Eric Haskins, RPI Class of '91, shares memories of working security during Metallica's headlining performance at the Houston Field House in Troy, New York, on March 15, 1989.
This episode we welcome guest Eric Haskins—RPI graduate (Class of '91) and WRPI's DJ Toast—to revisit Metallica’s first and only concert at the RPI Field House on March 15, 1989. Haskins worked as a student security guard for countless concerts at the Field House, including Metallica's headlining show as a 19 year-old heavy metal fan.
During the episode, Eric takes listeners through the weeks leading up to the concert, his interactions with opening act Queensrÿche during load-in, security expectations for the show, and his meeting Metallica during the after-show. He also shares his memories of seeing some of the world’s most famous artists while working security at the 6,500 capacity arena, including Neil Young, Joan Jett, Slayer, Anthrax, and LL Cool J—the interview includes a hilarious backstage interaction with guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughn—and special keepsakes he’s collected over the years from his time as working as event security.
The episode is the third in a series looking at Metallica's stop in the Collar City during their Damaged Justice tour in support of their latest studio album “…and Justice for All,” and was the band’s third performance in the Capital Region.
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