Two big stories this week swirling around the metal scene and they both revolve around Judas Priest. First the item on Bruce Dickinson and his comments on Halford and Metallica (see the story in the news section on this site). I don’t agree with Bruce and his criticism of Halford for using a prompter if indeed he does. Honestly who cares? If it doesn’t impact the show what’s the difference? Most artists that use prompters (and many do), rarely use them. They are there as a safety in case they lose their place in the song. Axl, Steven Tyler and many others use them. But I have stood on stage while both of these guys perform and they run all over the place and rarely look at it unless they forget where they are for a second. Not a huge deal. As for Bruce’s feeling that Maiden is better than Metallica that is simply opinion, and what would you expect him to say about his own band? Of course he will think that! But this all speaks to a bigger issue that is a huge problem I think in today’s world. You see Bruce has always been an outspoken guy. In this super PC hyper sensitive world we are in where everyone is looking to pounce over an opinion or wrong choice of words I like people that speak their mind even if I don’t agree with it. I am a fan of Bill O’Reily and Bill Maher. Don’t agree with all that they both say but damn it is nice these days to have at least some people that aren’t afraid to say what they feel and not give answers from some pre prepped PR rep one sheet! It always amazes me when people hammer me non stop for my opinion on an album or band on Twitter and then when I give it honestly they start the hate campaign because it’s not the answer they wanted. Almost impossible to win these days. But honest opinions when asked are refreshing to me, even if I don’t agree with them. Doesn’t mean you hate the person or band or subject. It is just your opinion and if given in a respectful way everyone should be entitled to that. So as a result when anyone says anything remotely opinionated it gets blown up and becomes news, and I think that sucks. It will continue to discourage open dialogue and debate and make the media world we are in even more boring and predictable.
Along these same lines much debate about the announcement that Steel Panther will be opening act for Priest. Contrary to what many think I have no hate for Panther. I know the guys, nice people, talented, good at what they do. But what they do is parody. That can not be argued. Want proof? The bands albums chart on the comedy charts! It is an act that is a spoof on 80’s hard rock. It is stunning to me how many people don’t see that! They have had amazing success, especially in the UK and Europe. Good for them. They have worked hard to build this from their roots as a cover band playing weekly gigs in LA. But I will admit for me I would have much rather seen Priest take a “traditional” metal band. A new or old band with the same real core commitment and values to metal they have had. Think of how many bands are out there that could use the help? Last tour Priest had BLS and Thin Lizzy. When so many bands are out there looking to package up it feels like a bit of a lost opportunity to give an hour slot to a band that for the most part goofs on a scene that Priest was not really a part of, but had a huge amount of success during. I’m going to see Priest regardless of who is opening, and I wish both bands well on the tour, but I do feel that there were so many bands that would have been a better fit and compliment to the metal Gods. It just feels like a disconnect for me to see icons like Priest taking what is basically the modern day Spinal Tap on tour. I mean who knows how many tours they have left in them at this stage of the game? The up side? Maybe Halford comes out and jams a Fight song with Russ AKA Satchel during the Panther set!? “Nailed To The Gun” anyone?
More on this plus Blitz from Overkill and members of Night Ranger in studio tomorrow live on SiriusXM 39 6-10P ET. TrunkNation!
75 Responses
Eddie, as I said in my other post, I think you’re missing the bigger picture with SP and Priest. I don’t know if you were at the last Priest show at the Izod Center a couple of years ago. I was and it was embarrassing. Now, I remember when Priest had NO problem selling that arena out back in the 80s. I saw them with Dokken there in ’86 (dodging flying beer bottles in the parking lot!). In 2012? HALF the arena was curtained off and it wasn’t even a sellout. Priest has been my #1 band since I was 10 years old and they always will be. I’m 42 now. But the sad fact of the matter is, they simply don’t generate the interest they used to, for whatever reasons. I’ve been to a few SP shows in CT and, honestly, had more fun at those shows than almost any others. They are just a FUN act and, frankly, think this will only boost ticket sales. You said they were popular in Europe and UK. Um, they’re pretty damn popular here, too. Yes, they’re a parody act. But they’re also a damn good metal band when you strip away the characters and lyrics.
Remember when Van Halen brought Kool & the Gang with them last tour? I, too, thought it was dumb. But it turned out to be a great warmup, as it got people in a great mood for the night. I think this is the same.
And, I also hope Russ comes out on stage with Rob. Last interview I read from Russ was that he hadn’t spoken to Rob since leaving Fight, which I found interesting.
I completely agree with you about Steel Panther. I personally don’t want to see parody at a serious metal show. Besides, no one does it better than Spinal Tap.
Bruce can say whatever he wants, he’s a great talent, and the scream at the end of the build-up in “Run To The Hills” still kicks it, and the long low note he holds at the beginning of “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is one of the best vocal dirges in metal history. But, personal preference, I’d rather my icons not slag each other. You’ll never hear the class acts from AC-DC criticising other acts. That said, I doubt that Halford is tossing and turning in his sleep worrying about Dickenson’s critique.
Let’s get really real, Cookie Monster Barnes and Six Feet Under should be opening for Priest.
No question, Bruce’s tactlessness notwithstanding, track for track, Maiden is better than Metallica.
Was Kool & the Gang unavailable for the JP tour?
I hate to say it, but when you really think about it, the heavy metal posing and grandstanding isn’t much different between SP and JP…I mean there’s an obvious difference with SP being ridiculous, but I think both bands kinda have the same deal going on when it comes to the “we are metal, look at us, raise your fist in the air Metal Gods” thing. I love JP, btw. English people really “get” parody. In 1988 Bruce Dickenson directed and acted in a video by the goof metal band Wrathchild. Check it out, it’s called Nukklear Rokket. He absolutely loved Wrathchild. Maiden had Twisted Sister open for them in 84 and watched with glee from sidestage as Dee made fun of inactive people in the front row. “You think you’re cool just cuz you’re wearin’ an Iron Maiden T shirt, fuckface?” It’s all in good fun. Judas Priest is almost as goofy as Steel Panther. They just have a much better singer in Rob and better songs of course.
I haven’t even read Bruce’s comments yet but I don’t think I really have to. What’s the point? Is he afraid that Metallica has stolen some of Maiden’s thunder, or only Maiden is deserving of success? What exactly makes a band “better” than another one? It’s all subjective folks. I’ve had my share of disappointment with Metallica, as well as Maiden (don’t try to tell me that “No Prayer For The Dying” and the two albums with Blaze Bailey measure up to the first 7 albums). But overall I love them both, and just don’t listen to the stuff by each of them that I don’t like. Nobody ever said you have to love EVERYTHING your favorite bands release. Sure, Bruce is a better pure singer than James Hetfield – but Hetfield is one of the best rhythm guitarists in metal history. Metallica’s success is not because of James’ singing. The best of Rob Halford vs the best of Bruce Dickinson? Tough call. I’d only have a problem with teleprompters if guys couldn’t make it through a song without staring at them. I don’t mind if it’s there for a backup or a quick check. Want to know what’s great about Metallica, as well as Maiden, as well as Priest, and any other good band? They don’t sound like anyone else but them. There are times I like Maiden more than Metallica, and times I feel the other way. They both have their strengths. I don’t know why a guy like Bruce, who is undeniably one of the great voices of the genre in one of the greatest bands of all time, can’t just say “we’re different, but they did their own unique thing and had a lot of success, so good for them. A lot of our fans are their fans too. Congratulations to Rob Halford and Judas Priest for more than 40 years and still going.” Bashing for no reason just makes him come of as a dick. But hey, he’s Bruce F’ing Dickinson so I guess he can say whatever he wants.