Metal Sludge — Hello everyone, thanks for checking in with Metal Sludge and your continued support is greatly appreciated.

I am sure some of you are wondering…

What could this “Open Letter” possibly be about?

Well, first of all it’s about respect, and secondly it’s about knowing your place.

And sometimes people need to be called out, and put in their place.

You see… every once in a while someone says or does something, that well… for what it’s worth, makes my blood boil and I want to throat punch them.

But as an adult… I have stopped throat punching people and chose to take a more shall we say… mature approach.

With that said… please read on.

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“What’s A Load-In?”

Hello Todd La Torre,

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Stevie Rachelle, the singer from the band Tuff.

You know, one of those glam rock bands from Hollywood that showed up a little too late and were for the most part forgotten when the industry shifted in the early 1990’s.

I believe we crossed paths backstage, in catering if memory serves me… at Rocktember in Hinckley Minnesota back in 2018.

The lineup that day was Tesla, Queensryche, Lynch Mob, Tuff, Herricane Alice and so on.

But most of that is irrelevant…

The reason for my letter to you today is simple, to explain to you what a “Load-in” is.

You see I saw your recent Tweet of you sitting in a limousine headed to a gig, with your caption “What’s a Load-in?”

Truth is, I don’t even know you, never said 2 words to you and know little about yourself, the Queenryche family or anything related.

But your Tweet struck a nerve, with your arrogant and dismissive words.

According to a quick google search, a “Load-in” is defined as the following:

1. a heavy or bulky thing that is being carried or is about to be carried.
2. put a load or large amount of something on or in (a vehicle, ship, container, etc.)
3. make (someone or something) carry or hold a large or excessive amount of heavy things.

However I am not google, so please allow me to continue with my own definition.

A “Load-in” is where hard working, committed and dedicated individuals, both men and women, work at an entertainment venue to coordinate and detail all that needs to happen to make that night’s, or perhaps that week’s show(s) happen.

People who drive trucks, vans, buses, and trailers all help with the “Load-in”.

People who lift heavy cases along with the P.A., lighting rigs and related items that have to be put into place for the show all help with the “Load-in”.

There are also those who help “Load-in” merchandise, food, drinks, catering supplies and items as requested by the touring band or group, so their performers are comfortable and capable to do their jobs as entertainers.

A “Load-in” is something that happens nearly every single day, at music clubs across the U.S. and around the world.

Similarly, a much bigger version of the “Load-in” happens at Theaters for Plays, Arenas for Car Shows and Stadiums for Sporting events too.

The “Load-in” takes place with local and cover bands in middle America, and it also happens for shows featuring mega acts like The Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses.

A “Load-in” is something that… if it’s not done… well… simply put… there is no show.

Sitting in a limo on your way to the show, after relaxing in your Hotel room that afternoon is all good, kudos to you.

But posting “What’s a Load-In” is arrogant.

No one likes an arrogant cunt who shows up wearing sun-glasses and walks on stage to a capacity crowd cheering as the fans fawn over your ability to hit the scream in “Queen Of The Ryche.”

Especially after countless people worked all day to make that happen, for you – while you sat in a limo Tweeting “What’s a Load-in?”

And when I typed no one… I am speaking for those who did the “Load-in”… every day, at every gig, in every city, on every tour – while you were in your Hotel room.

Acting smug and arrogant is nothing to boast about.

It’s even more arrogant when you’re the “Fill-in” guy to boot.

Do you know what the “Fill-in” guy is?

It’s the same thing you were in that other National Recording Artist you joined, also after the fact… after all the heavy lifting of building a brand from the ground up was already done… I believe they were called Crimson Glory.

For the record, I am 1 of those who does the “Load-in” too.

Singer or not, leader or not, bandana or not, I have never been above the “Load-in”, ever.

I did it in 1985 and 1989… I also did it in 1991 while signed to Atlantic Records and on MTV.

I did it at every show, in every city, in every country – in some form or fashion – for the last 36 years as a performer.

I also understand that not everyone is required, needed or is expected to take part in the “Load-in”, but your comment sucks and your careless words diminish the hard work of so many others.

Congrats on your gig, fronting an iconic band, with a vast history of great music (none of which you were involved with creating) that was built from nothing… by 5 young men not named Todd La Torre.

I bet if you asked them, “What’s a Load-in”, they could tell you.

Don’t take that gig, the limo rides, or not being part of the “Load-in” for granted bro.

A little humility might help you go further, think about it.

Stevie Rachelle