In this engaging episode of The Adventures of Pipeman on W4CY Radio, Pipeman sits down with WREX at Bloodstock Festival to talk about festival life, performing in extreme weather, the band's journey from the pandemic, tattoo stories, and the importance of music communities. From humorous anecdotes to reflections on unity and acceptance, the conversation dives deep into what makes festivals special and why music continues to connect people across differences.Main Topics Covered

• Performing at Bloodstock and enduring unpredictable UK weather
• Touring and packing for all seasons as a musician
• Onstage challenges with costumes and heat, especially for drummers
• The physical demands of live performances—a workout comparison
• Festival mosh pits and memorable experiences (including Heavysaurus and dinosaur costumes)
• Stories about tattoos, including the significance of band-related tattoos
• The importance and vibe of festivals like Bloodstock and Rebellion
• Music communities and the power of festivals to unite diverse people
• Discussing polarizing divisions and the need for inclusion and understanding
• Backstory: Forming a band during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The value of friendships and connections made on the road
• How to connect with and support WREX

Key Discussions & StoriesSurviving Festival Weather

• Pipeman and WREX joke about packing for every season and the UK's infamous “unscheduled weather” 01:03.
• Insight into the struggle of performing in heavy clothes and costumes, and coping with stage heat—the necessity of drinking lots of water and contemplating cold plunges for the band 03:05.
• Comparisons to cardio—how a 25-30 minute set can feel like running a 5K to 7.5K 05:18.

Onstage Antics & Pit Memories

• Experiences with performing in jumpsuits and the prospect of heat stroke 02:43.
• The idea of mid-show breaks and drum solos as cooling opportunities 04:25.
• Mosh pits, from classic to inflatable dinosaur costumes—highlighting the fun side of festival culture 06:27.

Tattoos & Band Tributes

• Multiple stories about tattoo mishaps, learning experiences, and sentimental pieces 10:06.
• Sharing the experience of a fan's first WREX tattoo and what it meant to the band 12:30.

Festivals as Community Builders

• Emphasis on the irreplaceable community atmosphere at festivals like Bloodstock and Rebellion 14:17.
• Reflection on music events as places where everyone finds common ground, even if musical preferences differ 15:07.

Unity & Polarization

• Conversation about inclusion, not alienating those with different worldviews, and festivals as spaces for unity 16:04.
• Stories from travel and performing, meeting people from all walks of life, and festival culture as a solution to division 19:09.

WREX Pandemic Origins

• Discussing starting the band during COVID-19, writing songs, and the return to vibrant music communities 17:08.

Staying Connected

• The long-lasting friendships and connections made through touring and festival encounters 19:38.
• Pipeman shares why festival people are their true community 20:14.

Notable Quotes

• "It's a roll of the dice here. It's like unscheduled weather every day." — WREX 01:03
• "A live performance of our band was the equivalent to my training runs on the treadmill... I would burn the same amount of calories and have the same heart rate." — One story shared 05:38
• "It's kind of more like uncommon to be not tattooed now." — Observing tattoo culture 09:43
• "We need to have one major music festival that the whole world is required to attend, but no political leaders... and we just put everybody in one big mosh pit, and we'll all work it out and have a big hug afterwards." — Pipeman 17:49
• "Unity is the most important thing, and that's one of the things we tried to celebrate in our music." — On band values 17:08
• "Bloodstock is the place this weekend." — Capturing the festival spirit 20:32
• "You can find everything that we have to offer on our website, which is, uh, wearewrex.com." — WREX 20:53

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Follow WREX:
  • Socials: @WeAreWrex, spelled W-R-E-X
  • Website: wearewrex.com
• Bloodstock Festival: https://www.bloodstock.uk.com/
• Rebellion Festival: https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/
• Shoutouts to Devolution photographer Gary and tattoo artist Matty McGee

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In this wild and unfiltered interview, Pipeman sits down with Frank, Larry, and Gordon from Viking Skull at Bloodstock. The conversation meanders through musical influences, infamous tour stories, the state of rock ‘n’ roll, and a barrage of hilarious and outrageous tales from the band’s history. Listeners will get an insider’s look at the band’s ethos, antics, and genuine love for music.Main Topics Covered

• Vikings Skull’s roots and New Jersey connections
• Legendary gig stories, from onstage accidents to banned gigs
• The decline of debauchery and the changing music scene
• British vs. American music and musical influences
• The art of discovering forgotten bands and hidden musical gems
• Tales from LA’s iconic venues, the ‘80s metal scene, and run-ins with legends
• Beatles trivia, the origins of metal, and the evolution of rock genres

