For the sake of metal in this state, evrybody should go to this gig.
A good response here will solidify metal music as a viable source of revenue for clubs as well as a source of entertainment for the rest of us.
Times are tough, and venues are being very conservative with their cashflow right now. Unfortunately, most decent venues around town are still of the mindset that heavy metal shows are too much effort to put on, with small crowd response and violent break-outs - ie a liability.
Having such an awesome venue with which to host these awards has to be seen as a huge achievement for metal ALREADY, but to make it a successful, well attended show could really open some avenues for metal.
When we have touring rock/prog/hardcore/metal bands, venues like this are usually packed, so I ask you all: "Can we not get them all back down for ONE significant night on the local roster?" Is it not too much to ask to grab a hold of those lame-ass friends you all have that 'claim' to follow metal, but only really come out to support the touring acts?
Daz, let me just say - YOU deserve the awards, and youve earnt the respect - Ive put shows like this on and I know what a mindscrew it can be coordinating something of this magnitude. You deserve props, not just for this awards night - but for (essentially) single-handedly guiding and supporting the entire metal scene for as long as I can remember (With the help of brothers Clay and Dave, of course!)
Even when I was out playing regular shows in 1996 and 1997 you guys were around helping me and others to get shows when we really had no idea what we were doing - And often when everyone else shut their doors to this kind of music. Your help is not something I would easily forget. Youve never asked anything in return and have always sunk your own time, sweat and shitloads of cash into this endeavour, in the hope that we may have a stronger scene to share in.
Well, we DO have a strong scene thanks to you, so take a bow mate - And for the rest of us who have benefitted from Daz's passion, its time to give something back. Be there, support the show, buy Darren a drink and be appreciative that someone like him exists. Without him, Clay and Dave, Western Front would not have made it to 2009, and many of us would have far few gigs to notch into our belts, if any at all.
Well done.