Eddie Trunk Anniversary Party

  Epic.

      Just a word, but it is a good word.  A strong word to help you visualize the type of night that went down at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City. To honor Eddie Trunks 30 years in the radio business promoting and supporting heavy metal music. That much time in an ever changing industry is a testament to the his passion for the metal genre. His enthusiasm wasn't tempered by age or fame, he stood center to the stage, deep in the audience to experience, as he said  "where it all began".

   His focus was unwavering as The Winery Dogs hit the stage. A band that he personally had a hand in creating. Approached by dozens of fans who wanted photos or handshakes, he never stopped smiling and was quick to point out to bystanders a guitar lick or a drum roll that caught his attention. Later in the evening Mike Portnoy, drummer extraordinaire and Winery Dog member, rolled out one of the most impressive roll calls in hard rock and metal history. Each new line up performing classic songs from Eddie's favorite bands. UFO, Twisted Sister, Accept, Van Halen, and of course Kiss.

    When you have Lita Ford and Michael Sweet, Geoff Tate, Scott Ian, Bumblefoot, Frank Bello, Tony Harnell and others sharing the same stage you will have magical moments. Epic moments. Billy Sheehan, Steve Brown, J.J. French, Bobby Blitz Ellsworth, Charlie Benante, Mark Tornillo,   And then  Ace Frehley and Peter Criss from Kiss. Two iconic figures descending upon the hard rock cafe stage to deliver a tribute to the man who supports them all. It was the pinnacle epic moment of the evening.  An emotional time for Eddie and for rock music in general. Differences swept aside, there was only the music and the people who created it. These two on one stage performing kiss songs seemed almost mythical and dreamlike. You could see the smile on Scott Ian's face as they played. You could see what this meant to Eddie reflected in his eyes.

     I left the club that night feeling like I had just witnessed rock history. And I did. I walked the long way back to Penn station, the adrenaline of the evening flooding my veins. Reflecting on all I had seen. Eddie has seen more in his 30 years in the business. His goal was to introduce the masses to this incredible diverse and colorful metal genre. That this music has meaning and a value.  For the fans we can only say thank you.
     I will have a few hours to reflect on all that I have witnessed tonight, time to absorb the moment. As my train approaches, I begin to search my spotify app....searching for  the band... UFO.

 Thank You Eddie, Thank You.


MetalRising