karl:
We are all very freindly people , except if someone is a jerk to us.
Its almost embarrassing to have to write something like this , because most metal fans are quite nice and decent folks who dont cause problems .
Its an awesome feeling to meet Nile fans and talk with them , I have met so many amazing Metal people over the years , and genuinely look forward eagerly to seeing them each tour.
a couple of ~should -be-no-brainers~
1. Please be courteous , we are only humans. We are also tired, stressed , ill fed, ill-rested on tour. if for some reason I say "No" to a pic with someone, its probably because I am trying to brush my teeth, use the toilet in peace , or I just woke up , or am just genuinely busy at the moment. Give me a break please , I give fans plenty of time for pics/autographs every day.
2. Please keep your hands appropriately to yourself. Handshakes or such are OK, but Male to male head-grabbing, ass grabbing, crotch fondling , hair pulling , is inaapropriate. Please do not try to break my wrist/hands if we are shaking hands , or grab me in a threatening way. I dont know you ; and it will merely result in me being forced , for my own safety , to interpret your actions as hostile . Freindly Hugs and such from well meaning female fans are OK, and a welcome relief from the feeling of "subjected to gayness" that comes from the endless stream of drunk guys trying to touch us. 3. sneaking up behind me , and grabbing me to get my attention is a BAD idea. 4. Please dont spill beer on me, burn me with your cigarette , blow smoke in my face , or cover me in YOUR sweaty beer-soaked stickness because YOU DEMAND a hug. Showers are a precious resource on tour , as are clean clothes . Its tough enough playing 90 minutes of hot sweaty death metal and dealing with trying to stay reasonably clean as it is , without the collective ickiness of multitple sweaty dudes trying to get up close and personal.
5. If you see me on the phone, I am most likely trying to talk long distance to my Girlfriend or son. I dont have phone access every day , so please give me a minute's peace. Throwing temper tamptrums at me and calling me names will not get me to hang up the phone on my son, and will surely NOT get you the pic you believe you despeartely have to have. Persistance is not a virtue here ; it will merely result in a disgracefully embarrassing ass-beating to those without a shred of courtesy. My son/girlfriend , as it should be, each need my time , love and support - and to me that outweighs any music fan who thinks they can bully me off the phone.
I am not an angel , I dont ask myself "What would Jesus do?" I am a guy in a Death Metal band . Dont expect me to let myself be walked all over on. I appreciate our fans, but over the years I have learned the hard way why its a bad idea to take abuse from drunken fans.
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