THESYRE Frontman Wins CELTIC FROST 'Roadie For A Die' Contest

Eric M. Syre, vocalist/bassist for Quebec-based black metallers THESYRE has posted the following update on his official blog:

"On September 16th, in Montreal, I had the great opportunity to act as a CELTIC FROST roadie thanks to a contest the band organized on their website.

"I first thought about posting a long overun of the whole day when I realized that there was just too much details and enough personal stuff to bore most of you after a few lines. Instead, I decided to post some pictures and share a few memories with you.

"Heather Smith, Century Media's publicist, guided me around all day long to meet the band and the crew. She is a really dynamic, passionate and very friendly person who always made sure everything was fine for me.

"Over the day I tried to help out the band's crew as much as possible but most of all I had the chance to witness their global professionalism. I met a bunch of bands, attended even more concerts and met enough crew people over the years to tell you that the people I met on that day were simply great!

"I hanged around with Franco Sesa, CELTIC FROST's drummer, for the first part of the day. He's a really cool, easy-going person. We joked around most of the time. We were discussing the up and downs of a busy touring schedule, norwegian musicians behaviors, european summer festivals and he shared with me some tasty scene secrets I will not post here. If you ever meet him, just ask him about Montreal's sport massages...

"I met Martin Eric Ain, the band's bassist and second vocalist, in the backstage area. He immediately proved himself as being a really friendly individual and also a passionate artist. Martin showed me around a bit more to the rest of the crew as we discussed about artwork, music and, obviously, CELTIC FROST! Back at the scene level, I then met with Tom Gabriel Fischer, the band's legendary vocalist and guitarist. Tom is a very polite and calm person. He welcomed me like if I was a VIP! A real gentlemen who was obviously thrilled to be back in Montreal again after all those years. It's no wonder these guys became the legends they are now. They threat everyone around them with respect and you cannot help but give them back the same. There was no egos here, no silly rock star attitudes or any arrogant behavior: a classy act on all fronts!

"After catching the band's soundcheck I helped out with the merchandise stand. Many thanks for all the free items!

"At 6h30 the crowd was allowed into the venue in order to attend a short meet-and-greet with the band. They gladly took pictures and signed everyone's items. You'd be impressed by some of the relics I saw getting signed: old HELLHAMMER vinyls, World War 3 T-shirts, promotional items dating from the eighties and all forms of CELTIC FROST releases and merchandise.

"SAHG and 1349 were opening tonight and the crowd gave them a good response. The diversity of the bill helped gather a varied audience where stoner-rockers hanged along black-metallers and oldschool veterans. Still, there was one reason why all those people were there...

"CELTIC FROST took the stage at around 10h00 PM. Backed-up by a clear and punchy sound, the band unearthed a lot of old classics but also offered us new material. The combination fits real well and the audience couldn't get enough of the band's steady and powerful delivery. We had the chance to get a crushing rendition of 'Into the Crypts Of Rays' and the band closed the set with the massive 'Synagoga Satanae'.

"After the concert I helped out a bit uploading the gear and then rejoined with the band relaxing backstage. Tom expressed his appreciation of the crowd's reaction, letting me know it was such exchanges of energy which helped him go through all those years. After discussing for an hour with the band, it was then time for me to say goodbye and drive back home.

"I cannot thank the whole organization enough for letting me in all day and live that great experience. I am glad I finally met this really influential band but I am even more happy to know that they are really down-to-earth and friendly individuals. I really look forward to meet them again and can only wish them all the best for the rest of the american tour they're on right now. Now this is a band which truly deserves your support and respect! All hail the FROST!"

Check out Syre's photos of his "roadie" experience at this location.