KANGAROOS, GODZILLA AND SUNBURN: SHADOWS FALL’S BRIAN FAIR GUEST BLOGS FOR METALSUCKS [ENTRY #4 – THE PHILIPPINES]
[Massachusetts metallers Shadows Fall have just completed an exhausting run of shows on the far side of the globe in Australia, Korea, Japan and the Philippines. Each day this week vocalist Brian Fair will be recapping stories from the road in a guest-blog for MetalSucks. The fourth and final entry follows; be sure to read Brian’s entries about the Australian, Korean and Japanese tour stops. -Ed.]
We had never been to the Philippines before and honestly had no idea what to expect. There was no way we could have been prepared for the reception we were about to receive. The second we got off the plane, we knew this was going to be something special. We were greeted at the gate by an army of photographers from all the local newspapers and magazines. We were then whisked through immigration and customs and taken to a special VIP lounge where we discovered that we were on the front page of the local paper!! Unreal. After battling through the insane traffic of Manila, we headed to a local radio station to help promote the show. This was going to be the first metal show in the Philippines in years so the anticipation was incredibly high. We headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest and recovery and also to prepare for our trip to the beach the next day. Since we had two days off before the show, Vernon the promoter had set it up so we could head to the island paradise of Boracay to enjoy two days on the white sand beaches.
We hoped on a tiny ass propeller plane, then an even tinier boat, then finally a crazy truck to make it out to this remote slice of heaven. It really just doesn’t get any better than this. After two incredible days, we headed back to Manila to get ready for the show. As we walked into the venue, we noticed something incredible. Vernon and his crew had constructed a 30 foot replica of the “Rootman” from the album artwork from Threads Of Life, complete with moving arms and lazers shooting out of it’s chest!!!!
Now I know how Iron Maiden must feel!!! The show was unreal. The kind people at Red Horse Strong Beer made sure that the crowd was good and loose while the local bands got the party started. The energy from the crowd was overwhelming and really pushed us to perform at another level. We knew this was our last show of the tour and we left everything we had onstage that night. Much thanks to Vernon and the entire staff of Pulp Magazine for making this such a memorable and amazing experience. We can’t wait to come back!!!
Now it is time to rest up and reflect on our trip. After our time off we will be heading out for an East Coast run with Katakylsm, The Showdown and Arsis with stops at the WSOU Anniversary Party and The New England Metal And Hardcore Festival, so get ready. Also, keep an eye out for the remixed version of Of One Blood that will be coming soon. Till then, crack open a beer and fill out those brackets for the NCAA Tournament!! We will see you all soon!!
– Brian Fair (Shadows Fall)
