Shows
Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar CityWere You There? Ozzy Osbourne, RPI Field House (1996)Millions of metal fans celebrated the final live performance of Ozzy Osbourne during the "Back to the Beginning” global concert event this summer. The celebration culminated with the last-ever reunion of Black Sabbath's original lineup of Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward.But, did you know Ozzy's first short-lived "retirement" in the 1990s ended with a major worldwide tour which included a stop at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Houston Field House in Troy, New York?On January 27, 1996, the Prince of Darkness brought his "Retirement Sucks!" tour to the Collar City with mo...2025-07-1205 min
Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar CityBONUS: Extended Memories - Slayer, W.A.S.P., Public Enemy, LL Cool J in TroyIn this extended interview clip, Eric Haskins—RPI graduate (Class of '91) and WRPI's DJ Toast—recalls seeing local act Attica open for Slayer, and seeing the Def Jam tour at the Field House in 1987 featuring Public Enemy, Eric B. and Rakim, Whodini, and LL Cool J.Hear Eric's full interview here.Listen to Part 1 with Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Stigmata)Listen to Part 2 with Kevin O’ConnellBonus Video: RPI Grad Recalls Meeting Metallica Backstage in Troy, NY 1989
Credits:Produced, edited, and hosted by John SalkaTheme music by Steven J. Goldma...2025-04-0707 min
Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar City21: Eric Haskins - Metallica @ RPI Field House (1989)This episode we welcome guest Eric Haskins—RPI graduate (Class of '91) and WRPI's DJ Toast—to revisit Metallica’s first and only concert at the RPI Field House on March 15, 1989. Haskins worked as a student security guard for countless concerts at the Field House, including Metallica's headlining show as a 19 year-old heavy metal fan.During the episode, Eric takes listeners through the weeks leading up to the concert, his interactions with opening act Queensrÿche during load-in, security expectations for the show, and his meeting Metallica during the after-show. He also shares his memories of seeing some of...2025-03-181h 04
Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar City20: Metallica @ RPI Field House (Kevin O'Connell)Part two of our retrospective on Metallica's first and only concert in Troy, New York, at RPI's Houston Field House. Then 14 year-old Kevin O'Connell saw the heavy metal icons during their Damaged Justice tour when it rolled into the Capital Region on March 15, 1989.During our chat, we discuss the era of heavy metal in the 1980s, evolution of Metallica’s stage production during the Damaged Justice tour, the atmosphere in the arena that night, and explore some YouTube comments left by fans and fellow concert attendees. Kevin also revisits other concerts he‘s attended over the years, incl...2025-02-2745 min