Jersey Kid Reacts To Classic Metal, Run To The Hills
I had fun showing my son “Master Of Puppets” the other night. Even though he was already familiar with it because of the hit tv show Stranger Things. In keeping with introducing him to Metal, I thought I’d stick with another classic band. One that is well-respected and well-known. This time around? Iron Maiden baby!!! My Jersey Kid Reacts To Classic Metal, Run To The Hills.
I decided to go with “Run To The Hills”. It’s such a legendary song and hit for the band. I got it all ready to go on my computer. When I called my son in and it started, he said “Dad, you can play that on drums right?” If you remember it starts off with that cool drumbeat. I told him of course I could. He liked when the song really started and that it was kind of fast and upbeat. He did ask why the singer’s voice sounded “like that” when we got to the chorus. I found out he meant that Bruce Dickenson sounded like a girl. I told him, that’s not even as high as he sometimes gets!! I know, to us Maiden fans, making fun of Bruce’s voice is unheard of. But keep in mind, my son has never heard something like that before.
Ultimately, he said he liked Master of Puppets better, but that this was pretty good. He also asked if they play concerts, to which I exclaimed “yes!!!” And I explained how awesome Iron Maiden is to watch live. I know Maiden isn’t for everyone, but it’s so interesting that at such a young age he can pinpoint that he prefers the sound of Metallica over what he’s heard from Iron Maiden. Maybe that will change, but regardless, it’s still intriguing.
I’m a huge Maiden fan, but I’ve said this before – I prefer Metallica too if I had to choose. There’s just something about that band that’s hard not to like for me.
Anyway, take a listen to the tune I played for him. See what you think. Was he on to something? LOL
Why Jersey Metal Rules
Why Jersey Metal Rules? I’ll tell you why in my list of bands from The Garden State that helped pioneer the genre.
I chose a group for my list highlighting the many genres of Metal.
Hardcore, Metalcore, Stoner, Thrash, Classic Club, Pop, Hair, the Garden State has it all covered.
HOW IT STARTED
I have mentioned the New Jersey Club Scene MANY times in artist interviews, and in the early 1980s, New Jersey was the place for hard rock and metal fans to go to check out amazing music of every rock genre including metal.
Me and my bestie Phyllis (you can find her on the WDHA page on First Call, Last Call weighing in!) were out many nights of the week checking out our favorite hard rock AND METAL BANDS.
Most of the bands on the scene played covers, some combining original material in hopes of gaining record label interest. On any given night you could head out “clubbing” and see a full-scale, ROCK SHOW complete with lights, fog, and amazing sound. It was awesome! There were also various “flea markets” that cultivated our scene as well including the “Rt. 18 East Brunswick Flea Market”, and a place called “Rock and Roll Heaven” where rock tunes, demos, and memorabilia were sold. I spent many a weekend there as a kid – it WAS heaven for music fans. This leads us to METALLICA!
When their demo (No Life Til’ Leather) landed on the ears of Johnny Z and his wife Marsha- (the folks behind Rock and Roll Heaven) they convinced the band to come to New Jersey and record “Kill Em’ All” on their Megaforce label. Metallica played the club circuit in Jersey too including The Showplace in Dover and The Fountain Casino in Aberdeen two staples of the music scene. The rest is history!
Enter the “Old Bridge Metal Militia” who were a group of passionate fans who kept the genre strong! It was so cool to hear James discuss this history at the recent Met Life shows. JUST WOW!
WDHA’s ROLE
WDHA was always a station that embraced the Metal genre. The first “Metal Mania” show began in the early 80s with a host whose name I heard was “Jill”, but I don’t have a last name, I was not at the station yet, but was in Junior High listening to it. THEN the show was taken over by “The High Priestess- Cheryl Richardt” – followed by Eddie Trunk, Matt Murray, Scott Evil and now both of the Mike’s. And we have some AMAZING Metal Memories for sure. When I first started at WDHA, I was the nighttime DJ and Metal Mania was on after me and there were always bands at the door ready to go! It was awesome.
This week for the WDHA Coffee Break I focus on Metal talent from the Garden State.
And check out this awesome book about the local New Jersey Metal Scene – Jersey Metal
While we are still on the topic of rock, definitely be sure to check out our most recent Recconect with Rockers.
WDHA Reconnect with Rockers with Jon Bon Jovi
WDHA’s Reconnect With Rockers with The Metal God- Rob Halford
WDHA’s Reconnect With Rockers with Dave “Snake” Sabo
WDHA’s Reconnect With Rockers With Zakk Wylde
WDHA’s Favorite New Jersey Artist Memories
The Metal Rock Clubs Of Our Youth
New Jersey is the place where Metal was born and continues to have an amazing fanbase. Let’s keep the heavy vibes alive! You know The Rock Of New Jersey will always keep the Metal alive!
Fly Your Metal Flag!
Mike is all about having fun each afternoon. He brings you concert tickets, some fun trivia, and of course the best bands. Other interests outside of being at WDHA are drums, movies, and my family. Also, like most radio personalities, he loves live music. There's nothing like a live show to hype him up! His all-time favorite band is Metallica. But according to him, the list of others is pretty lengthy.
