I was asked the other day exactly how many bands I’ve actually been to see live. So, I started to list a few of the gigs that I went to in my early teens. I then started to realise that I have literally seen hundreds and hundreds of bands live. If you think about it, it shouldn’t be that shocking. If you go to a gig, you’ll probably see one or two support acts before the headliners come on.
The subject then turned on to the first gig I went to, so I thought I’d share this experience with you.
I had only just turned thirteen and was beginning to really get into my music when I noticed that Slayer and Soulfly were playing a joint show at London Astoria. Now, when I was younger, I was really into all the gothic clothing and gothic look and Slayer and Soulfly were some of the names that were very popular amongst the goth kids (or greebos as they “fondly” know as where I live). So I thought they must be cool.
Without really knowing much of either bands material, I convinced my Dad to book a ticket for me to go. My parent’s took the approach of “Do what you want and make your own mistakes” when it came to their parenting skills. I was amazed that my parent’s were willing to let me go to London by myself to see these two metal bands.
In the weeks leading to the gig, I started buying the Slayer back catalogue. The thing that intrigued me the most was some of the epic guitar riffs by Kerry King. They were so chunky, they just went right through you. I became to speculate what this was going to be like seeing this in the flesh.
Then, I had my first taste of Soulfly and the distinctive voice of Max Cavalera. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really a fan of Soulfly. It just seemed to be noise to me, but as the greebos fraternity seemed to believe they were cool, I went along with it!!!!
So, the day of the gig came and after school I found myself on a train heading to London Charing Cross. Dressed all in black wearing my Slayer hoodie with my black mascara with accompanying mascara teardrop drawn on with great precision, I definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. In a way, I liked the attention. Even though this attention was probably “Look at the state of that kid” or “His parent’s must be terrible for letting him out dressed like that”.
I found my way to the Astoria (it’s literally a straight line from the station) and began to queue to get in. I notice two things. Firstly, I was the youngest and smallest person in the queue. Secondly, a majority of the people in the queue looked ridiculously tough. This may have been the first time I thought I might be out of my depth.
Once I got in, I made my way to the front of the Astoria and squeezed my way to the security rail at the front. Nobody had given me any advice or past on prior gig experiences to me, so I just thought that at the front, I’d be able to see everything.
After a lengthy wait, the lights went out and the entire Astoria cheered. The atmosphere was electric. The lights came up and there were Soulfly. As soon as they played the first chord, the crowd went mental.
I now understand why some gigs have and age restriction, as within two minutes, I felt like I’d gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson! I got crushed, punched, kicked, poked. I was so confused, yet everyone appeared to be enjoying this. Don’t get me wrong, now I’m a lot bigger (upwards and outwards!) I enjoy a bit of fun in the pit, but as a 13 year old at a Slayer and Soulfly concert, it wasn’t that much fun!!!
I made my way to the seating area in the Astoria to watch the rest of Soulfly and then Slayer. Slayer, to their credit, were amazing. The atmosphere definitely added to the occasion with the crowd really into band.
I don’t think I’ll ever consider myself a die hard fan of either Soulfly or Slayer, but they will always hold a special place in my heart for the sole reason they were the first two bands I saw live and provided me with an experience I’ll never forget.
