Tom Mallicoat, Glen Cook, Dell Hull, Jerry Hartman (not in book but played on Programmed) |
| Liege Lord | – | Joe Comeau, Tony Truglio, Matt Vinci |
| Lion | – | Doug Aldrich |
| Lizzy Borden | – | Alex Nelson (RIP), Lizzy Borden, Joey Scott Harges |
| Loudness | – | Minoru Niihara, Akira Takasaki, Masayoshi Yamashita, Masayuki Suzuki (not in the book) |
| Lydia Von Huston | – | Jennifer Batten |
| Manowar | – | Ross the Boss |
| Manilla Road | – | Mark Shelton |
| Medieval Steel | – | John Roth, Bobby Franklin, Jeff Boydston |
| Megadeth | – | Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson |
| Metal Blade Records | – | Brian Slagel |
| Metal Church | – | Craig Wels |
| Mindless Sinner | – | Christer Göransson, Magnus Danneblad, Jerker Edman, Christer Carlson, Tommy Viktorsson (Formerly Johansson) |
| Militia | – | Mike Soliz, Rob Willingham, Phil Achee, Tony Smith, Jesse Villegas |
| Vinnie Moore | – | Vinnie Moore |
| Motorhead | – | Lemmy Kilmister (RIP) |
| MSG | – | Michael Schenker |
| Mythra | – | Vince High, John Roach, Alex Perry |
| Mystic Force | – | Keith Menser |
| Necrophagia | – | Killjoy (RIP) |
| Nuclear Assault | – | Dan Lilker, John Connelly, Glenn Evans |
| Obituary | – | James Murphy |
| The Obsessed | – | Wino |
| Odin | – | Shawn, Jeff and Matt Duncan, Randy O., Aaron Samson |
| Omen | – | Kenny Powell, Steve Wittig |
| Ostrogoth | – | Mario “Grizzly” Pauvels |
| Overkill | – | Bobby Ellsworth, D.D. Verni |
| Ozzy | – | Tommy Aldridge |
| Pentagram | – | Bobby Liebling, Victor Griffin |
| Picture | – | Laurens Bakker, Rinus Vreugdenhil |
| Plasmatics | – | TC Tolliver |
| Pretty Boy Floyd | – | Steve Summers, 2 non-original members |
| Purgatory 60 (Iced Earth) | – | John Schafer |
| Q5 | – | Evan Sheeley, Rick Pierce, Jonathan Kay |
| Queensyche | – | Geoff Tate |
| Quiet Riot | – | Rudy Sarzo, Sean McNabb, Frankie Banali (RIP) |
| Racer X | – | Juan Alderete (as “Jeff” in the book) |
| Rage | – | Peavey Wagner, Manni Schmidt, Chris Efthimiadis |
| Rainbow | – | Joe Lynn Turner |
| Randy California | – | Mark Andes (while playing with Firefall) |
| Rapid Tears | – | Brian Frank |
| Ratt | – | Stephen Pearcy |
| Raven | – | John Gallagher, Mark Gallagher |
| Rigor Mortis | – | Bruce Corbtt (RIP), Casey Orr, Harden Harrison |
| Riot | – | Don Van Stavern, Bobby Jarzombek, Rick Ventura |
| Rising Force | – | Yngwie Malmsteen, Anders Johansson, Jeff Scott Soto |
| Rods | – | Carl Canedy, David Feinstein, Gary Bordonaro |
| Ulrich Roth | – | Uli Jon Roth |
| Rotting Corpse | – | John Perez, Mando Tovar |
| Rough Cutt | – | Matt Thorne, Chris Hager |
| Running Wild | – | Stefan Schwartzmann |
| Ruthless | – | Sami DeJohn |
| S.A. Slayer | – | Bob Catlin, Art Villareal |
| Sabbat | – | Martin Walkyier, Andy Sneap, Simon Negus, Simon Jones |
| Sacred Rite | – | Peter Crane, Jimmy Caterine, Mark Kaleiwahea |
| Sadus | – | Steve DiGiorgio |
| Saint Vitus | – | Mark Adams, David Chandler, Scott Reagers |
| Salty Dog | – | Michael Hannon |
| Sanctuary | – | Warrel Dane (RIP), Jim Sheppard |
| Satan | – | Brian Ross, Russ Tippins, Graeme English, Steve Ramsey, Sean Taylor |
| Satan’s Host | – | Patrick Evil (not in book but confirmed original) |
| Scorpions | – | Francis Buchholz, Herman Rarebell |
| Screamer | – | Jim Dofka |
| Sentinel Beast | – | Michael Spencer |
| Sepultura | – | Paolo, Jr, Andreas Kisser |
| Skid Row | – | Sebastian Bach |
| Slauter Xstroyes | – | Paul Krathy |
| Slayer | – | Dave Lombardo |
| SOD | – | Billy Milano |
| Steel Prophet | – | Steve Kachinsky |
| Stryper | – | Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, Tim Gaines |
| Syrus | – | Al Berlanga, Michael Vasquez, John Castilleja |
