Metal Moments

What is a Metal Moment, you might ask?

Anyone who truly loves Classic Heavy Metal has had at least one or more of these.

It's typically a defining moment for many of us, and it usually comes in the form of some unsolicited compliment. For others, it may be a private moment while listening to a particular album. Remember the first time you got goosebumbs from a song? That's the kind if thing I am talking about.

The Metal Moment that sealed the deal for me and converted me from a casual fan into a diehard enthusiast came when I was 15 years old.

I was walking around the local carnival with a group of friends, and I was wearing a Manowar - Triumph of Steel t-shirt. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an older guy yelled "MANOWAR!!!" and flashed me the horns. Then he came over to us and asked me how old I was. I told him, and he was surprised. He asked me what other bands I liked, and then he told me a bunch of bands I should listen to. We ended up walking around and talking for a long time. His real name was Lucky (he said his parents were hippies).

After that moment, I knew that I had found something special.

I've had many great Metal Moments since then. Perhaps I will share more if this thread gets some feedback.

What is your Metal Moment?

Thanks for being the first to respond!

I will stay true to my word and share another Metal Moment. This might be my favorite one ever.

I was riding on a train on my way home from seeing Slayer in Chicago on the Diablos in Musica tour. As usual, I was entertaining my friends by ranting and raving about all things Metal. I remember telling them about what it meant to be a true Metal fan. I was also explaining to them that Manowar was a serious band and not just tongue-in-cheek (as they seemed to believe).

Eventually, a guy sitting a few seats down got up and came over to our group. He was older and in his thirties. He sat down and listened as I finished. Then he introduced himself (I think his name was Kyle). He told me that he liked the things I was saying, and he also asked me some questions to test my knowledge. After we chatted for a few minutes about Metal, he made me an offer.

He told me that because he was married and busy with work and family, he no longer had much use for his old Metal gear. He said that if I gave him my mailing address, he would send me some stuff. I had a good feeling about the situation, and part of me just trusted him, so I gave him the information. My friends thought it was weird.

A few weeks went by, and we had all stopped thinking about the incident. I was busy enjoying summer and playing in various bands with my friends, but then one day I got a phone call from my mother. She told me that a package had arrived for me, and she didn't recognize the sender. I remembered the guy on the train and was certain it must have been from him. Sure enough!

When I got home that night, I discovered a large box filled with Metal merchandise! Seven Manowar t-shirts. Two Manowar bandanas. Two authentic backstage passes from the Kings of Metal tour. A Manowar back patch (which now proudly resides on my denim vest), and a slew of other goodies.

I gave away a good amount of stuff to my best friends. I've always believed in sharing.

I have never in my life known of any other form of music that connects with its fans like Metal does.

Horns up!!!