First Impressions: Anselmo on Helmet

Pantera were upstairs playing a gig with Prong and a band called Mind Over Four in Minneapolis at a place called First Avenue and 7th Street Entry one night in '91. Downstairs they had this little smaller club for late night shows where, on this particular night, the Melvins were playing. I was a huge Melvins fan, so I was excited.

Pantera did one of the fastest sets in history and I went downstairs thinking I was probably going to miss the Melvins, but instead there was no band playing and some guy next to me says "Helmet’s coming on next." I was like ‘awww, shit man, I’ve got to sit through this band called Helmet?’

Well, the guy told me "dude, they are badass, they killed here last time." I ended up watching the show, I was floored – blown away – they fuckin' destroyed and I bought Strap it On that night!