Authenticity has always been a cornerstone of the heavy metal genre. But the rise of VIP concert packages, offering everything from backstage tours to paid photo opportunities, has sparked a polarizing debate. Thomas "Angelripper" Such, bassist and vocalist for German thrash legends Sodom, has made his stance clear: these practices are not just unwelcome — they are antithetical to the very spirit of metal.
In a recent interview with RapidMetalFire, Angelripper shared his perspective, reflecting on his experience at the Klash Of The Ruhrpott festival.
"I hate it. I don't want it. We had it when we played with Kreator at the 'Klash Of The Ruhrpott' festival at Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen in Gelsenkirchen, Germany in July 2024, with Destruction and Tankard. They did it. If they're gonna do a signing session, fans have to pay for it," Angelripper recounted.
He further explained why he opposes charging fans for these interactions: "In my opinion, it's not my way. When I do a signing session, I do it for free. I don't want money from it. Or I stay in a hotel, whatever. But I never came up with the idea of taking money for a signing session or taking money for a stage walk. Do you know what is a stage walk? People pay money to get on the stage. I'd say, 'Okay, here's a drum kit. Here's the guitar amp. Here's a backline.'"
"I hate it. This has nothing to do with metal. Some bands sell backstage tickets, so fans get the chance to say hello to the musician or get a plaque or whatever, and pay 500 euros, whatever. With Kiss, they're gonna do it. And if you get one photo with Kiss, you pay $2,000, and they to go the next fan. This has nothing to do with heavy metal. This is not what I have learned in the metal scene."
Angelripper's stance is rooted in his belief that fans deserve more for their loyalty and support. He emphasized his personal commitment to ensuring that fans are not charged for simple gestures like autographs and photos.
"And we're gonna stay till the last one gets what he or she wants. Sometimes we just have half an hour, an hour to sign stuff and take pictures… Sometimes there are hundreds of people coming for signing sessions, for autographs, make a picture, and we say, 'Okay, make a picture, go,' because we wanna get everyone get this autograph in the end, but I never take money for it. That's stupid."
In fact, Angelripper takes pride in Sodom's refusal to monetize fan interactions, making it a defining principle of the band's ethos. "Sodom is the only metal band who would never make money with signing sessions or photo sessions."
Angelripper's opinion offers a stark contrast to a growing trend in the music industry, especially among larger acts, for him, it's all about the heavy metal's roots: a community built on mutual respect and a shared passion for music, not exploitation.
