James
Stamper, shows off his patches
Just as any other genre has fundamental fashion themes that help to identify and set members apart from other groups, heavy metal music also has their own dress code.
Regarding fan’s appearance, wearing lots of black clothing and rock tees appears to be the primary staples of the heavy metal uniform. In addition, the metal wardrobe would not be complete without ripped denim jeans, denim jackets and vests loaded with rock patches and button badges. Although there are many accessories that complete a heavy metal wardrobe, patches are one fashion trend that never went out of style. Often times seen at concerts, fans wear their patches as if they were badges of honor to show others they are part of this edgy elite group. Fans may not be going to concerts wearing zebra print spandex leggings or styling their hair teased to the ceiling with Aqua Net these days however, you will definitely see fans sporting their patches on denim.
Metal Fans David Jones, Lucy Hall, and James Stamper at Hazard’s The Forum venue
In
the 80’s fans hanging out in rock venue parking lots
could be seen wearing denim jackets with their pack of cigarettes hanging out the
chest pocket, usually with one large back patch of their primary “favorite” band
which would be surrounded with smaller patches in various other areas. Along
with band logo badges pinned to the collars or pocket flaps.
Reflecting
back on denim, patches, and badges, I have
recalled several moments in metal history when icons of the business either
mentioned or paid tribute to these metal essentials. I recall watching the
documentary series, Metal Evolution
in which Metallica’s Lars Ulrich interview segment pertained to denim. In the
series, Lars explains the difference between the thrash metal kids’ attributes
compared to other metal genres of the 1980’s. He describes thrash kids as
wearing denim jackets.
Saxon sang that filling the concert halls, listening to the radio on Friday night, and
hanging out at your local record store is not the only things that bring us
metal heads together. But it was Denim and Leather that brought us all
together. While, Twisted Sister’s unforgettable cult classic video for the
song, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” has the father figure scolding his kid for
wearing a Twisted Sister pin on his uniform.
James
has a vest admirer gone sour
Unlike
the standard rock t-shirt; patches showcase a fan’s admiration for not just a
single band but many, many bands at once. Regardless of which bands or subgenre
of the music you prefer, patches remain one of the most important articles of
metal fashion. Akin to military patches, band patches show others that you are
a dedicated soldier of rock. Patches often
give a metal head hopes of finding new friends at shows. Patches are definitely
conversation starters. No one knows this as much as my friend, James Stamper.
He has quite an impressive collection of patches on his denim vest. He wears
this vest like a suit of armor at every rock show. He has concertgoers asking to pose with his vest.
Hell, he has even had many who offer to buy the vest, in which he quickly
refuses. On several occasions, concert
attendees have been caught giving James the evil stink eye due to jealousy of
his infamous vest. Yes, even I have succumbed
to coveting James’ vest.
Lucy is caught in the act of eye balling James' vest
I caught up with James to discuss his love of heavy metal and his collection of patches as part of HEAVY MAKEUP'S People Who Rock Series.
HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you discover metal? How old were you? Do you remember who intially introduced you to the music or did you discover it on your own?
James Stamper: Music has always been a part of my life. Dad brought me up on people such as Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, Lynyrd Skynyrd and so on...I recall hearing Led Zeppelin when I was younger as well. I really got into metal when I was around 14 years old maybe. Somewhere around there haha. I started listening to bands like Ratt, Whitesnake, Dokken, Motley Crue and many more of the genre. Everything I know about music, I learned from my Dad.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you remember what the first metal song you heard was? How did the music make you feel?
James Stamper: I want to think the first metal song I heard was "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. Once I heard that I knew metal was for me. Then I started to hear songs such as "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple and I loved it. It was wild listening to these songs for the first time. I'm so glad I did!
HEAVY MAKEUP: What are the elements of metal that inspire you? What makes metal special to you?
James Stamper: Music has always been there for me. It has gotten me through hard times. It plays a huge role in my life. When I get angry or feeling down or whatever, I feel I can crank Metallica or Def Leppard and the music helps you forget your problems. Music is powerful.
HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your top three favorite bands?
James Stamper: It changes a lot haha. But as of now, it's Motley Crue, The Biters, and Ghost.
HEAVY MAKEUP: If you could form a supergroup who would be in it?
