We are everywhere. We… The Infiltrators…
THE INFILTRATORS
By Daniel Dystyler
VACATION
Six letters that, when put together, form a word that automatically evokes a feeling of pleasure and joy for the vast majority of people, regardless of their location, age, or social class.
Unless you're a workaholic or a nerd deeply lost in your addiction to working or studying, the idea of taking a vacation will sound like paradise to the vast majority of people, especially if you can combine the rest period with some activity you really enjoy.
That was the case with the vacation I just took.
Besides sightseeing in New York with my family, I had the chance to cover a great Hard Rock show for Wikimetal: Def Leppard, Poison, and Lita Ford. All on the same night, with a photographer's credential to capture Lita Ford's performance for our Photo Gallery.
And I was able to see firsthand the power of "the Infiltrators," even in the United States.
Who are "The Infiltrators"?
I'll explain in a moment. First, I think I should recount the fantastic experience of covering a show in the USA, in an open-air arena with a capacity of about 12,000 people.
I arrived early because I wasn't sure exactly how the accreditation process would work, and to avoid any confusion, I wanted to pick up my accreditation as soon as possible.
Obviously, since it was something organized by the Americans, my name was already there without any unforeseen circumstances or setbacks. In a matter of seconds, I had an envelope in my hands with my name on it, containing the credential and stating that I was a guest of Lita Ford.
Exactly as had been agreed and promised.
For Americans, the combined meal isn't expensive. If you agree to it, it'll be there. A plus for them.
Since there was still about an hour to go before Lita Ford's opening act, and there wasn't much to do at that rather unremarkable gate leading backstage at the Nikon Theatre, I decided to strike up a conversation with the other American journalists who were also covering the event. They were all very friendly and, upon learning I was from Brazil, showed great interest in learning about the Brazilian metal scene.
Upon seeing my tattoo with letters in the Iron Maiden font, Mike, a reporter from the local TV station, asked me if I knew what had happened a few years ago, right at that rusty gate.
– “Here? At this gate? No, I don’t know…” I replied.
– “When Iron Maiden came to play here in 2003, for some reason, Nicko McBrain arrived late. He came by car, a brand new black Jaguar, driving himself, and came right to this gate to try to get in. The security guards, the same ones you see here, asked for some identification, but he didn't have any documents with him.
– “Don’t you know who I am? I’m going to play drums at the show. I need to go in NOW because I’m way late, the show is about to start!” Nicko shouted.
– “But without any identification, they wouldn't let Nicko in. So what did he do? He drove forward and practically drove over the gate and one of the security guards. Conclusion: Nicko faced charges, had to give a statement, etc.”
Here? At this gate???
Wow… That bland, rusty gate has just been granted the status of a “Historic Gate”!!!
With this chat, time passed and the Press Officer, Bianca, came to check our credentials and explain how we should proceed to take the photos.
– “Bianca? My name is Daniel, I came all the way from Brazil to cover this event. Can I photograph the other two shows besides Lita Ford’s?” I decided to ask since my pass was only for Lita Ford’s show.
"I'll check with the bands and let you know."
Meanwhile, we went backstage at the Arena and walked towards the press area, right in front of the stage. Before entering, we received final instructions on how to proceed, what was and wasn't allowed, etc.
– “Bianca? Did you get permission for me to photograph the other 2 shows?”
"Unfortunately, since this wasn't arranged with the bands, we won't be able to allow it."
For Americans, pre-arranged deals aren't expensive. And no pre-arranged deals aren't either. If you don't arrange it, it's not going to happen. In that case, that's a negative point for them, since they could certainly be more sensitive to the fact that I came from far away… Maybe in Brazil, the situation would be different. Anyway, as the saying goes, everything in life has its good and bad sides.
The shows were amazing, and I was particularly impressed with Def Leppard. A mega-show that, in terms of production and technical quality, is on par with the biggest shows today: huge high-definition moving screens, explosions, fireworks, etc… And the lineup with Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen on guitars is sensational!!!! Plus, Joe Elliott continues to sing incredibly well…
But getting back to the main topic of this post: The Infiltrators.
It happened every day I was there. In different places, at different times, with different people:
Clear proof of the existence of "the Infiltrators"... They are everywhere...
The situation is always very similar: There I am, walking around, enjoying my vacation, always wearing my t-shirts: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Queensrÿche, Rush (which is basically the clothing I take on a vacation trip), anyway, the band doesn't matter… All it takes is for one of "the Infiltrators" to glance at one of these t-shirts and make a comment like:
– I love that band too…
– I saw their show last month…
– Have you heard their latest album?
– That band is awesome!!!
– Heavy Metal is the Law!!!!
The phrases may vary, but at their core, they all mean just one thing:
They mean: I'm an Infiltrator too.
I'm also one of those who always swam against the tide. Against everything and everyone. I also have attitude. In other words:
I am Metal!!!!!
When and where did these things happen?
From the moment I set foot in the USA: Even at immigration with the American Federal Police agent saying he'd been to more than 10 Iron Maiden concerts after seeing my t-shirt, to being in a theater bathroom with an American saying that the Metallica concert he saw in Canada was the best concert of his life!!!!
And in the middle of Central Park; and inside a supermarket; and in line for a hot dog stand; in short, anywhere…
We are everywhere. We… The Infiltrators…
We just need to recognize each other. “The Infiltrators” appear, talk, greet each other…
More and more, Wikimetal has been striving to bring together "The Infiltrators." Some have certainly lost touch with the Metal Universe due to work, family, obligations, etc., but they have never stopped (and will never stop) enjoying the best sound in the world.
All it takes is a little push to bring the lost souls together and have more and more Infiltrators everywhere, in every sector, class, environment, country…
Let's rescue everyone and create an ever-bigger and stronger Metal core.
That's where the Wikimetal train is headed...
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