Metal And Matrimony

What’s scarier – pulling the plug on the music at a concert with thousands in attendance or facing an angry bride on her wedding day?

To the promoter of an August 18th heavy metal festival in Haverhill, Mass., the answer was simple.

When Peter Palermo of Dream Weaver Entertainment heard that his daylong Loudfest ’07 at Haverhill Stadium would coincide with a wedding ceremony in a church across the street, he did what any sensible person would do – turn down the noise.

"It’s just goodwill and good business," Palermo told the city’s Eagle-Tribune. "It’s always better to make friends with your neighbors."

The self-proclaimed festival for "making your mind and ears bleed music," featured former Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna, Iron Maiden tribute band Run To The Hills, Candy Striper Death Orgy and Fallen Shall Rise, among others.

But for 45 minutes during the show, Palermo lowered the music to appease the wedding party and gave away prizes and video game consoles to quiet the crowds, according to the Eagle-Tribune, before turning the dial back up to 11.

There were reportedly no arrests, noise complaints or parking or traffic troubles at the show, which could be due in part to the attendance.

Palermo told the paper the festival sold around 1,800 tickets, although he’d expected a 3,000 to 4,000 person turnout.

"It’s been a pretty good day though," he said. "This is our first time. And we’ve kept it professional. People are having fun. I think this will grow."