Key Discussions & StoriesJersey Pride & Seafood Banter

• Pipeman and Larry connect over New Jersey origins 00:30
• Shoutout to local band Fat Mess and fondness for bay-area seafood 00:41
• Jokes about “crabs” blur lines between food and relationships 00:55

Infamous Tour Antics

• Gordon recounts shitting himself on stage in Wales and pranking a bandmate with it 02:42
• Stories of pissing in beers at shows and general band mischief 02:58
• Larry on shenanigans leading to being banned at festivals, setting people (and trucks) on fire, and dramatic escapes 22:18, 24:22

Musical Influences & Fan Moments

• Deep dive into beer preferences, with scathing critiques for American beers like Budweiser 03:16
• Band discusses musical tastes spanning rock, soul, and Motown 11:03
• Beatles and Ringo Starr fandom—how the band members relate and aspire to their idols 09:24
• Larry sharing obscure musical knowledge, including Paul McCartney’s journey to bass and James Jamerson’s influence 12:08

The Metal Genre Debate

• Lively debate if Led Zeppelin can be called “metal” and how proto-metal bands set the stage for the genre 14:21
• Carmine Appice’s controversial opinion that Metallica, not Black Sabbath, was the first true metal band 15:48
• Recognition of overlooked early bands like Budgie, Dust, and Salord Baltimore 16:10

Rock and Roll Attitude, Then and Now

• Reflections on how rock’s wild side is less accepted today, with canceled gigs over antics that were once commonplace 21:19
• Memories of LA, Mötley Crüe, and classic venues like the Troubadour and Rainbow 20:14
• Perspective on the musical relationship between the UK and America, and turning points like grunge 19:11

Notable Quotes

• “Anybody who shits near Viking Skull is getting elbow smashed and karate kicked the fuck away.” — Larry 02:12
• “We’re a heavy drinking band... we don’t drink American beer.” — Larry 03:16
• “Ringo is one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard.” — Frank 09:21
• “We love music. All sorts of music… Motown, country and western, soul, country, the lot.” — Larry 11:03
• “Everything builds on top and builds on top and builds on top, and all we're doing is ripping it off. But it's different.” — Larry 18:28
• “We try and keep the fucking rock and roll alive, brother… Marshalls up to 11, the Les Pauls, the Hagstroms, and that's it, man.” — unidentified participant 26:12

Resources and Links Mentioned

• Fat Mess (NJ band) — shoutout 00:41
• CBGB’s — infamous stories from the legendary NYC venue 01:12
• Budweiser Piss Water Documentary (YouTube) — recommended by Larry 03:59
• Bands/Artists: Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Cactus, Cream, Mountain, Iron Butterfly, Budgie, Salord Baltimore, Dust
• Venues: CBGB’s, Rainbow, Troubadour, Whiskey, Roxy 20:14
• Albums/Tracks: “Paperback Writer,” “Rain,” “She’s So Heavy,” “Helter Skelter,” “Jailhouse Rock,” Slayer’s cover of “In-A-God-Da-Vida”

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In this episode, Pipeman sits down with Sean from TRIVAX at Bloodstock Festival. They dive deep into Sean’s unique journey from founding a metal band in Iran, where metal music is illegal, to performing at one of the UK’s most renowned metal festivals. The conversation explores the power of music as a form of resistance and unity, the challenges and cultural misconceptions faced by metal fans globally, and the importance of not judging entire groups by the actions of the few.Main Topics Covered

• TRIVAX at Bloodstock: first impressions and crowd reception
• The band’s origins in Tehran, Iran under strict religious law
• The personal and political risks of playing metal in Iran
• Responsibility of representing Iranian metal culture internationally
• Breaking down propaganda, prejudice, and societal division
• The unifying force of music and the metal community
• Personal stories of cross-cultural understanding and acceptance

