We’re on the scene at Heavy MTL 2013. Here’s our second post (after Newsted’s) of pics and comments for the day and we’ll be updating every few hours.
Prior to our viewing of Newsted, we were privy to some local wrestling action, Steel Panther, and Black Label Society, both were amazing.
Steel Panther took the stage at 4:10 and played to an incredibly receptive crowd, and how could they not be? Steel Panther is, afterall, all about the fun, party atmosphere culture of heavy metal. Sure, it’s a parody of the ’80s glam metal scene, but it’s just awesome. The guys were pitch perfect and the sound was inpeccable. Unfortunately, I didn’t see nearly enough boobs… but that is the problem in Montreal. While Montreal is the heavy metal capital of Canada, the fans are way too serious. For a moment, at least, while Steel Panther performed, the mood lightened.
Black Label Society did have some sound issues during their opening track; the guitars dropped out and Zakk’s mic went out, but the band was unfazed. I’m stunned at how much Zakk sounds like Ozzy on vocals, but it’s not surprising either. All the poses and stances that made the man famous while playing with the Prince of Darkness were on display, and the fans loved it. Although BLS took the stage at 4:55, the intensity oozed from their pores and the crowd flocked to the stage en masse to see one of the best hard rock/heavy metal bands hit the stage, despite being hungry.
As mentioned above, we also had the chance to check out some of the local wrestling action taking place for the first time ever at Heavy MTL. I, for one, really appreciate this move toward bringing some alternate entertainment to the fest, much like it’s done elsewhere. What we saw was an eight-man tag-team event scheduled for one fall. And there was one female among the eight. It got a little sexual, and there were some racist jeers from the crowd, but all in all it was fun to see between sets.
Stay tuned to Yell! Magazine for more from Heavy MTL 2013.
Rock Hard \m/
