In folk rock you can’t get past David Crosby, but the co-founder of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash apparently has little to do with heavy metal. When a guitarist friend of his raved about an Iron Maiden concert on Twitter, Crosby simply called the band’s music “noise”. This resulted in a lively debate, in which Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick also got involved.
It started with a tweet from fingerstyle guitarist Vin Downes reporting on from an Iron Maiden concert. “I can’t describe how much fun it was. My inner metalhead is still smiling,” Downes wrote. “They are as tight as ever and put on a wonderful show.” Crosby replied, “I find it so strange that you like that noise.”
Alex Skolnick, guitarist for thrash metal band Testament, then got involved. “David, you have to experience it live. The energy is contagious,” he wrote. “Let Vin Downes drag you to one of their concerts sometime. You might be surprised!”
David, it has to be experienced live. The energy is contagious. let @vindownes drag you to one of their shows sometime. You might be surprised! ?
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) October 23, 2022
Vin Downes himself was apparently not offended by the dig: “Hahaha I know… not your cup of tea but it’s the music that made me want to play guitar and write music in the first place,” he replied. “So we wouldn’t be friends without heavy metal!”
Hahahaha. I know…not your cup of tea, but it’s the music that made me want to play guitar and write music in the first place. So, if it wasn’t for heavy metal, we wouldn’t be friends! https://t.co/UKGbXDYIvV
— vin downes (@vindownes) October 23, 2022
Skolnick also tried to have a fair debate. When a metal fan called Crosby “the third most talented of a foursome of losers,” Skolnick defended the musician. “Unnecessary. We don’t have to agree with his take on heavy metal (which isn’t new) but can still respect that he’s an extraordinary musician,” Skolnick wrote. “Croz’s recent work is top notch. I don’t know of any other ‘foursome’ of guys making music at this level.”
Uncalled for. We can disagree with his opinions on heavy metal (which are nothing new) but still respect he’s an extraordinary musician. Had issues, sure, but pulled it together. Croz’s recent work is top notch. I’m not aware of other “foursome” guys doing new music on that level
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) October 23, 2022
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