James Stamper: That's a tough question. But I think on vocals I would have Don Dokken from Dokken or Rob Halford from Judas Priest. I mean, those guys have some pipes! On guitars, I would probably have Vinnie Vincent from Kiss, Vinnie Vincent Invasion and Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath. Two Killer guitarists! On bass, no doubt I would have Billy Sheehan. He can shred a bass period. On Drums, I would have Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs or Tommy Lee from Motley Crue. What a dream come true that would be if a supergroup like that formed!
HEAVY MAKEUP: What was the first concert you went to?
James Stamper: I think the first concert I saw was John Corabi of Motley Crue in Whitesburg. John did one album with the Crue and it was killer! The first really BIG concert I saw was Alice Cooper and Motley Crue in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena in 2015.
HEAVY MAKEUP: How many concerts have you attended, or have you lost count? Or, should I ask how many concerts has the denim patch vest been to?
James Stamper: Oh man haha. I've lost count of how many I've seen. The vest has been to at least 10 concerts I'm sure.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Being a metal fan as you are, can you highlight any special moments that you will remember forever?
James Stamper: One of the moments I will highlight for sure is seeing Ghost for the first time. When I first saw them, I didn't know much about them, but seeing them open for Iron Maiden in June of 2017 really turned me into a huge fan. That and I think it was one month earlier before Ghost and Iron Maiden, which would be May, I saw Station at Summit City in Whitesburg. Chris Lane, the guitarist of Station, let me shred his guitar on the ending of one of their songs. That was a very awesome moment!
HEAVY MAKEUP: For metalheads collecting the merchandise is essential. For some, it is records, concert tees, posters, autographs or action figures/comics. I collect a range of items, but my prize possessions are my two picture disc records of Slayer and Thor. For you, it appears to be collecting patches other than your patch collection, what is your prized possession in your metal collection?
James Stamper: The patches do mean a lot, but I say my prize possession is my record collection. I have everything from Iron Maiden to Ratt to Def Leppard to Motorhead.
HEAVY MAKEUP: What made you decide to cover your denim vest in patches? What was the first patch you bought?
James Stamper: To be honest, I thought it would look cool haha. I wanted to not just wear one band, I wanted to wear all of the bands I listen to! The first patch was probably the Kiss ones I have.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you covered exactly every possible inch of denim on your vest with patches? If not what do you plan to patch next?
James Stamper: I have got it pretty much covered, but I will find room for a Ghost patch?
HEAVY MAKEUP: I am aware that this is a very difficult question, however, if you could pick one patch which would be your favorite and why?
James Stamper: I will have to say my Iron Maiden back patch because it looks so cool and the patch has written on it "Somewhere In Time" and that is one of my favorite Iron Maiden albums.
HEAVY MAKEUP: I know you have gotten many compliments on the patch vest. I know that for a fact because I have been there and was one of the admirers. In particular, what is the greatest compliment you received while wearing it or any one person that stands out? other than myself that have complimented the vest?
James Stamper: I love it when people compliment my vest. It makes you feel good haha. I would say there are two compliments that I have received that have been my favorite. The first one being a good friend, Ben Rosen, who comes to some Hazard rock shows that I attend. He told me it was the greatest jacket that he had ever seen and wanted it for himself. (I have to watch my back, he's sneaky haha) and the President of the college I attend said my jacket rules!! That was very cool!
HEAVY MAKEUP: What new bands are you discovering?
James Stamper: I have been discovering a lot here lately. Battlebeast, Blood Red Throne, Bolt Thrower, Ghost, Hammerfall, Astral Doors, and The Biters, just to name a few.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there anything else you want to tell other metal fans about yourself or any advice to them?
James Stamper: Just stay metal and keep discovering new bands. It can't be heard if you won't listen to it! Rock on!! \m/
Check James out on his radio show every Saturday 2-8 p.m. on WMMT 88.7 FM.
Displaying your patches is easy to do all year round, and all seasons because it is the most versatile garment in your metal wardrobe. You can wear your denim jacket in cool weather and your vest in warm. If the temperature drops very low you can always rip off the sleeves of your denim jacket or use a vest you already have to wear over your motorcycle jacket. Not only should metal fans be proud to publicly advertise their musical preferences, in addition, these rock stars should feel loads of gratitude towards their loyal fans for basically being walking billboards of free advertisement for their music.
HEAVY MAKEUP: What was the first concert you went to?
James Stamper: I think the first concert I saw was John Corabi of Motley Crue in Whitesburg. John did one album with the Crue and it was killer! The first really BIG concert I saw was Alice Cooper and Motley Crue in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena in 2015.
