The Pit Boss
An interview, conducted at the loading dock of an arena somewhere in Ohio.
How did you start prescribing songs?
Kid in Cleveland, 2006. City of Evil tour. He's sitting against the loading dock crying, won't go in. I asked what happened. He said his mom. I said play Seize the Dayon your phone. Don't talk to me till it's over. He came back twenty minutes later, hugged a stranger, went into the show. That was the first one.
Why Avenged Sevenfold specifically?
Range. You got Almost Easy for rage. You got So Far Away for grief. You got Bat Country for losing the plot. You got Roman Skyfor the long quiet drives. There's no emotion they can't meet you in. Most bands don't even try.
Are you a therapist?
No. Get one. I'm just the guy who hands you the right song while you wait. Music doesn't replace the work. It just makes you feel less alone doing it.
Anything else?
Yeah. Don't skip the solo.