Guitar World's 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide — with Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium, Morbid Angel and More
In this feature from the August 2014 issue of Guitar World, the guitarists of Avenged Sevenfold, Morbid Angel, Trivium and other metal acts tell how they'll beat the heat and tame the crowds on the season's biggest tours.
For the entire story and more, check out the August 2014 issue of Guitar World at our online store. The issue also is available at newsstands everywhere.
Stray From The Path Guitarist Tom Williams — WARPED TOUR
Your sweatiest concert ever?
It was at this place called the Nile Underground in Arizona. It was a room that holds about 250 people, but there were about 400 people there. It was so hot that I sweated into my pickups and they shorted out. Back then I didn’t have a backup guitar, because I couldn’t afford one.
Avenged Sevenfold Guitarist Synyster Gates — MAYHEM FEST
Trivium Guitarist Matt Heafy — MAYHEM FEST
One item you’ll carry with you at all times this summer?
Me and some of our crew guys have trained and learned jiu-jitsu. So my 10-by-10 jiu-jitsu mats, my gi and my yoga mat—those are the essentials.
The Faceless Guitarist Michael Keene — SUMMER SLAUGHTER
Your sweatiest concert ever?
Two shows come to mind. The first one was in Paris, France. I have no idea why it was so hot in this venue, but it was a sold-out show and we were headlining, so we had a long set to play. It was just miserable. The other one was Emo’s outdoor stage in Austin, Texas. It just traps heat. It was so hot, I thought I was going to pass out, and at one point my vision starting blurring. It was tough.
Stray From The Path Guitarist Tom Williams — WARPED TOUR
Considerations when playing an outdoor show versus an indoor show?
Sound good, obviously. We ended up going out and hiring a sound guy for this tour, because we know from playing a couple of festivals that performing outside is completely different from playing in clubs. You definitely have to make some adjustments.
Darkest Hour Guitarist Mike Schliebaum — LOLLAPALOOZA
Your sweatiest concert ever?
The hottest I remember it being onstage was at the 2004 Ozzfest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I think it may have been 106 or 107 degrees. All I know was it felt like playing on the surface of the sun. We were new to outdoor touring at that time and totally unprepared. I remember after that show, all the white ink in my tattoos raised up because of the sunburn I got that day.
More interviews coming soon! Stay tuned!
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