If you follow me on Twitter then you may have noticed that recently I have been on a kick of listening to metal. Bands like Confide, We Came As Romans, Killswitch Engage, and Bullet for My Valentine, just to name drop a few. Since high school, I have had an ear for metal, hardcore, post-hardcore, and music of the like. Some great father/son memories were created between me and my dad going to hardcore shows to see local scene heroes Stretch Arm Strong. To this day, I still think that my dad might have enjoyed going, just as much as I enjoyed getting down in the pit. You would never find him down in there with me, but the point was he cared enough to endure the intense volume of music and heat in the venue. What can I say? My dad ROCKS!
Little Man has also become somewhat of a fan of metal as well. Both of us being influenced by my brother-in-law. “Uncle Bubby” as he is called by the little ones, is a guru of all things metal music. We have had some great times in this house banging our heads until we got dizzy, riffing it up on air guitars, and just killing it on air drums. Then of course, being in my growing age, I get out of breath, have to sit down, and then the party is over. But it doesn’t seem to matter to the little dude. Whether we rock out for 10 minutes or one song, the fact is daddy took the time to rock out with him.
It never ceases to amaze me how music seems to provide those moments, or create memories, or just be such an influence in our lives. Music holds a special power that uplifts, brings people together, gives them a reason to carry on, or just seems to define who a person is. Now honestly, you would have to actually ask my dad whether he enjoyed the hardcore and punk shows, or listening to “For the Record” 18 times on the way to the video shoot at the Elbow Room. I’m sure there were many nights where we got home, he went to the bedroom and told my mom to break out the ibuprophen. But that is who my dad is. To him, it was about an opportunity to provide a special moment for his son.
For myself and my miniature me, while I don’t think he is ready for his first concert, we create our own experience right here at home. Even when I have my guitar out jamming, he will take some time to get his guitar and rock right along. He can’t play chords, he can’t really carry a tune, or pull off brutal metal growls, but the boy has a passion for music. Through this shared passion, we create bonding moments everyday in which music plays an important role. When he wants to rock out, we rock out. When he wants to join me in rocking, he does.
Funny the things that we find bridging the generations in our families. For us, metal mayhem just happens to be one of those things. What started with my dad providing these memories for his son by being there, going to the shows, and enduring what those shows entailed, now continues with that same son, now raising a son of his own, and using a passion for music to create some grand memories. And in the end, that’s what it is all about to begin with. Not that we all share the same musical taste, but the fact that we were there and a part of the memory to begin with.
This is big ball of crap. Classical music makes more sense for kids. Metal is meant to be played loud. Not good for kids ears. Makes no sense. Bad Daddy.
That is your opinion, and that’s fine. But really? “Bad Daddy”? My kids hate classical music. I’m not a huge fan of it either. They are no dumber, no crazier, no more misbehaved for not listening to it, than children who do.
But I will tell you this: My kids and I rock out to a lot of different kinds of music. My parents and I used to jam everything from The Beatles, to The Monkees, to bands like Relient K and Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Looking back on it now? We had some pretty good car rides, pretty good jam sessions in the living room, and and those are some great memories.
When my kids look back on these years (if they can remember that far) they will not look back and say “man I wish dad hadn’t been so dumb to let us listen to that music”. They will grow up and say “We had some jamming good times, and ole pops was always right there dancing with us”.
If that is what they remember? That’s quite okay with me. Thanks.
I’m not sure Gryger is making the comment in any way other than to antagonize and cause a reaction. I took his bad daddy comment as an off the cuff remark, and you should take it as such and move on. Nothing better than seeing your kids rock out – slide on their knees with a mini-blow up guitar to MetallicA, AC/DC or whomever… we have classical time as well, background music for when we are reading or playing – but not nearly as much fun as when the volume is at 11 and we all throw the devil horns to the sky for another blistering guitar solo…. ROCK ON!!!
We are fortunate to be graced by such open-minded opining as you bring to our humble gathering. For such honor, we give you thanks.
But, alas, your manners are more expected from a common troll and not at all appreciated by us lowly and musically eclectic male parents who can only strive to achieve your greatness. Many of our children continue to learn and mature on a veritable plethora of notes, chords, and tunes performed by countless musicians in untold number of genres. However -wholly in tribute to your sagelike wisdom- we shall attempt to avoid the temptation to expose their young minds to the audible sounds of corruption.
Then again, as I contemplate ever more deeply on your advice, I am reminded of the youthful instruction of Mr. Dave Mustaine in the early days of his association with MetallicA:”METAL UP YOUR ASS!”
“brutal metal growls”, Sepultura will need a new singer sometime, he needs to start practicing. In light metal news, the new VH is quite good, I was shocked.
Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to
say that I’ve really loved surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing in your feed and
I’m hoping you write again soon!
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