Heavy T.O. was an experience that I do not have room or the time to describe, but I will try.
It was the perfect Metal Fest for me to introduce my son to the LIVE world of Metal, which he himself discovered a liking to at a young age. I am an old school classic rock/metal guy, but he had the most amazing time a 16 year could have, He and his friend found their way into the world of music they prefer.
I can't thank the event coordinators enough for setting this up and allowing me to not only keep my promise to take my son to see SOAD when they came close to home, (1300 miles round trip) but for such a great, festive and hard jamming, massive lineup of bands that I am glad I sat back and listened to as well.
The atmosphere was pouring down rain the first day, but that added to the fun. People were there to let it out, hear the sounds, enjoy the people around them and maybe hear bands they have never heard of or forgotten about in my case. Great job Suicidal Tendencies and Overkill.
It was a great pleasure to get up close and personal as we did with band members. I salute Protest the Hero for having the distinction of being my son and his friends first mosh pit band. They moshed more in this festival than I ever did in the 80's.
The Toronto Canadians are a great group to hang out with and I enjoyed the friendship they extended throughout the weekend.
The ONLY let down was the Free ITunes cards handed out could only be used in Canada. We had to head back to the U.S. and eventually read the card and it was Canada use only. It was free so not a big deal. This is the ONLY chink I saw in the armor of this Metal Fest that will no doubt live with my son, his friend and me forever.
Heavy T.O. is an outstanding Metal Show.
Thank you to all who performed, all who promoted, all who educated the rookies in mosh etiquette, Toronto for being so damn friendly, and all the older Metal Heads, and the next generation of Metal Heads, as FFDP brought out on stage.
I have to give my most highest regard to SOAD. You didn't let my son down, none whatsoever, and you gained another level of my respect simply because I could see the appreciation Serj had for his fans on his face when the thousands were singing his songs in front of him.
Great show, keep it going, and we will try to keep coming back.