HEAVY MAKEUP: How many concerts have you attended, or have you lost count? Or, should I ask how many concerts has the denim patch vest been to?
James Stamper: Oh man haha. I've lost count of how many I've seen. The vest has been to at least 10 concerts I'm sure.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Being a metal fan as you are, can you highlight any special moments that you will remember forever?
James Stamper: One of the moments I will highlight for sure is seeing Ghost for the first time. When I first saw them, I didn't know much about them, but seeing them open for Iron Maiden in June of 2017 really turned me into a huge fan. That and I think it was one month earlier before Ghost and Iron Maiden, which would be May, I saw Station at Summit City in Whitesburg. Chris Lane, the guitarist of Station, let me shred his guitar on the ending of one of their songs. That was a very awesome moment!
HEAVY MAKEUP: For metalheads collecting the merchandise is essential. For some, it is records, concert tees, posters, autographs or action figures/comics. I collect a range of items, but my prize possessions are my two picture disc records of Slayer and Thor. For you, it appears to be collecting patches other than your patch collection, what is your prized possession in your metal collection?
James Stamper: The patches do mean a lot, but I say my prize possession is my record collection. I have everything from Iron Maiden to Ratt to Def Leppard to Motorhead.
HEAVY MAKEUP: What made you decide to cover your denim vest in patches? What was the first patch you bought?
James Stamper: To be honest, I thought it would look cool haha. I wanted to not just wear one band, I wanted to wear all of the bands I listen to! The first patch was probably the Kiss ones I have.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you covered exactly every possible inch of denim on your vest with patches? If not what do you plan to patch next?
James Stamper: I have got it pretty much covered, but I will find room for a Ghost patch?
HEAVY MAKEUP: I am aware that this is a very difficult question, however, if you could pick one patch which would be your favorite and why?
James Stamper: I will have to say my Iron Maiden back patch because it looks so cool and the patch has written on it "Somewhere In Time" and that is one of my favorite Iron Maiden albums.
HEAVY MAKEUP: I know you have gotten many compliments on the patch vest. I know that for a fact because I have been there and was one of the admirers. In particular, what is the greatest compliment you received while wearing it or any one person that stands out? other than myself that have complimented the vest?
James Stamper: I love it when people compliment my vest. It makes you feel good haha. I would say there are two compliments that I have received that have been my favorite. The first one being a good friend, Ben Rosen, who comes to some Hazard rock shows that I attend. He told me it was the greatest jacket that he had ever seen and wanted it for himself. (I have to watch my back, he's sneaky haha) and the President of the college I attend said my jacket rules!! That was very cool!
HEAVY MAKEUP: What new bands are you discovering?
James Stamper: I have been discovering a lot here lately. Battlebeast, Blood Red Throne, Bolt Thrower, Ghost, Hammerfall, Astral Doors, and The Biters, just to name a few.
HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there anything else you want to tell other metal fans about yourself or any advice to them?
James Stamper: Just stay metal and keep discovering new bands. It can't be heard if you won't listen to it! Rock on!! \m/
Check James out on his radio show every Saturday 2-8 p.m. on WMMT 88.7 FM.
Displaying your patches is easy to do all year round, and all seasons because it is the most versatile garment in your metal wardrobe. You can wear your denim jacket in cool weather and your vest in warm. If the temperature drops very low you can always rip off the sleeves of your denim jacket or use a vest you already have to wear over your motorcycle jacket. Not only should metal fans be proud to publicly advertise their musical preferences, in addition, these rock stars should feel loads of gratitude towards their loyal fans for basically being walking billboards of free advertisement for their music.
Remember…
Respect your idols or (“vice versa” your fans)
for they will turn on you.
How
to Make Sure Your Rock Patches Stay in Place:
If you want a guarantee that once applying your
rock patches that they will not come back off, here are some tips. This process
may take longer than simply ironing a patch but this is the method I use.
Materials:
Needle
Needle Threader
Thread
Thimble
Fabric Glue
Art Brush
Iron
Directions:
1. Apply fabric glue to back of patch using a
painter’s brush. Brush on only a tiny amount.
2. Once glue is dry, thread your needle, and
sewing on your patch. Denim and patches are thick so use your thimble to push the
needle sternly in the materials.
3. Once patch is completely sewn on, then you
can iron the patch.
Lucy’s
Motorhead Vest
Lucy