| Takashi | – | Danny Stanton |
| Ted Nugent | – | Derek St. Holmes |
| Tesla | – | Troy Lucketta, Tommy Skeoch, Brian Wheat, Frank Hannon, Jeff Keith |
| Testament | – | Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian, Eric Peterson |
| The Rods | – | Carl Canedy, David Feinstein, Garry Bordonaro |
| Thin Lizzy | – | John Sykes, Scott Gorham |
| Thrust | – | Ron Cooke |
| Triumph | – | Rik Emmett |
| Trouble | – | Ron Holtzman, Eric Wagner, Jeff “Oly” Olson |
| T.T. Quick | – | Mark Tornillo |
| Turbin | – | Doug Morrison, Neil Turbin |
| Twisted Sister | – | AJ Pero (RIP) |
| Tygers of Pan Tang | – | Robb Weir |
| Tyrant | – | Greg May |
| Tyrant’s Reign | – | Phil Fouch, Ken Miller |
| UFO | – | Paul Chapman (RIP), Phil Mogg, Paul Raymond (RIP), Andy Parker |
| Vatican | – | Vince Vatican, Vic Grabouski, Brian McNasty |
| Venom | – | Mantas, Abaddon, Demolition Man |
| Vendetta (Chicago) | – | Klyph Black |
| Vinnie Moore | – | Vinnie Moore |
| Voi Vod | – | Away, Snake, Blacky |
| War Cry | – | Rich Rozek, Phil Fouch, Karl Miller (neither in the book) |
| Warlock | – | Doro Pesch |
| Watchtower | – | Jason McMaster, Ron Jarzombek, Billy White, Rick Colaluca |
| Wendy O. Williams | – | Greg Smith |
| Whitesnake | – | David Coverdale |
| White Lion | – | Greg D’Angelo |
| Wicked Angel | – | Joseph Valdez (book only lists the singer, validated here) |
| Winger | – | Kip Winger, Reb Beach, Rod Morgenstein |
| Wishbone Ash | – | Andy Powell |
| Wolfsbane | – | Blaze Bayley |
| Wyzard | – | John Alvarado, Buster Grant (as Gilbert Grant Guzman in the book) |
| Y&T | – | Dave Meniketti |
Megadeth/Testament/Exodus Concert Review 032610
Wow. Where to begin.
I love Testament. While I haven’t liked all of their albums, they are one of the best live bands I have ever seen. Friday’s
Exodus
show was I think the 7th or 8th time I have seen them since 1987 when they opened for Anthrax on the original Legacy Tour.
Let’s go back a little further with Megadeth. I first saw them in 1986 on the Peace Sells tour with Overkill opening up on their Taking Over Tour(!!!). What a night that was! Friday’s show was my 5th(?) time seeing them and I’ve never been disappointed.
So a few months back when this tour was announced, I was pretty excited. Two bands that I love to see live and one that I have never seen, albeit not a major fan of either. While I like Fabulous Disaster and Pleasures of the Flesh a lot, Bonded By Blood and all of their other albums never did a thing for me. But, I was going to get to see them. They are legends, even with only 2 original members left.
When I purchased tickets, there was a meet and greet package available and I figured what the hell, I’ll drop the cash on it. Why not? Either I misread the original advertisement or it was misrepresented when I bought my ticket, but I thought it was for all 3 bands, not just Testament. Don’t get me wrong, Testament are badass dudes and Chuck Billy is nice as hell. I met him in 2000 on The Gathering Tour at Jaxx in Springfield, VA. So yeah, I paid the bucks to meet Testament. Whatever. Early birthday present to myself.
I had to be in line for the meeting before 5pm on Friday and there were a few others ahead of me. I really expected it to be a small crowd of people who bought the special pass but it ended up being about 35 or so. Good for Testament.
random fat guy with Testament...ok, it's me.
Dudes can’t make money on albums anymore, so make it through these kinds of deals and through merch. Good on ’em!
Met this cool dude from Oklahoma City who saw them the night before in Houston. We hung out most of the show and I lost him during Megadeth.
