Flight 666

Metal Britannia again folks. This time Iron Maiden's tour documentary Route 666. Armed with their own plane (check it - Ed Force One), flown by frontman Bruce Dickinson?!? the band embark on a 45 day world tour carrying all the band, crew & equipment. It's funny to see a bunch of guys into their 50's still dressing and acting like they did in the 80's and attracting new generations of kids to the shows. The band come across well, all well-grounded likeable characters, my favourite being drummer Nicko McBrain who's face looks like it's been hit with a spade. It's a pity the music is utter dross. Great documentary though but more Eddie next time please.

The film ended with 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', a song that was used in Toy Machine's 1996 skate video 'Welcome To Hell', during Jamie Thomas' section. This section raised the bar in handrail skating and was super influential in bringing back a much needed aggressive skating style. The music perfectly matched the skating.

Metal Britannia

As with all the Britannia music documentaries on BBC4, last nights Metal Britannia was another great watch. I've never really liked metal, and i probably have my Mum to thank for that. Back in the 80's she threw my ACDC & Saxon records on the fire because she thought they were satanic, ha ha. I was proper gutted at the time but she probably saved me from a lifetime of listening to that turgid dross. And she gave me back the money i'd paid for them.

Anyway back to the show. I enjoyed early footage of Black Sabbath (a truly great band name), Ozzy looking cool, and the unstoppable juggernaut that is Motorhead. Saxon are still proper shit though.

Thanks for saving me Mum.