Metal is not a lifestyle...it is not entertainment...it is simply who you are. We use the term "metalhead" just because there is no other term besides "headbanger". When I first met the bands that I love, I was ecstatic. I never asked for autographs, never acted like a groupie...I was like a kid in a candy store, however, because these bands inspire me to do better in my own guitar playing and with my own bands. It's not metal that saved me thousands of times from my own destruction, it's music in general. Alice in Chains are probably THE most influential band for me...they literally kept me alive. I can always escape with my music and it helps to deal with the immense pressures in my life. When I met all those bands for the first time, I was saying "thank you", not "can I have your autograph?". I would ask them about their gear, what inspired them, etc., and then we move on. I talked to Jon Vesano of Nile the other day for about two hours about work, Italy, his professional and personal life, where he went to college, etc., just like I do with my every day friends. Just conversing over small things. Do you know he has a degree in biology from NC State? Did you know he gave the finger to his degree and works in landscaping and irrigation to make ends meet while touring the world? He's an everyday guy who loves metal. I don't put anyone on a pedestal...they don't deserve to be there in the first place. They're just like you and me. Did you know the guys from Dark Tranquility have regular day jobs and that Dark Tranquility is their side project? I was talking to Warrel Dane from Nevermore at their show in Milano, and I didn't even fucking see him until he looked right at me. All the fanboys were getting autographs, and that's ok, there's nothing wrong with that...it's just not me. I didn't even realize what was going on until I saw an autograph flash in front of my face, and I looked up and it's him in an Immortal hoodie with sunglasses on. I said, "Holy fuck you're Warrel Dane!" He says, "Holy fuck, you're American!!! What the fuck are you doing here?" I told him that I live in Italy and that I come to Milano all the time for concerts and to see my friends. What did we talk about? The new album, the production of the new album, how Arch Enemy had to cancel because they were all sick, and he said, "Yeah, I've been trying to stay away from Angela so I don't get sick...well, not STAY AWAY from Angela as I'd like to stay as close to her as possible, hehe." We both laughed, I shook his hand, said I look forward to the show and that was that. These are regular, everyday people. Destruction are the same way. I spoke to them half the night over beers and the road manager and I talked about the tour, previous tours, asshole thieves, Hypocrisy, how everyone triggers their drumkits (believe it people...everyone on the Deicide tour, all 7 bands are playing with triggers.) etc. I learned a lot from these guys and they just totally make you feel relaxed and just one of the guys. There is no celebrity in them. The touring guitarist from Hypocrisy is nicknamed "Mongoloid" because when he drinks you can't understand a word he says. Funny, funny stories that I never would have found out if I was some hyped-up fan. Musicians love to talk about music...it's kinda their job, you know? It's our common ground.
If you are ashamed of being a metalhead, that's your perogative, but don't lambast all of us because we receive enjoyment from the music we love. I don't just listen to metal, either. I'm a pretty sensitive guy. I cry at movies that move me. I cry with music that moves me, no matter what type. But I can also kick your ass in the pit.
(just makes it easier to read)