Key Discussions & Stories

• TRIVAX’s Special Bloodstock Performance
  • Sean describes modifying their usual set for the occasion by performing only vocals for the first time in 17 years, resulting in his first ever crowd surf 02:08.
• The Band’s Founding and Challenges in Iran
  • Formed as a one-man band in Tehran in 2009 due to lack of available musicians 02:24.
  • Playing and even listening to metal in Iran risks arrest or worse due to laws labeling it as blasphemous 03:11.
• Exposure to Metal Amidst Opposition
  • Media and authorities in Iran demonize metal fans, with wild rumors and exaggerations about Western bands 05:10.
  • Sean shares an anecdote about a Quran teacher spreading false stories about Metallica 05:10.
• Parallels with Western Societies
  • Pipeman compares propaganda and political division in the US with misinformation in Iran 05:36.
• Music as a Tool Against Division
  • Both discuss how festivals like Bloodstock create a family atmosphere where politics and division are left outside 00:43, 01:09.
  • Emphasis on meeting people for who they are, not based on background or propaganda 09:20.
• Cultural Unity & Personal Connections
  • Pipeman reflects on positive experiences as a Jew living in a Muslim area of the Netherlands 09:02.
  • Highlighting the kindness and unity present in the metal community regardless of perceived differences 09:39.
• Standing Against Oppression
  • Sean champions the idea of everyday individuals taking accountability and agency in the fight against oppression—not by violence, but by refusing to be divided 10:34.

Notable Quotes

• "We're inside a self-contained world. We have our own metal simulation over here, and, honestly, it's an honor to be a part of it." — Sean 01:12
• "If you get caught with the label blasphemy on your music or anything against God or the prophet or the regime, you can pretty much get arrested and executed for that." — Sean 03:34
• "There should be no rules to being an artist." — Pipeman 03:04
• "I even had my very first crowd surf during the show after 17 years of being in a band." — Sean 02:08
• "Divide and conquer. It’s the oldest trick in the book going on right now." — Pipeman 07:46
• "Music can be a war against oppression. And by war, it doesn’t necessarily have to be with weapons." — Sean 10:23
• "We're not all drops in the same ocean, we're drops of the same ocean." — Sean 12:33
• "Get to know your fellow human and then make a decision on who they're all about, because you might find that you will love that human being that people want you to hate." — Pipeman 12:44

Resources & Links Mentioned

• TRIVAX Official Bandcamp:
  Find merch handled personally by Sean, interact with the band, and support directly 13:42.
• Streaming Platforms:
  TRIVAX is available on Bandcamp and major streaming services (for those not using Spotify) 14:02.
• Social Media:
  Listeners are encouraged to connect with the band and show support via social channels (Bandcamp, Instagram, TikTok mentioned as influences but not as direct contact points).

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In this episode, Pipeman interviews Chloe and Ben from Raven Records, a Camden-based heavy metal record shop that has redefined the record store experience. They discuss their unique alcohol-free bar concept, community events, mental health support, and the evolving inclusivity of the metal scene. The conversation also dives deep into personal stories, the culture surrounding music and sobriety, and the shop's innovative bands-partnerships.Main Topics Covered

• The Raven Records Booth at Bloodstock
• Creating a Metal-Themed Alcohol-Free Bar
• Sober Living and Inclusivity in Metal
• Community, Relationships, and Social Experiences Without Alcohol
• Band Partnerships, Coffee, and Events
• Breaking Down Genre Gatekeeping
• Mental Health, Recovery, and Music as Therapy
• The Store’s Features and Fan Experience
• Contact Information and How to Connect with Raven Records

Key Discussions & StoriesThe Booth at Bloodstock & In-Store Experience

• Chloe describes their Bloodstock booth, featuring records, metal-related books, puzzles, coloring books, patches, and pins (00:46).
• The shop in Camden brings the same fan-focused vibe, aiming for an immersive metal experience.

Alcohol-Free Metal Bar & Social Dynamics

• They’ve established a complete alcohol-free bar with a true metal aesthetic—no whale music or bland environments (02:23).
• They serve alcohol-free whiskies, rums, Guinness Zero on draft, and a rotating menu of metal-themed mocktails (02:30, 05:20).
• Chloe and Ben discuss the importance of providing a social space where non-drinkers can feel included without stigma (03:08, 05:17).
• Discussion on how non-drinkers often make drinkers uncomfortable, and how the shop creates an open, relaxed atmosphere (06:17, 06:27).

Sober Living, Relationships, and Changing Scenes

• Chloe shares being nearly 19 years sober and her perspective on recovery-friendly spaces (01:57).
• Pipeman and guests swap stories about socializing, dating, and stereotypes non-drinkers face (05:48).
• Stories of wild 80s metal days compared to today’s more health-conscious scene (04:05, 10:37).

Expanding the Fan Experience

• The shop hosts band signings, such as Venom, Testament (with their own band-designed coffee), and events catering to all metal subgenres (13:58, 14:23).
• Highlighting the downstairs Lucifer Lounge, a themed hangout space for fans (14:23).

