The Rob Halford celebrity interview on Saturday was simply amazing. Rob was very open and honest and discussed coming out, and the stress of the years leading up to it, his dedication to metal music, where he draws his inspiration, memories of the Sex Pistols, favourite authors, favourite actors, on his vocal style and the influence he's had on many metal vocalists, and Priest's new concept album Nostradamus. There's a photo of me at the front of the line for the Halford interview over at the NXNE site. The only people that were in line before me were some super-fans who weren't registered for the conference and paid $30.00 just to hear Rob speak.

Rob Halford Interview

Q&A Part 1

Q&A part 2

Q&A Part 3

Saturday night at the Supermarket I was lucky enough to see Christopher Rees. I love his recorded music but seeing him live took my admiration to another level. This was a stripped down (mostly) solo set with only occasional accompaniment by a drummer. Christopher shared with us his folk-blues-country music and had the small audience transfixed. Banjo, Dobro, and Pawn Shop guitar all got their moments to shine and we were even treated to a little heavy metal banjo when Christopher didn't quite get his amp dialed in correctly before one song. I actually kinda dug it.

Hope Springs

Haitian Cannonball

It's after events like NXNE that I'm often left with a great feeling of disappointment. There is just so much to see and do and there is no way you can be everywhere you'd like. Compromises, sacrifices and screwups are made and in the end I know I saw some cool shows, met Rob Halford and Dave Foley, and braved downtown Toronto rush hour traffic all in the name of live music.