Metal on the Water

Ben Meissner 

When one thinks of a riverboat, the next thought is usually not heavy metal.

But on Saturday, Nov. 22, five local metal bands and the Michigan Princess made the most unholy music-venue union since David Hasselhoff and the Berlin Wall.

Hundreds of metal-heads filled the Michigan Princess, a riverboat that navigates the Grand River. Its three stories were buzzing with fans from teenagers to middle-aged men and women to see Carpal Tunnel, Seizure Lake, Circle of Crows, Endless Aisle and 4 Ft. Ravine.

The bands played on the first story, known as The Grand Ballroom during the day. The second story, or Princess Room, which has a balcony looking down to the bands, witnessed patrons pouring beer from bottles upstairs into mouths on the lower level. The Captain’s Room on the third story was closed, but the outside portions were open for anybody who wanted to risk the icy ground for a smoke break.

“This is the greatest venue in my opinion,” said Tony, the new singer for 4 Ft. Ravine. “Lansing metal has not had the greatest venues. And to have The Temple close down, The Small Planet close down.”

Chris McCarley, drummer in Seizure Lake, said the turnout surpassed typical numbers.

“Usually much less show up. Mac’s crowds are much smaller. This is a special place,” he said.

Chris’ brother, Dustin, said he had to come to this show after his babysitter said her prom was on The Michigan Princess.

Chris said Captain John, who was in charge of The Michigan Princess, was very excited about the turnout.

Tony said the idea for the show came from 4 Ft. Ravine’s drummer, who organized the entire concert.

The show had a strong feeling of community. Everyone seemed to know someone in one of the bands. All the bands were familiar with each other, too.

Tony explained Lansing’s metal scene as, “too many bands, too much talent, not enough venues.”

While Tony stood outside after his set, members of the other bands came out to congratulate him.

This was Tony’s first show with 4 Ft. Ravine, and about the third time playing with the band, practices included. He was asked to fill in as the band’s singer a few weeks ago and consented.

After the evening’s success, people began talking about another metal show at The Michigan Princess.

“This might be a venue that, if there is enough interest and people showing up out here, we might make this happen every six months,” Tony said.

Questions? Comments? Contact Ben Meissner at meissn21@msu.edu

Who are you: 
What's Your Major: 
What would you like to say: