Megadeth are coming to town

As big, brash redheads go Musty is in a class of his own. Not long to go until I see the ginger one in the flesh. Dave Mustaine is the singer, guitarist, penalty kick taker and chief songwriter of the family friendly thrash metal band, Megadeth. Our Dave also holds black belts in karate and Taekwondo, so although he’s a Christian (this is true), he’s not the type of guy that gets sand thrown in his face. He’s a mass of contradictions is the evangelist with the Dick Dastardly voice.

Contrary to popular myth, heavy metal gigs are not full of hard men (and women). Most of us are only kid-on tough guys pretending to be the spawn of Crowley with our devil’s horn gestures. I’ve been to many standing room shows and only seen one fight which was between two young lads, worse for drink. It was an absolutely appalling fight to boot.

And there is concert etiquette. Unlike a football match setting, in this arena we’re all supporting the one team and looking out for one another. Anyone that falls during a “mosh” is hauled back to their feet; all for one and one for all and all that. It is courteous to help crowd surfers on their way through the sea of heads to the drop zone. Truly, it is a great experience to be in a crowd going crazy to thunderous live music. Say what you want about the genre you can’t deny they sure play a mean guitar.

At the upcoming event I have set myself a few goals that are of Everest proportions. My friends and I like a few beers beforehand so we don’t dwell at the front row like other early bird territorial rockers do. However, as the night progresses and property rights become more fluid with foreclosures of a dream a common occurrence I will try to force myself to the front. Along the way I’ll have some hairy moments with the clientele but hopefully my guile will see me through. Hear me out, there’s only been two of us that have done the Kessel run in under 12 parsecs. Solo only, my uneducated left foot.

Another thing I have began to become proficient at after these gatherings is the garnering of set lists and long may it continue. Set lists are the typed on A4 paper order of songs that are to be performed. They are located at various parts of the theatre to remind the not very bright musicians what comes next. Have we done Sweating Bullets yet? Post-concert the roadies usually hand these manuscripts out to desperate star-gazed fans and carpetbaggers. They’re a whole lot cheaper than tour programmes and fetch a tidy bundle on e-bay. See, TR’s not a daft punk, he’s trying to get the price of his ticket back. Hope I get lucky.

The fourth of June is the big Super Collider day for Musty and me to lock horns. Need I say it. Play it Loud.