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Metalheart Memorial Benefit Show Metalheads Pay Respect to One of Their Own By Jenn Leonardi
This show was not about simply playing music, it was about remembering a good friend who meant a lot to many people. Shows like this emphasize the heart behind metal music. These three bands love their music and friends. They weren't getting paid to play, they were playing to remember. Jamie Giel, died at the age of 30 on February 11 just a week before his 31st birthday from a genetic heart complication. Jamie was the type of person who loved music so much it was in his blood. Whether he was listening at home or he was at a show in the mosh pit, it was always with him. He was always found in the front row at local shows, beer held high in one hand, head banging to his friends' music. One of his favorite bands was Jag Panzer although he got ragged on by his friends for liking them so much. He wasn't one to care who thought what of his musical tastes. Jamie simply loved the music. The memorial show was scheduled to open its doors at 5:30 p.m. with the first band slotted for 6 p.m. and the overall show scheduled to end around midnight. Sources said that after the venue got wind that a few bands were cancelled, the show organizers were given a later time slot, with the first band not going on until 10:45 p.m., due to technical difficulties, and the show lasted till well past 2 a.m. Despite all the hassles, the show still went on. This only goes to prove that Metalheads have very big hearts.
Disillusioned, also friends of Jamie, had the crowd moshing and head banging to their set. The music is akin to '80s heavy metal and definitely worked the crowd up. Disillusioned dedicated the song "Life's Cruel Joke" to their fallen friend. The song was preempted with a few words from the singer about Jamie. "Playing this music, listening to this music, makes us feel closer to him." Exciter, the Judas Priest cover band, closed the show. They featured "Painkiller," which was one of Jamie's favorites and always requested by him at their shows. The band did not know Jamie personally but know and remember he was always in the front row at all of their shows. The night ended with a 50/50 drawing with half the proceeds going to the charity chosen by the Giel family. This night was to remember a fallen brother and friend who was greatly loved. The next time you think Metalheads are nothing but dark, offensive, loud, Satanists because of the music they listen to, remember these words from Dimentianon's "To Return That Which is Above to That Which is Below:" "Hollow words of hope and faith fail to sooth the suffering, and with the last shovel full of cold mother earth we say good bye." These words sum up how much Jamie Giel is truly loved and missed. |
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