2017 San Diego Metal Swap Meet recap

The San Diego METAL SWAP MEET recently held their 8th annual event at the Quartyard in downtown San Diego, California.

This year’s event featured American power metal godfathers JAG PANZER as the headliner musical act on the main stage on site and Phil Anselmo’s SUPERJOINT as the headliner at the official after-party held at the legendary Brick by Brick concert club located off site.

In addition, meet and greets were held with members of JAG PANZER, SUPERJOINT, HIRAX, NUNSLAUGHTER, legendary heavy metal producer Bill Metoyer. Original IRON MAIDEN cover artist Derek Riggs once again was present selling copies of his original artwork, books and shirts with legendary and classic designs. Hirax vocalist Katon W. De Pena was the DJ throughout the day and played tons of classic and obscure metal music for the attendees. An overwhelming and endless selection of metal merchandise and vinyl vendors, were on hand in addition to the crew from METAL BLADE Records and San Diego’s own road master mobile burger stand FULL METAL BURGERS.

After a 30 day recuperation period, the San Diego Metal Swap Meet organizers have issued a recap of the 2017 sold out event:

Brian Parker (Metal Swap Meet Founder): “I was blown away by the reception at the 2017 Metal Swap Meet! The vendors brought some great merchandise, the attendees had amazing attitudes, and of course, I was absolutely floored by Jag Panzer’s performance! Moving to a larger venue gave us a lot of freedom, and it brought a better experience for everyone. Now let’s get hyped for 2018!”

Israel Pelayo (Metal Swap Meet Lead Organizer): “To be honest we were a little nervous while planning this years Metal Swap Meet, going to a new outdoor venue in a new part of town and all that entailed, but at the same time had high expectations that were met and even surpassed. From the amazing performance of Jag Panzer who just blew me away to the way everyone enjoyed our meet and greets and our great staff, to the huge number of metalheads who supported us this year we couldn’t have a asked for a better day. This year really demonstrated to us that we are going in the right direction and we are happy to provide such a special event to Metal fans from all over. We have many more great features planned for next year and hope even more people attend the San Diego Metal Swap Meet”

In addition, members of Jag Panzer, Hirax and Full Metal Burgers provided additional comments:

Jag Panzer vocalist Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin: “The swap meet was amazing. So much to do and see from the metal community. People were receptive and engaging. The management was top notch and very friendly. I now want to play every year with all 3 of the bands I am affiliated with.”

Hirax vocalist / metal DJ Katon W. De Pena: “I’ve been watching the San Diego Metal Swap Meet consistently grow every year. They stay true to the underground heavy metal work ethic. I am proud to be a part of it. It is a gathering of fans who celebrate all of the aspects of heavy metal music. The camaraderie and respect is something to behold! To those who have not had a chance to come and visit the San Diego Metal Swap Meet… this is the place to be! Music, Culture, Art, Merchandise / memorabilia, ice cold beer (for the adults) as well as family fun for all … it is here under one banner!”

Full Metal Burgers owner and chef Ben commented: “Full Metal Burgers was honored to be a part of the 8th Annual Heavy Metal Swap Meet in San Diego. We couldn’t think of a better event for us to cater and it felt like home for us. This was easily our most successful event to date and the positive response and feedback from all of the attendees and event organizers was overwhelming. We’re already looking forward to being back, bigger and badder next year.

I expected to have a chance to walk around and take in the best that the Southern California metal community had to offer for merch, meet and greets and live music but we were so slammed as soon as we opened that I never got the chance. By the time the horde was done feasting it was time to pack up and head out so I’ll need to get there earlier next year to make it around. By all accounts though, this was a fantastic event, the crowd was amazing, and Jag Panzer killed it from what we could hear. Thank you to all the organizers”

For the latest news, visit the official San Diego Metal Swap Meet and Full Metal Burgers website and Facebook pages:

Official San Diego Metal Swap Meet website

Official San Diego Metal Swap Meet Facebook page

Official Full Metal Burgers Facebook page

Biography: Since 2009, the San Diego Metal Swap Meet has brought a unique event to Southern California. The event provides a place for metal merchants to sell their clothing, art, CDs, vinyl, patches, and just about anything else heavy metal related. It also offers a DJ, playing everything from early heavy metal favorites, to obscure metal gems. This is not only a merchandise central event, but it is also a social event, where old friends meet, and new friends are made.

The San Diego Metal Swap Meet has a tradition of offering an all ages avenue for the younger crowd to experience the record store vibe of the 80’s and 90’s, while also seeing a well known live band, to close the event, all for a very affordable door fee.

Past Performers and Special Guests:

*DJ Katon (from HIRAX)
*Derek Riggs (IRON MAIDEN cover artist)
*EXHUMED
*CAGE
*THANATOLOGY
*SLAYTANIC
*CATTLE DECAPITATION
*SADISTIC INTENT
*DREAMING DEAD
*GRAVEHILL
*CONDEMNED
*ANGER AS ART
*HELLHUNTER
*SONS OF SATAN (VENOM Tribute)
*RUINES OV ABADDON
*EUKARYST
*LOU RUSCONI
*PETER BESTE