Band-Endorsed Coffee & Merch

• Two main coffee brands: US-based Concept Cafés (official band coffees, royalties to artists) and UK-based Black Coffee Worship (Scandinavian roasts, fan favorite “Black Cross”) (11:48, 12:27).
• Coffee is both for sale and served, allowing fans to enjoy and take home band-crafted blends (12:54).

Breaking Genre Gatekeeping

• Pipeman, Chloe, and Ben reflect on the changes from the '80s gatekeeping mentality to today’s inclusivity, where musical preferences are embraced without judgment (16:53, 17:08).
• The shop deliberately stocks a wide range, from glam to death metal, challenging purist views (15:36).

Music and Mental Health

• Mental health peer support (“Heavy Metal Therapy” meetings), Satanic recovery (addiction recovery), and the connection between music and wellbeing (11:11).
• Chloe shares how her music preference reflects her mental health and how music is integral to her recovery (19:40).

Notable Quotes

• “We wanted to create a bar that was a proper metal bar that just sold alcohol-free drinks.” – Chloe (02:23)
• “The fact that I’m not drinking shouldn’t make anyone else uncomfortable.” – Ben (06:22)
• “Metal's metal at the end of the day… embrace it, enjoy it, enjoy what you like.” – Chloe (17:11)
• “Music is the best therapy in my opinion.” – Pipeman (21:11)
• “It’s that bridge between the bands and the fans, and not just the massive bands as well.” – Chloe (15:25)

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Raven Records Website: ravenrecordshop.com (22:05)
• Instagram: Raven Records underscore Camden (22:05)
• Facebook: Raven Records Camden (22:13)
• TikTok: Similar to Instagram and Facebook (22:13)
• Shop Location: Camden Town, London (Near Underworld & World’s End, by the tube station) (21:48)

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In this episode of The Adventures of Pipeman on W4CY Radio, Pipeman sits down with Wailing Banshee during their experience at Bloodstock Festival. The conversation dives into the band's unexpected journey to perform at Bloodstock, personal stories of how each member found their way into music, the unique atmosphere and camaraderie of the festival, standout performances, and the strong sense of community in the metal scene. The band also shares how listeners can support and connect with them online.Main Topics Covered

• Wailing Banshee’s surprising invitation to Bloodstock Festival
• Emotional and personal journeys into music for each band member
• The special community spirit of Bloodstock and metal festivals
• Favorite performances and highlights from Bloodstock 2023
• Supporting fellow bands and emphasizing unity in the music scene
• How to follow and support Wailing Banshee

Key Discussions and Stories1. The Unexpected Bloodstock Invitation

• Ron recounts receiving a surprising message on Facebook inviting the band to perform at Bloodstock, initially suspecting it was a scam. Their booking agent confirmed it was real, resulting in excitement and disbelief at their festival debut 00:43.
• The band reflects on the surreal feeling of performing at Bloodstock and the moment it truly sank in as the crowd engaged with their set 01:21.

2. Personal Musical Origins

• Members share their first sparks of musical inspiration:
  • Guitar Hero 3 and real guitars for birthdays 02:03
  • Early exposure to MTV and a long-standing journey with guitar 02:25
  • Getting into bass “by accident” due to a band needing a bassist, inspired by Iron Maiden 02:48
  • Ron shares a childhood dream of singing, despite discouragement, and being inspired after seeing Black Veil Brides live 04:04

3. Bloodstock’s Unique Festival Community

• The band and Pipeman discuss how welcoming, friendly, and supportive the festival audience, crew, and artists are. Stories highlight spontaneous friendships and the absence of negativity 06:12, 06:42, 07:23.
• The importance of disconnecting from social media and being present in the festival experience 07:49.

4. Favorite Bloodstock Performances

• Standout sets from Saxon, Redeemer, Vanitas, Bootyard Bandits, Archaea, and Sepultura are discussed with enthusiasm and admiration 08:13, 10:07, 10:21, 10:56.
• The supportive nature of the metal community and celebration of peer successes 11:08.

5. The Power of Community and Support

• Emphasis on uplifting other metal bands and fans, and pride in being part of a community focused on encouragement rather than competition 12:00.
• Discussion on how all-metal festivals create an unmatched atmosphere 12:18.

