In 1997 the Dutch Heavy Metal scene was almost gone. Magazines and promoters ignored the genre.
So some guys hanging around in a bar decided to act in stead of cry about this lack of interest. They rented a van and went over to every concert, festival or party they heard about. The next step was to create a logo so everyone could see who they were. It became the very first Heavy Metal Fanclub in Holland. It was called "Heavy Metal Maniacs" as it described the nature of the people involved.
The goal of the fanclub is to bring together the fans of Heavy Metal and to promote Heavy Metal everywhere. The Heavy Metal Maniacs Fanclub became an official foundation to make sure this goal could be met.
We have no commercial interest, we are fans making things happen for other fans. In a genre that has been and probably will be neglected by the commercial organizations. Any money we make will benefit the next party.
Our work:
- 3 cd's with "hard-to-get" recordings of Dutch Heavy Metal acts.
- 1 vinyl record with unique recordings by Dutch Heavy Metal bands.
- The Heavy Metal Maniacs Festival. Held each year at the Manifesto venue. With a unique mix of classic bands, reunions and rising stars.
- The Meesterlijk Metaal party held in de Meester, Almere, where we give new and old bands a change to play in front of a good crowd.
- The Heavy Metal Maniacs Magazine.
- The infamous "Farm Party" at a secret and hard to find location in Germany. Members and invited people only!
- The Heavy Metal Maniacs website, with forum and chat.
- Active on Facebook, Hyves, Myspace and Twitter, to spread the word of Heavy Metal.
Contact us Here
The Four Horseman and the Chief:
- Hans Pendavingh: General management, Meesterlijk Metaal.
- Gerald Meijerink: Finance.
- Henry van Vliet: Magazine.
- Jeroen Kroon: On-line activities, Meesterlijk Metaal and merchandise.
- Stefan "Bozzy" Bosland: Heavy Metal Maniacs Festival