Some may say that Heavy Metal Music is in gradual decline
since 1989, but does the first ever “World Metal Congress” in celebration of
heavy metal music’s 50th anniversary proof that metal is still a
significant cultural tour-de-force?
By: Ringo Bones
When the world’s first ever World Metal Congress kicked off
in London, England back in March 22 and 23, 2019, it was largely seen as a
celebration of half a century of heavy metal music. And given that it got the
blessing of Black Sabbath guitarist Toni Iommi, many still saw it as the
celebration of Black Sabbath virtually inventing heavy metal music during their
first ever gigs in Birmingham, England back in 1969. Unfortunately, a significant
number of heavy metal music fans harbor the perception that heavy metal music
was already in gradual decline since 1989 and has since superseded by forms of
music deemed for friendly to the so-called millennials. But are there any truths
to this?
Even though there are still kids as young as eight who are
becoming dedicated heavy metal music fans once they are exposed to it, the
median age of a typical heavy metal music fan that can be found in most
concerts are typically around 45 years old and the women in their 20s who are
there are usually spoken for by guys in their 50s, although there are
exceptions. More often than not, as heavy metal music celebrates its 50th
birthday, it often reminds me of the 1990s era Classical Music scene where most
of the enthusiasts are made up of middle-age guys.
Is heavy metal music still a significant global cultural
force 50 years after its inception? Well, the first ever World Metal Congress
says it still is. Although it might be up to us “middle-aged-metal-heads” to
recruit new initiates into our so-called “hobby” given that it is the young
bloods are the ones who’s been keeping heavy metal music fresh since 1989.