Notable Quotes

• "It was really weird... we just got a message randomly on Facebook, 'hey guys, do you want to play the Serpent Slayer?' And we were like, this is a phishing scam." – Ron 00:43
• "Any gig we play, it's humbling to have people just be interested, invested in what we do." – shared sentiment 01:43
• "I'm gonna be a singer when I grow up. And they were like, yeah, you should try and find like a real job." – Ron 04:13
• "If you have no other choice but move forward, you'll do whatever it takes." – Pipeman 05:03
• "It really does feel like— I don't want to sound too cheesy— it does feel like we come home, you know? It's 20,000 like-minded individuals." – festival reflection 06:21
• "There's no room in these scenes to kind of be chatting shit about each other and dragging each other down. Like, we all want to see each other succeed." – community sentiment 12:05

Resources and Links Mentioned

• Wailing Banshee Website: www.wailingbanshee.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook, Instagram, TikTok: @wailingbansheeofficial
• Tour Info: Follow their socials for current UK tour dates including London, Birmingham, and Scotland 12:48

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In this engaging episode, Pipeman sits down with progressive heavy metal band Technologist from Manchester, UK, for a dynamic discussion about concept-driven music, their journey through the UK metal scene, and the hard work behind being an independent band. Listeners get insights into the band's origins, their path to performing at the renowned Bloodstock Festival, and the realities of DIY success in the music industry. The conversation is lighthearted, filled with music fan stories, and offers valuable advice for musicians.Main Topics Covered

• The origin and meaning of the band name "Technologist"
• Conceptual storytelling in music and environmental themes
• Realism in sci-fi and its overlap with reality
• Celebrity musicians in heavy metal and rock
• Perseverance in the competitive Manchester metal scene
• Metal to the Masses competition and Bloodstock Festival experience
• Crafting progressive metal that's technical yet accessible
• Importance of collaboration, feedback, and humility within bands
• The hard work behind DIY releases and promotion
• The value of delegating tasks and building a solid team
• Trust and open-mindedness in the creative process
• Ways fans can support Technologist and upcoming music releases

Key Discussions & StoriesBand Origins & Concept

• The story behind Technologist is set 40 years in the future, focusing on a world suffering from environmental neglect. The titular Technologist tries to build life-generating machinery, only to have it stolen, prompting a quest to reclaim it for the planet's good (00:53).
• The band prioritizes creating a realistic story that mirrors real-life issues and keeps sci-fi elements grounded (01:07).

Celebrity Metal Fans and Musicians

• Discussion about William Shatner (James T. Kirk) performing with a metal band at age 95, including his quirky demands such as traveling to the stage in a DeLorean and requesting sauerkraut in his dressing room (02:06).
• Other rock/actor crossovers mentioned, including Christopher Lee and Keanu Reeves (04:04).
• Story about Taylor Momsen leaving acting to pursue her passion for rock music (04:35).

Bloodstock Festival and Metal to the Masses

• Technologist describes their years-long journey through the highly competitive Manchester scene, winning the Metal to the Masses competition and finally playing Bloodstock after almost 20 years of attending (07:08).
• Pipeman highlights the inclusive, supportive environment at Bloodstock, contrasting it with other festivals (08:50, 09:26).
• Panel discussion on how healthy competition advances musicianship and fosters community (10:01).

Musicianship & Progress

• Technologist is committed to progressive heavy metal with complex time signatures and dynamics while keeping the music energetic and headbangable (06:23).
• The band credits ongoing self-critique, applying judges' feedback, and persistence for their growth (13:33).
• The importance of practicing and the realities behind being a "working musician"—the hours not just in playing, but in social media, promotion, and logistics—and doing everything independently for their debut album (15:21, 16:32).

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Both band and interviewer emphasize the need to delegate and work as a team, recognizing one's own strengths and weaknesses. Having trusted collaborators or producers makes for better results, both for bands and interviewers (17:41, 18:43).
• Notable examples include Metallica's evolution with producer Bob Rock and Paul McCartney's perspective on The Beatles (19:01).
• Trust and humility in the creative process: band members discuss open-mindedness to feedback, not being afraid to try out new ideas, and letting go of ownership for the good of the song (23:19).

Notable Quotes

• "The more we try and fix shit, the more we break it." — Pipeman (01:34)
• "Music is not a competition, really." (07:43)
• "It takes about 20 years to become an overnight success." — Pipeman (12:03)
• "You have to absolutely love all of it, you know." — Pipeman (16:27)
• "If you stifle [creativity], it's not gonna be good… you're all artists." — Pipeman (24:47)
• "We're not afraid of being wrong sometimes... that's how some of our best music was written." (23:36)

Resources & Links

• Technologist on Streaming Platforms: Search for Technologist on Spotify and major streaming services.
• Support on Bandcamp: For merch, physical CDs, and digital support, visit their Bandcamp page.
• Social Media: Follow and connect on Facebook and Instagram for music updates and live dates.
• Upcoming Release: New single "Rearrange" and accompanying music video slated for release in about a month (25:57).

