Midnight Sun: Metal 'cookies'
Last weekend I had the chance to watch one of the most entertaining metal bands I have ever seen. I’m talking, of course, about Austrian Death Machine, a tribute band that writes songs about Arnold Schwarzenegger movies.
The show was held at the old Mandarin Cinemas building on 32nd Street in one of the theaters. The guys at Open Aired put together this show, which also featured Cerebral Arts and Beg For Life.
As I walked in the theater dressed in slacks and polished shoes, I felt a little out of place. Here I was representing the status quo in a sea of black clothing, tattoos and piercings, which is something my 15-year-old self swore I would never do.
I used to dress punk rock because it was an act of rebellion.
I still have a little of the rebel in me, and it actually gave me a thrill to stand out in the crowd. It’s easy to say you believe in nonconformity when all of your friends wear the same thing.
Seriously, if you want a rush, dress like you would when you go to sit in your cubicle at work, then go to a metal show. It’s totally like sticking it to the man in reverse.
I made my way up into the old projection room to get some video of Austrian Death Machine. It was the best seat in the house. While I was up there, I met a kid from Cibola High School who was videotaping the event for his school's closed-circuit TV show. Keep it up, kid, journalism is the best.
I didn’t know what to expect before the tribute band took the stage, but the throb of energy pulsating through the massive audience below was palpable.
With the first shreds on the guitar and the double-bass kick of the drums, I knew I was in for a treat.
True to form, one of the singers was wearing an Arnold Schwarzenegger mask and did a very convincing impression of the famous movie star and current California governator.
The songs they sang included: "It's Simple, If it Jiggles it's Fat,” "Who Is Your Daddy and What Does He Do?,” "Get to the Choppa” and my personal favorite, "Who Told You You Could Eat My Cookies?"
I could tell the band liked to have fun. They didn’t have the typical apocalyptic message many metal bands have, opting instead to focus on "testosterone and stupidity,” for which I am thankful.
As I watched from above, angstful teenagers were eager to get their rage on as they entered the mosh pit in front of the stage, or perform the age-old art of crowd surfing.
It was great to watch the violence. Before the band played "Who Told You You Could Eat My Cookies?," Cookie Monster from Sesame Street graced the stage and threw cookies at the audience.
Since cookies are no good without milk, Arnold decided to spray down the audience with the white stuff.
It was a great show, and if they come back, go check them out.
It’s about time Yuma gets some quality entertainment of this nature, and I know most of the credit goes to the guys at Open Aired.
For reals, you guys hit it out of the park this time; and yes, Dr. Sheridan from Yuma High School AP English, I did just spell "reals” like that just for you.
Look for video of the performance on YumaSun.com.
See you next week under the midnight sun...
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BANDS PERFORMING
• Kevin Melcher - 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17 - Daybreakers Cafe
• Re-Wind - 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 - American Legion Post No. 19
• Ronny & Clyde - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 - Parrish's Bar & Grill
KARAOKE
• 5 p.m. today - Daybreakers Cafe
• 8 p.m. today, Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17 - Cocopah Casino's River Room
• 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 - Friendly Tavern
• 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Friendly Tavern
• 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Cocopah Casino's Sports Bar
• 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Hooligan's Sports Bar/Grill & Comedy Club
MUSIC JAM
• Yuma Blues Band Jam - 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday - LZ Bar and Grill
OPEN MIC
• 9 p.m. every Sunday - Pop A Top Saloon
CONCERTS
• Dierks Bentley - 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 - Quechan Casino's Pipa Event Center
• Tony Orlando - 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 - Quechan Casino's Pipa Event Center
COMEDIANS
• Ron White - 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 - Quechan Casino's Pipa Event Center
TOURS
• Growing Pain - 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 - Open Aired
