Chapter Member Bio

Steve and his Harley

Name: Steve Crowder

Nickname(s): none

Birthday: July 2nd

Resides In: Fincastle, VA

Birthplace: Roanoke, VA

Current Job: Assistant VP at Member One Credit Union

Former Job(s): Started at Member One straight out of college. Before that I mostly worked with my dad doing carpentry and farm work.

What's in your cd player right now? Trivium, Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, Audioslave, and, of course, METALLICA!

Hobbies/Special Interests/Talents: Running, riding my Harley, hunting

Heroes: My Dad

Describes Self As: If there's a word that sums me up, it's probably "stubborn." I'm also definitely a Type A personality. Finally, I tend to have a very sarcastic sense of humor, which might even get me labeled as a smartass every now and then.

Pet Peeve(s): Roanoke area drivers

Favorite Food: Philly Cheese Steak

Favorite Drink(s): Mountain Dew, Coffee, and Gatorade

Favorite TV Show(s): I'm a big sports fan and fortunately have a wife who's into sports too, so I don't really watch that many actual shows. I can pretty much always find something sports related on, and that's generally what I wind up watching. I did get into "24" on FOX last year, and I can always watch an episode of South Park.

Favorite Movie(s): Die Hard, Caddyshack

Favorite Sports Team(s): St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys

Favorite Book/Magazines: I'll leave this one blank. Reading's not exactly my thing.

First Concert: Honestly can't remember.

Favorite Band(s) [other than Metallica]: Alice In Chains, Rage Against the Machine, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Godsmack, Guns 'n Roses, Trivium, Killswitch Engage, Disturbed, Anthrax

Favorite Album(s) [other than Metallica]: Appetite for Destruction (G 'n R), Rust In Peace (Megadeth), Sound of White Noise (Anthrax), No More Tears (Ozzy)

Favorite Quote(s): Hard to narrow down just a couple because I have so many. I'll throw out two: "Whether you like it, or whether you don't like it, learn to love it!" - Ric Flair -and- "Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion." - Donald Rumsfeld.

When did you first start listening to Metallica? 1988 shortly after the Justice album came out.

When and where was your first Metallica concert? Summer Sanitarium in Baltimore, July 2000. Still don't know why it took me so long to get to one. At least I got to see Jason in his final tour with the band.

How many Metallica concerts have you been to? 6

Have you met any member of Metallica before? If so, when and where? Not yet. Hoping to win a Meet and Greet one of these days.

Favorite Metallica song(s)? This could get really long, so I'll limit myself to four: Damage Inc., Shortest Straw, The Four Horsemen, My Friend of Misery

Least favorite Metallica song(s)? If I had to pick one I guess I'd go with Low Man's Lyric.

Favorite Metallica album(s)? Justice, Master of Puppets

Least favorite Metallica album(s)? Load and Re-Load and I always go back and forth about which one I like better.

Favorite Metallica member(s) [past or present] & why? Dave Mustaine (just kidding). I'd probably have to say James. I guess you could say this about several of the members, but for many reasons, Metallica just wouldn't be Metallica without James. His lyric writing and vocals are just awesome, and you have to admire his drive.

Favorite Metallica concert(s) that you have been to? Probably Philly in the summer of 2003. I had an excellent spot right on the rail and was surrounded by some hardcore Met fans that knew all the lyrics and were really into the show. Great setlist too.

Favorite Metallica video(s)? Probably "One" because that was one of the things that got me started listening to Metallica. I also really like the vid to Unforgiven, and most recently, I thought the Frantic video was pretty cool.

Favorite setting to see Metallica live? Pressed up against the rail! I prefer the indoor shows to the big outdoor venues, but any setting is a good setting to see Metallica live!

Favorite Metallica era? The Justice era. Really the whole time frame from the mid-to-late 80's into the early 90's.

What is your favorite Metallica moment(s) & why? My favorite Metallica moment is just before every show starts when I hear the beginning of Ecstasy of Gold. The anticipation and the energy of the crowd is just awesome.

What do you think of the Some Kind of Monster movie? Very interesting. I thought it was pretty cool that they were willing to show some of the things they showed, and it gave a lot of insight into what the band went through and why they're where they are now.

What do you think about St. Anger? I liked it and still do. I might have changed some things if given the chance (the drum sound and overall sound clarity, added a few guitar solos, etc.), but overall it probably exceeded my expectations (which admittedly probably weren't all that high).

Metallica with long hair or short hair (or does it matter)? Doesn't really matter to me, but if forced to choose I guess I'd pick long hair just because that was "back in the day."

Do you agree or disagree with Metallica's stand versus Napster? I have to agree for the most part. Most well-known bands make a ton of money, but their music is still their work and their livelihood, and I know I don't like to work for free.

Should Metallica have Bob Rock as producer for their next album or find a new producer? Find a new producer! I think some new blood would be good.

Do you wish Jason was still the bass player? In a way, yes, and in a way, no. I think Jason contributed a tremendous amount to Metallica, but I think the band may be better off now without him. Also, I really like Rob, and I think he's a great fit.

Prized Metallica Possession? The guitar pick I got basically handed to me by Kirk at the DC show in Oct. '04. Also, the ticket stub from my first show.

How long do you think Metallica has left? Hopefully a long time, but I know it's winding down. I really want to see 2-3 more albums (and even more tours!).

Why do you love Metallica? I think one of the main reasons I love Metallica is I can listen to them at any time. I really enjoy music, but some music I have to be in a certain mood to listen to. That's not the case with Metallica. Regardless of what mood I'm in, I always enjoy Metallica. I can be on top of the world, feeling down, angry, whatever. Metallica makes me feel better.

And finally, in your opinion gimme one word to sum up Metallica. Powerful.