"Heavy Metal is made by the fans, and that's why it's immortal."
By Eduardo Bonadia (*)
It all started in 1973 when I was eleven years old, without a brother, uncle, or cousin to influence me. It was love at first listen.
The drum beat, the sharp guitar riff, and Suzi Quatro's vocals were what transported me to the wonderful world of rock; there was no internet, fax, iPod, iPad, MP3, and all these gadgets of the modern world. It was all done by the skin of your teeth; going to record stores and discovering new releases on your own.
Magazines ??? Som Pop was the one that showed what was happening…
And time passed, and in the late 70s, early 80s, I became part of the history of rock, of national and even international Heavy Metal: We founded Rock Brigade as a typewritten and photocopied fanzine, very amateurish indeed. But the love for music was sincere and true, and still is to this day, as I approach fifty years of age. And I can assure you, my dear friends and readers of this great website:
My love for music remains more inflamed and fervent than ever, and it will always be so, even when I am called to eternity.
With Stryke, which was a print magazine from 1995 until mid-1999 and has since become a webzine, I (or rather, we, since fortunately I've never been alone) strive to be honest and sincere and continue to promote true and honest heavy music, regardless of language barriers, and cultivate so many friendships, which is very important, throughout all these years.
It's gratifying to be a part of this world; it makes me feel eternally young and strong, just like in days gone by.
Heavy Metal goes through cycles and storms. Fads come and go. But Metal is still here, strong and resilient, transcending barriers and age groups.
As we used to say in the early 80s, "Heavy Metal is made by the fans and that's why it's immortal .
Keep the faith and beware of fads.
(*) Eduardo de Souza Bonadia was co-founder of Rock Brigade and Editor of Stryke Virtual Metal Magazine & Promotion.