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In this lively episode of Podcast, Pipeman sits down with Dom and Bill from the band Withdrawn at Bloodstock Festival. The conversation dives into the band's journey, the excitement and nerves of performing at a major festival, unique cultural differences between the US and UK, and the camaraderie of local music scenes. The band also shares details about their latest EP, merch, and where fans can find them online.Main Topics Covered

• The thrill and anticipation of performing at Bloodstock Festival
• Artist nerves vs. the perception of extroversion in musicians
• Overcoming stage fright and embracing the live experience
• Cultural differences in traffic and jaywalking between the UK and US
• The process and benefits of the Metal to the Masses competition
• The sense of community among local bands
• Withdrawn's music, merch, and online presence

Key Discussions & Stories1. Excitement and Nerves at Bloodstock

• Dom and Bill describe their amazement at playing Bloodstock, sharing it's a "dream come true" to share a lineup with admired bands (01:03).
• The conversation explores the reality that many artists are not natural extroverts and the universal sense of nervousness before going on stage. Dom emphasizes planning while Bill shares he only relaxes thirty seconds into the performance (02:13).

2. Stage Fright & Out-Of-Body Experiences

• Pipeman compares his own nervousness before going on air to artists before a set, calling performance an "out-of-body experience" (02:04).
• Dom reflects on how staying focused on enjoying the moment helps sweep away nerves (03:06).

3. Humorous Cultural Exchanges

• Pipeman shares anecdotes about struggling with UK driving and roundabouts, while Dom jokes about the reverse situation and pigeons playing "pigeon" in British traffic (04:06, 05:22).
• They discuss the differences in jaywalking laws between the US and UK and the perils of being a pedestrian in busy cities (04:44).

4. The Metal to the Masses Experience

• Dom details Withdrawn’s journey through the competition: semi-finalists their first year, making friends, and getting gigs out of it (06:42).
• This year, after encouragement from venue owner Danny at Club 85, the band competed again—and won, earning their spot at Bloodstock (07:13).
• Pipeman and Dom highlight how the competition fosters genuine community and support among bands, not just rivalry (08:15).

5. The Value of Community in Music

• Dom discusses the importance of networking—making friends and connections through the scene (09:07).
• Bill reflects on the rare positivity and camaraderie found in their experience (09:35).

6. Withdrawn’s Music & Merch

• Dom announces Withdrawn’s EP "Something in the Water," available on Spotify, and encourages listeners to check them out on Instagram (@withdrawn.band) and TikTok (10:06).
• The band is selling two shirt designs ("Kind" and "Scared") at Bloodstock merch stands (10:47).
• Dom promises more music to come, as playing Bloodstock is the culmination of two years of hard work (10:34).

Notable Quotes

• “It’s a dream come true...just having our name there with all these great [bands]—yeah, it’s a real dream come true.” — Dom (01:25)
• “Even me, who does this all the time, until I put on the mic, I’m nervous...as soon as you get on stage...it’s an out-of-body experience.” — Pipeman (02:04)
• “The whole point is to play, you know? It’s not like work...you play in a band, you enjoy yourself.” — Dom (03:08)
• “All you can really say is...it’s sick that you made it this far. It still hasn’t really sunk in even though we’re here…” — Dom (08:37)
• “You’ve got one thing in common with everyone here, it’s just you love music, you love metal music. So what’s to be afraid of?” — Dom (09:32)

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Withdrawn Instagram: @withdrawn.band (10:06)
• Withdrawn on Spotify
• Withdrawn TikTok
• Latest EP: Something in the Water (featuring "Scared", "Drought", "Kind") (10:17)
• Band Merchandise: "Kind" and "Scared" shirt designs available at Bloodstock merch stands (10:47)
• Venue Mentioned: Club 85

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In this episode, Pipeman sits down with Joe, the frontman of Tempest Saint, and James, the guitarist, at Bloodstock Festival. The trio dives into their metal roots, the band's rapid journey, Bloodstock experiences, and discusses the strong sense of community within the metal scene. The conversation is rich with festival stories, metal hero worship, and hilarious backstage moments.Main Topics Covered

• Introduction to Tempest Saint and their lineup
• Early influences and pivotal musical moments
• The band’s journey from formation to playing Bloodstock Festival
• The significance of Bloodstock and the UK metal scene
• The metal community: camaraderie and anti-gatekeeping
• Favorite festival bands and behind-the-scenes antics
• The legacy of metal and its enduring appeal
• Tempest Saint’s presence on social media and where to find their music/merch

Key Discussions & StoriesMetalhead Beginnings

• Pipeman and James discuss their love for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath (00:38), with stories about school presentations on metal heroes (01:07).
• Joe recalls presenting on Manowar in college and receiving top grades for his passion (01:32).

