Back Stage Pass

SEPTEMBER '08

Harder Beat Magazine Online

Journey
Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell, Motorhead

By Andy Laudano

A small group of six to eight fans went home empty handed after waiting for Journey autographs. Fans called out to new singer, Arnel Pineda, who simply waved as he walked by and got on the bus. It would have been understandable if the bus were leaving right away, but it remained for another 45 minutes, as everyone else made their way out.

Journey’s Ross Valory reached a new low for torturing fans. As they called to him, Valory started to walk towards them, only to walk right by, then stop and act like he was going to come back over as fans continued to yell, then walk away, stop, walk etc. until finally getting on the bus.

Although they stiffed fans this time, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and Deen Castronovo have all signed in the past, but it was surprising that Pineda — who was doing Journey covers on You Tube not that long ago — didn’t want to meet with fans. I bet the man he replaced, Steve Augeri would’ve come over!

Heaven & Hell’s Tony Iommi
Photo: Andy Laudano

It was a completely different experience after the Judas Priest/Heaven & Hell/Motorhead/ Testament show. One of the nicest people on the planet, Ronnie James Dio (H&H) came out to see the 30 or so fans gathered outside the back gate. He walked down the line, personally greeting and thanking each person with a hug or a handshake. After he finished, he went back to the front of the line and asked if anyone needed anything signed or wanted photos. He took his time, answering questions and making sure everyone got what he or she needed. He even thanked and hugged the security guard on the way back to the bus. “That was the coolest thing ever. I got chills,” said the guard.

But that wasn’t all. Judas Priest guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, drummer Scott Travis and Motorhead’s drummer Micky Dee all came over and signed as well. It was a great night to be a metal fan.