Oh mama, I'm in fear for my life...

by TheSpatulaMessiah on Oct 28, 2009 10:00 AM EDT Comment 47 comments

Just a heads up that the emergence of "Renegade" as a de facto Steelers fight song will apparently be one of the topics of NFL Films Presents this afternoon on ESPN2.

Anyone at last week's game? I haven't seen anyone other than me mention it, but towards the end of the 2MW, the Heinz people tried to play the "Renegade" video (for the second time that day), and it led to a funny moment when the crowd seemed angry that they wouldn't get a chance to finish playing it because the game was starting again. Two plays later, they played the rest after Fox's pick-6, incorporating the replay. It was a pretty awesome moment, so I thought I'd commit it to cyber-writing.

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my brother was there from Houston, TX

he loved that, he called me on the phone and i could hear it in the background.

by WARDANE33 on Oct 28, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

They ought to play the Ballad of John and Oko after every game this year....

the refrain, “Christ, you know it ain’t easy” seems to best express how things have been going with injuries and nail-biters.

(Hope I didn’t offend anybody)

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Oct 28, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Those of us who offend people regularly on this site take issue with your use of the phrase

(I hope I didn’t offend anybody)

Should you try to further distance yourself from offense we will call an offensive post interference on your butt, which is a 10 yard penalty and loss of down.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people. (mattyc_77 on twitter)

by BostonWahoo on Oct 28, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wahoo for the win!

Well played, sir.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Oct 28, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For those of you who don’t know what he’s talking about or who have never been to a home game, the Steelers play a highlight video to Styx’s Renegade at a commercial break right before we need a big defensive stand. There’s a few versions of the video on youtube that have been shot from the bleachers, but it does not do it justice.

Anybody know where I can get the actual video?

by HereWeGo on Oct 28, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The video itself I don’t think can be found. Keep in mind that it’s not a single video; it gets updated constantly throughout the year.

This is typical camera-from-the-stands stuff, but the sound and video quality is better than you’ll usually find on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB5Juk7fwz4&feature=related

by TheSpatulaMessiah on Oct 29, 2009 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was pumped when I could hear it on TV.

I wasn’t pleased because we didn’t win - Mike Tomlin (after the 2009 week 2 loss to Chicago).

by fanofsteel on Oct 28, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Styx?

I prefer “Renegade” by Thin Lizzy.

by Steeler Fan in Saudi on Oct 28, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Impressive Saudi

As the BTSC Rock N Roll aficionado and Thin Lizzy fan ( Southbound, Dancing In The Moonlight etc) I must tell you that I NEVER knew of this song until I googled it. Thanks for the new Lizzy nugget!

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 29, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're welcome

I’m not crazy enough to say that Thin Lizzy is the greatest rock band of all time. However, no one can argue with me if I say they are MY favorite! If you look on youtube, you can find demos for an unreleased Phil Lynott album as well as a couple of clips from his post-Lizzy band Grand Slam. Music that was lost, but now is found.

by Steeler Fan in Saudi on Oct 30, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Phil Lynott

Music Genius….RIP

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 30, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was there

It was Frick awesome, as it usually is. The stadium shakes

Ron Paul was Right.

by Steelchamps !! on Oct 28, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm a music fan and thinking that Styx is the official band of the Steelers is shameful

I try not to offend about football topics because I’m a novice, but I know some things about music. First off it’s opinions. But, Styx is never gonna get my blood pumping. Nerd music in my opinion.

The best football album of all time is Pantera 101 Proof. ‘Becoming’ was MY theme song for the playoffs last year. Guiness and blueberries and Pantera.

Try it, you’ll like it!

That said, to all you traditionalists, I’m glad you have a song to get pumped to.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 28, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

lol agreed

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Blitzburgh on Oct 28, 2009 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just listened to ‘Becoming’…101 proof isn’t gonna do it for me, got anything stronger? :)

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert

by LongTimeSteelersFan on Oct 28, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you could go to the studio album for the "pure uncut stuff"

The whole first half of this will rip your face off:

Becoming, 5 Minutes Alone, and Domination are the best cuts on the live album.

