Talk:Matt Barlow

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Someone should explain the "illusion of a rock star" reference. How was he not a rock star? Tim Long 03:01, 23 June 2006 (UTC)

Barlow did not buy into the idea of being a rock star and thought that his effort would be better spent helping his community and his country.


Well, I think he could have done more for his community and country if he had remained a rock star. People usually tend to buy statements like 'Stay away from drugs and violence' more gladly from someone they admire than they do from a police officer.


I also think he did more for everyone while being in the band. Metal shall bring the world together!! More seriously, he wasn't living an illusion. Those fans he inspired...has he heard himslef sing? Does he know how awesome he is singing?! That plus the songs are meaningful to a lot of people. When you have a talent for something, you use it to try and change the world, right? That may be a bigger illusion than wanting to be a rock star, but is all we mortals can ever hope to accomplish, to inspire people and to express yourself. What better way to do that for a talented singer than through music? Especially good music that sold millions in record sales. I hope he hears Metal's call and talks to Jon. Please Rob Halford (metal god), let this be so! We leave it to thy will. Mailrobot 03:03, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

  • I used to think the "Metal shall bring the world together!!" thing was a joke, but it's true - people who listen to this music really do treat each other like family, as odd as it may sound when a lot of songs involved are ludicrously violent. The statement I saw when Barlow left the band was that he was joining the military, but...Delaware Police? I guess he couldn't stop during a concert and tell the crowd to remember to respect their parents, but he did have a much larger audience before than he does now. Reality is boring and mundane, and Matt can't reach people when he's holding to that attitude. --Vyran 16:57, 13 January 2007 (UTC)
  • Yes, metallers think ourselves a family. Even the dickheads in metal forums are like the stupid uncles you hate, but can't live without, because of his crazy rantings lol Its like science fiction fans, or philosophy students, scientists or musicians themselves. Those interested in the same things, things that make no sense or hold no interest to anyone else, they bond. Also, its not violence for violence sake. Its allegoric, most of the time. Sometimes it just sounds fun lol Its catering to a primal instinct. Like Manowar. We are all the Warriors of the World, struggling through life, fighting to survive. Thats a strong thing that young people look up to in that time of their lives. Even when you become an adult its important to remember to "keep your sword high" and all that. Matt brought that to people too. He wasn't the songwriter, but he was part of the equation. Too bad he doesn't realize it. Music is like stories. They are abstract, but they talk to you. There may be no hellspawns, but deep down, "A Question of Heaven" is a relatable song. Just like you can relate to the Spawn character. Or maybe the Stormrider. What better way to help his country than to inspire its youth? Ah, I doubt he reads wikipedia :( Mailrobot 18:14, 18 January 2007 (UTC)
  • Totally agree with both of you. What better way to keep kids off the street then to inspire them to take up a musical instrument?

Anyway, is there any reason why 90% of vocalists don't actually have anything written about their vocal style, range etc?

  • I wasn't aware there was a 10% of vocalists that wrote about that. Care to share one? Mailrobot 22:11, 29 March 2007 (UTC)
  • Vitas would be one, pretty sure Halford's article mentions something. As does King Diamond's

[edit] Needs rewriting

This phrase seems to simplistic, probably written by/for a layman: "He has a very wide range and can sing in many different ways such as low, deep growls to extremely high pitched screams and is known to put very much emotion into his performance."

I think it needs better phrasing from someone more experienced on the subject. Words like "high pitched" and "low, deep growls" can probably be replaced by more technical words like falsetto and baritone/tenor for example, if that applies. —Preceding unsigned comment added by SlightlyInsane (talkcontribs) 05:36, 21 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Biloxi, MS

Someone needs to tell more about his childhood and the environment he grew up in.


Don't it mesmerise you that such a good metal singer came from Mississippi? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ugobama (talkcontribs) 04:44, 23 February 2008 (UTC)