Forming & Breaking Through

• The band’s rapid formation in 2023 and relentless gigging to make their mark (02:14).
• Describes their unconventional approach: directly emailing Bloodstock organizers for a festival slot and eventually landing one (02:34).

Bloodstock Festival Experience

• Joe: Declares Bloodstock the best UK metal fest, citing its deep-rooted community (03:04).
• Pipeman: Shares his sense of family and acceptance at the festival (03:37).
• Festival stories: struggles with setting up massive tents, circle pits with dinosaurs, and the overall welcoming atmosphere (07:42).

Musical Inspirations

• James: AC/DC’s Angus Young inspired him to pick up guitar at age 8 (04:36).
• Joe: Deciding to sing after hearing Judas Priest’s “Screaming for Vengeance” (05:12), striving to evoke the same power as Rob Halford.
• Reverence for classic UK metal bands (Judas Priest, Saxon, Deep Purple) and the feeling of carrying their torch (09:45).

Highlights & Notable Moments

• Festival standouts: Cancel the Transmission, Wailing Banshee, Bleed From Within, Saxon, and Heavy Saurus (06:59, 08:09).
• Visit to Lemmy’s ashes before performing—“a little pilgrimage” (09:22).

The Spirit of Metal

• Deep discussions on the unity among metal fans—the rejection of gatekeeping (09:10).
• The idea of metal as therapy and an emotional anchor (10:43).

Notable Quotes

• “If you’re doing metal interviews and you need [notes], you’re not a metalhead and you shouldn’t be doing metal interviews.” — Pipeman (01:45)
• “As an unsigned band, to get an opportunity like this just means the world.” — James (02:50)
• “Bloodstock is the best metal festival in the UK. Not just because it’s the biggest, but because the community is tried and tested.” — Joe (03:04)
• “It’s rock and roll, man. None of that [gatekeeping].” — Joe (09:15)
• “Best therapy there is.” — Pipeman & Joe (10:48)

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Tempest Saint Online:
  • Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Linktree – Search “Tempest Saint” (11:03)
• Bloodstock Festival: https://www.bloodstock.uk.com/
• Band Merch: Purchase is the “entry criteria” for the show! (10:59)

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In this vibrant episode, Pipeman sits down with members of Temples on Mars at Bloodstock Festival to discuss the band's journey, the universal community of metal, and the therapeutic power of heavy music. They also delve into the unique culture of metal festivals, the band's origins across continents, and the importance of supporting independent musicians.Main Topics Covered

• Bloodstock Festival Vibes and Culture
• Stereotypes and Realities of Metalheads
• Metal as Therapy and Community
• The Origins and Evolution of Temples on Mars
• The New Zealand Metal Scene
• Writing and Performing New Music
• The Struggles and Realities of Being a Touring Musician
• Supporting Bands Through Merch and Streaming

Key Discussions & StoriesBloodstock Festival & Metalhead Community

• The welcoming, family-run nature of Bloodstock and its standing in metal festivals, as Pipeman reflected on the sense of homecoming at the event 00:52.
• The conversation highlights how metalheads appear intimidating to keep unfriendly people out but are in reality a supportive and caring community 01:32.

Metal as Therapy

• The speakers discuss how heavy music and mosh pits act as a constructive outlet for releasing emotion rather than promoting violence 03:01.
• The deeply supportive environment found in metal scenes worldwide, with people helping each other in the pit and beyond 03:15.

Temples on Mars' Story & International Roots

• The band's formation around 2018, early releases, international tours (including South Africa), and the unique parallels between cultures 03:42.
• Reflecting on the very stable lineup, emphasizing their brotherhood and shared direction 04:48.

The New Zealand Metal Scene

• Discussion of Wellington, New Zealand's close-knit metal and punk community and how similar scenes arise worldwide 06:13.
• Serendipitous connection between Wellington, NZ and Wellington, Florida 05:31.

The Power of Music and Finding Family

• Personal stories about music as a means of belonging, direction, and therapy—especially during challenging youth in conservative societies 08:50.
• Band members recall how discovering bands like Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine changed their lives 09:16.
• Acknowledgement of how metal bands often play a life-saving role for fans 10:34.