We get to the backyard part of Stubbs and get herded like cattle through the line to get our shit signed. We were given a poster that the band could sign and most everyone brought other personal stuff. of course I had “the book” with me. As we’re going through the line, Glen Drover signed the poster and I spoke with him briefly about seeing him with King Diamond several years ago and how much I liked the first Eidolon CD. I also saw him with Megadeth 2 years ago. Eric Peterson and Greg Christian were next and I had them both sign their photo in the book. I got the usual reaction, “What the hell is this and where do I find a copy?” Got to Paul Bostaph and had him sign on the Forbidden Evil section. Seems to be a relatively quiet dude. When I got to Chuck, he saw that he had signed it and asked when and where. I told him it was at Jaxx in 2000 and the other guys in the band all said, “Jaxx! Fuckin Jaxx!” It was pretty funny. I told Chuck that my first Testament show was the Legacy Tour at the Boathouse in Norfolk, VA. “We played that place a lot over the years.” Yes, I know. I was there for almost every one of them if not all of them.
Anyhoo, we get herded again to do photos with the band and then a couple of shots with the band and the whole meet and greet group. One cool thing was that we got to get to the merch booth before they let the crowd in. We were able to buy one t-shirt for $10 and one hoodie for $20, as opposed to the $35 and $60 they were priced. I bought one of each.
As we were sitting in the venue waiting for them to let the crowd in, I saw my friend Jay West who is an incredible rock photographer. His brother is the guitar tech for Exodus. Jay worked some magic and got the Exodus page signed by Tom and Gary. Jay grew up in the Bay area and knew those guys when they were still just a local band. Pretty cool.
I live next door to the venue and took my swag and the book back to my place. Didn’t want to lug it around all night. Luckily I know one of the security guys and he let us get right back in the venue without having to wait in the long ass line.
So the crowd gets let in and it’s a sold out show. Austin’s been getting a lot of good metal shows lately. Kreator was last night! I didn’t go.
Exodus hit the stage while the sun was still up and in general they sounded great. I only recognized a handful of songs but their performance was great. As the new singer was introducing the band, he noted that Lee Altus was one of the guitarists. HEATHEN?!?!?! Shit! I should have had him sign the book as well. Dammit. Oh well.
When Testament was getting their drums soundchecked, you could tell that they were having some difficulties. Unfortunately their sound was shitty for the whole show. All you could hear was mostly drums and some semblance of guitars. I could, however, hear Drover’s solos and he sucked. Learn Skolnick’s solos. You’re playing the whole Legacy album…LEARN IT! Overall, They were good, from the best that I could tell.
Mustaine as shot by Jay West
They never disappoint live.
I ran home to change shoes between bands. Stuffs has an unevenly sloped gravel floor and it was killing my feet, knees
Megadeth
and legs.
Megadeth hits the stage and were great. Mustaine is a guitar god. Love him or hate him he’s a badass when it comes to guitar riffs. I’m in the minority, though, in that I never cared for Rust In Peace or anything else from the Friedman era. He bored me with Megadeth and Nick Menza’s drumming was the most boring. Shawn Drover did a good job imitating it but sounded great on the other Megadeth stuff. Dave Ellefson just returned to the band and was great. I’m such a fanboy. Chris Broderick’s solos were spot on as well. Of course I would like to have heard more from Peace Sells, Killing is My Business and So Far So Good So What, but there just wasn’t time. Megadeth delivered again, though. Love em! They also played a song from the new album that Dave stated had not been played live before that night. Sweet! The new album is great. Go buy it!
Apparently after the show the Testament and Exodus guys were hanging out at Headhunters with my pal Billy Milano. Had I know they were there I would have grabbed the book and got Altus’ signature in it. I LOVE Heathen’s first 2 albums. Oh well, hopefully they’ll come back again.
It was a great show and a fun night altogether. Shows like this bring everyone out. Ran into Rodney from Devastation which is always cool. I was really glad that testament was able to do more than 25 minutes like the last time I saw them.
Megadeth
gift picks. why does Chuck Billy have his own pick? haha
Megadeath setlist:
She-Wolf
In My Darkest Hour
Skin O’ My Teeth
Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
Hangar 18
Take No Prisoners
Five Magics
Poison Was the Cure
Lucretia
Tornado of Souls
Dawn Patrol
Rust in Peace… Polaris
Headcrusher
The Right to Go Insane
Trust
Symphony Of Destruction
Encore:
Peace Sells
Testament setlist:
Over the Wall
The Haunting
Burnt Offerings
Raging Waters
C.O.T.L.O.D.
First Strike Is Deadly
Do or Die
Into the Pit
Souls of Black
Alone In The Dark
Apocalyptic City
Exodus setlist:
Bonded By Blood
Iconoclasm
Children of a Worthless God
Piranha
Braindead
Deathamphetamine
Blacklist
War Is My Shepherd
Strike Of The Beast
The Toxic Waltz
I think I got the setlists correct. Someone please let me know if I missed something.
The Metal Files 
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