Solidarity costs nothing

The Black Crusade Tour is currently tearing Europe a new arsehole. This quite frankly stunning conglomerate of the biggest bands in metal is just what the scene needs at the moment. 5 acts, all superb at their craft and ahead in their respective fields, bringing the metal back to the people, and all in one night. This tour is already being compared to the legendary 'Clash of the Titans' jaunt back in the early 90's featuring Slayer and Megadeth, a wholely valid justification.

Surely most reasonable fans would echo my sentiments here. What on earth could possibly be wrong with such an awesome collection of bands to swear allegiance to? (Machine Head, Trivium, DragonForce, Arch Enemy, Shadows Fall) None of these bands play anything resembling 'False Metal' a term that's dirtier than Gary Glitter in a nursery, but it seems that on several of the dates, some of the bands (Trivium and DragonForce especially) have been subjected to severe displays of hostility from large sections of the crowd.

I can refer back to some of my earlier posts with regards to Trivium; their third album being, well, shit, but why do DragonForce come in for such criticism? Ok, they play a very 'happy' hyperfast band of sugary power metal, but it still has plenty of bite, and Herman Li and Sam Totman are frequently lauded as two of the greatest shredders in the world today. So my question is, why do people go along to gigs that are a celebration of metal, with the lineups being hand picked by Robb Flynn of Machine Head, simply to direct their petty hatred at a band they have a minor problem with?

That's not all. Arch Enemy vocalist Angela Gossow, she of the sharp tongue and flowing golden locks is apparently unhappy at her band's low billing. "We should be higher up" she sniffs. Jesus Christ, why is there all this bitterness, not only from the dullards in the crowd but also the figureheads of the bands? Arch Enemy should be grateful to be on the tour, as should the rest of the line up. Shadows Fall (on first with a ridiculously easy set time) have been full of nothing but praise for the organisers, as they recognise what a great opportunity this is to have their music reach a wider audience. Finally! Some sense!

It's about time that both bands and audience be appreciative for what they have. All the bands are worthy of being on this tour, and the crowd should echo that. Likewise, no one in any of these bands has a right to moan about anything at the moment, being as they are, on one of the greatest shows to travel the world in the last 10 years. So come on boys and gals, let's see some solidarity in our scene. It really doesn't cost a thing.