Making and Sharing Music

• Temples on Mars’ newest record, "The Last Ship," forms the core of their Bloodstock set and showcases their evolving sound 04:26.
• The internal creative process is discussed, noting the band’s tendency to be their own toughest critics 08:13.

Supporting Independent Artists

• The crucial role of merch sales for survival on the road and the inadequacy of streaming revenue 12:23.
• Calls to action for fans to buy music and merch to help bands continue touring and making music 12:34.

Notable Quotes“There's so many festivals out there, but there's only one like Bloodstock where there are no assholes here, to be blunt.”
— Pipeman 01:17“Metalheads come across as really scary people for a fucking reason, to keep the assholes out. But once you get in the tent, just everyone's so chilled.”
— Discussion at 01:32“Music is therapy. It's therapy. It's therapy.”
— Pipeman 03:01“The mosh pit is violent, but it's a safe place.”
— 03:12"Us evil, scary people are actually the nicest people that get along with everybody in the world."
— Pipeman 07:10“Warm, accessible, heavy hooks with some electronic je ne sais quoi dedans.”
— Band’s self-description 07:34“You suddenly find a family. You find other alternative kids who are wayward and suddenly that’s your connection to them... I’m not alone in this fucking world, you know. I’m allowed to be fucking weird. It’s fine.”
— 09:48"How many times have you heard somebody say, oh, this band saved my life?"
— Pipeman 10:58Resources & Links Mentioned

• Temples on Mars music:
  • Spotify
  • Bandcamp
  • Other streaming platforms (11:45)
• Encouragement to support artists:
  • Buy music and merch, buy a coffee for the band (11:53)

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In this episode of The Adventures of Pipeman on W4CY Radio, Pipeman interviews Wednesday 13 at Bloodstock Festival. The conversation covers Wednesday 13's experiences performing at festivals, his enduring passion for music, the significance of festival communities, personal stories about family, and the meaning behind his recent tattoo transformation. The episode is filled with insights on resilience in the music industry, generational connections to music, and what continues to fuel creativity after decades in rock.Main Topics Covered

• Performing at Bloodstock Festival (UK)
• Transitioning into Grandparenthood
• Tattoo Art and Personal Reinvention
• Passion for Music and Touring Life
• Festival Communities and Global Camaraderie
• Advice for Aspiring Musicians
• Dedication of Music Fans

Key Discussions & StoriesBloodstock Festival Experiences

• Wednesday 13 reflects on returning to Bloodstock since 2018 and headlining the side stage in the dark, which better fits his show’s aesthetics 00:41.

Family Connections in Music

• Story about Wednesday 13's granddaughter attending his shows, contrasting her enthusiasm against his daughter's more reserved interest 01:44.
• Pipeman shares his experience bringing grandkids to festivals and integrating them into the music community 02:16.

Tattoo Transformation

• Wednesday 13 discusses working with tattoo artist Anna to revamp his black-and-gray tattoos with color as an act of personal renewal ahead of his 50th birthday 03:02.

Sustaining the Rock Lifestyle

• Insights into what motivates Wednesday 13 to continue touring and performing despite the challenges, emphasizing his love for music and fan connection 04:36.
• Discussion on enduring hardships of travel, late nights, and the exhaustion of touring because of genuine passion 05:16.

Festival Culture and Community

• Observations on the family-like atmosphere at European festivals like Bloodstock and Wacken; mutual respect and camaraderie among attendees 07:13.
• Contrasts with U.S. festivals and underscores the dedication of fans who camp at events for days 08:00.

Words of Wisdom

• Wednesday 13 offers advice to aspiring musicians—urging them to love what they do, dream big, and fully commit to their ambitions 06:16.

Notable Quotes

• “It was meant for the dark. I don’t write with the sun in mind. Usually.” – Wednesday 13 01:26
• “I achieved my dream. Like, it’s the craziest thing. Sometimes I think about it, I go, man, how did I do it? Because I believed in it.” – Wednesday 13 05:58
• “Dedication, man. And that’s why music will never die. It’s what fuels people.” – Wednesday 13 08:26
• “If you’re not loving this, you’re in the wrong industry.” – Pipeman 05:08
• “Dream it and be it and become it and own it and do it.” – Wednesday 13 06:19

Resources & Links Mentioned

• W4CY Radio: w4cy.com
• Bloodstock Festival: bloodstock.uk.com
• Wacken Open Air Festival: wacken.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/support.

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Stream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. 

Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.