In this extended interview clip, Eric Haskins—RPI graduate (Class of '91) and WRPI's DJ Toast—recalls seeing local act Attica open for Slayer, and seeing the Def Jam tour at the Field House in 1987 featuring Public Enemy, Eric B. and Rakim, Whodini, and LL Cool J.

Hear Eric's full interview here.

• Listen to Part 1 with Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Stigmata)
• Listen to Part 2 with Kevin O’Connell
• Bonus Video: RPI Grad Recalls Meeting Metallica Backstage in Troy, NY 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:

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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 Kevin O’Connell

Episode Notes:

• Bonus Video: RPI Grad Recalls Meeting Metallica Backstage in Troy, NY 1989
• 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)
• Rock Tomato - Metallica interview, March 15, 1989: VIDEO
• Queensryche, live at RPI Field House, March 15, 1989: VIDEO
• 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:

• Facebook
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• Threads
• YouTube
• Bluesky

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