I'm back and I'm angry...

I'VE been away from blogging for a wee while - loads a sh*t to do and loads that needs doing. But right now I'm one pissed off wee metal bunny.

With the good grace of Odin, more luck than Loki and the thump of Thor's fist bringing joy with each rythmicd pound I know that when my time comes to cross the Rainbow Bridge to reach Valhalla and eternal feasting, ale and metal my offspring (children that is, not the Californian surf punks) will still have the faith in Liverpool FC, American Football, hard rock and heavy metal.

Both are blessed with the ear for volume, the love of the riff and the toe tapping, head nodding, mosh loving beauty that is rock and metal.

Yet, my youngest cannot see many of the acts on stages across Norn Iron.

At 15, well he looks 15 and no amount of facial hair or fake ID will grant him access to the over 18 venues. I do not blame the promoters and licensees. I blame the ridiculous licensing laws that assume that parents will allow their sprogs to wander incoherent and unknowing through a crowd to be trampled upon and puke up.

That may be a risk associated with night clubs and mind-numbing dance shit, but when it comes to hard rock and metal...just doesn't happen.

And you may alse recall how many young people were at Maiden, Metallica et al, it. This shows they want access to metal. So why can they not also see local acts too, and international acts at smaller, more intimate venues? Why could he not see Manowar, Alestorm, Turisas, amongst a host of others.

Generally most rock and metal; loving parents are delighted that their children take an interest in their music, so why of recent are so many venues slamming their doors on a potential ticket sale bonanza.

All hail those who in the past have welcomed under 18s through their doors, from all ages shows in The Limelight to the armbands for those who want a drink at Dragonforce in the Spring and Airbrake and Mandella Hall. Indeed the Mandella has had several gigs where the ability to have under 18s present has been a success. And a salute to the likes of the Diamond with its common sense policy.

So here's a challenge. Let's see if the venues can work out a sensible approach, that allows under 18s access to the finest live rock and metal and their parents to have a sup or two.

In the meantime, at least he can see W.A.S.P. in the Ulster Hall...taking 15-year-old to see W.A.S.P. where I saw Blackie and crew twice on their 30th Anniversay tour really makes me feel angry!