This episode we welcome guest Eric Haskins—RPI graduate (Class of '91) and WRPI's DJ Toast—to revisit Metallica’s first and only concert at the RPI Field House on March 15, 1989. Haskins worked as a student security guard for countless concerts at the Field House, including Metallica's headlining show as a 19 year-old heavy metal fan.

During the episode, Eric takes listeners through the weeks leading up to the concert, his interactions with opening act Queensrÿche during load-in, security expectations for the show, and his meeting Metallica during the after-show. He also shares his memories of seeing some of the world’s most famous artists while working security at the 6,500 capacity arena, including Neil Young, Joan Jett, Slayer, Anthrax, and LL Cool J—the interview includes a hilarious backstage interaction with guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughn—and special keepsakes he’s collected over the years from his time as working as event security.

The episode is the third in a series looking at Metallica's stop in the Collar City during their Damaged Justice tour in support of their latest studio album “…and Justice for All,” and was the band’s third performance in the Capital Region.

• Listen to Part 1 with Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Stigmata)
• Listen to Part 2 with Jason O’Connell

Episode Notes:

• Times Union: RPI Field House Girds for Metallica Band (Feb. 21, 1989)
• Times Union: Metallica Warns Fans: Mend Your Vandalizing Ways (March 12,1989)
• Times Union: Five Arrested at Metallica Concert (March 16, 1989)
• Metallica, Knickerbacker Arena, Albany - Feb. 28, 1992 https://www.metallica.com/tour/1992-02-28-albany-new-york.html

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on:

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Eric Haskins—RPI Class of ‘91–recalls his time as a security guard while a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and his backstage encounter with the metal legends that resulted in a special keepsake from the show in Troy, New York, on March 15, 1989.

Listen to Part 1 with Jason Bittner

Listen to Part 2 with Jason O’Connell

See the full concert video at troystorypod.com/metallica

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• YouTube
• Bluesky

Part two of our retrospective on Metallica's first and only concert in Troy, New York, at RPI's Houston Field House. Then 14 year-old Kevin O'Connell saw the heavy metal icons during their Damaged Justice tour when it rolled into the Capital Region on March 15, 1989.

During our chat, we discuss the era of heavy metal in the 1980s, evolution of Metallica’s stage production during the Damaged Justice tour, the atmosphere in the arena that night, and explore some YouTube comments left by fans and fellow concert attendees. Kevin also revisits other concerts he‘s attended over the years, including Bon Jovi and Cinderella at the Field House, and some scary moments during Metallica’s set at Woodstock 94.

Live bootleg audio from Metallica and opening act Queensrÿche at the RPI Field House is featured in this episode to immerse the listener in the story.

Episode Notes:

• Setlist - Metallica at RPI Field House in Troy, NY (Metallica.com)
• Video: Metallica - Live in Troy, March 15, 1989
• Video: Queensrÿche - Live in Troy, March 15, 1989

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)