I would love to see the crowd get crazy when this stuff is playing.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Groupthink prevails

Well, as a football novice, one lesson for you is that “official” songs aren’t easily manufactured. Sometimes a song is in the right place at the right time to catch enough people’s imaginations and become a ritual. And once something’s a ritual, it’ll be the favored option for large crowds of fans; sports rituals are all about repetition.

If and when “Becoming” becomes associated with pivotal defensive stands in a memorable playoff game (vs. CLE, ’02 season; look it up), becomes a ritual at every home game, and gets a cool video that never fails to ignite crowds at Heinz, it can be part of the fight song canon too.

by TheSpatulaMessiah on Oct 29, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not defending Styx but Pantera is meathead music. And for people who wear mullets. There is undoubtedly some overlap there. Now that I think about it, that is actually pretty well perfect for Pittsburgh.

by worldtrip on Oct 29, 2009 3:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Pantera is meathead music. And for people who wear mullets."

Pantera is one of the most creative and technically proficient bands ever to play music. To me they are a perfect cross between Rush and Led Zeppelin with a bit of Kiss and Motley Crue. They have bigger ballz than ANYONE!!

BUT, I will admit that they are from Texas and they love the cowboys.

Worldtrip, you need to listen to some before you share such a closeminded view. I certainly don’t have a mullet. Yeah I’m not a huge fan of the screamo vocals, but the guitar/bass/drums interplay is some of the best of the 90s.

And to TheSpatula, I’m glad you and tens of thousands of people love it. I was at Heinz Field for the Texans game last year and I don’t think they needed any defensive stands so I don’t think I heard the song. I just wish it was a cooler song. There’s nothing cool about Styx. That’s my point. It’s not a good point, it doesn’t help any football discussion, basically I’m just sharing my distaste for Styx. Hate ‘em. They’re like the KC Chiefs of 70s-80s rock music. Generic and girly. In fact I’ve NEVER met a Styx fan.

But everyone has different opinions about music.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Music Is From The Heavens

Don’t take offense to worldtrip’s closed mind. Some are so blind in their views that other views are seen as unworthy. While not a Pantera fan I can tell you that I have listened, and respect them as musicians and performers.

And by the way, back in the late 70s and early 80s when glam rock was the style and the likes of Queen, Kansas, Styx and Bowie roamed the earth Styx was pretty cool…Styx is a mystic river that runs between life and death. Listen to Madame Blue, Miss America and Lorelei and get off Mr. Roboto. Remember, the Fonz used to be cool too before he jumped the shark.

PS Rush and Zeppelin ROCK.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 29, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just wish I could go back in time and watch Led Zeppelin play at Three Rivers in 1973

and then stick around for the rest of the decade and watch the Steel Curtain dominate. Then watch Zeppelin destroy the Igloo in 1975…

In my opinion the 70s are the best modern decade. Led Zeppelin and the Steelers were the kings.

Too bad there’s no soundboard recording out for this one:

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Song Remains The Same

Don’t know if you know this showtime (PS as a Lakers season ticket holder I LOVE your moniker!) but the beginning of Song Remains The Same was filmed in Pittsburgh. As they get off the plane at Greater Pitt, the old Pittsburgh red and white police cars escourt them down the parkway. Once the music starts (Rock N Roll) they are inside Madison Square Garden.

I was a little young to see them in 73 or 75 (I was still listening to Elton John) but was disappointed when they didn’t make it in 78 because of the death of Robert Plants infant son. (All Of My Love) I actually had tickets for the 80 In Through The Out Door show but Bonham’s death ended that concert.

Now Rush; I have seen them about 10 times starting from the Permanent Waves tour. The last time was earlier this year at the Nokia Theater touring their new CD Snakes & Arrows (awesome) and they can still bring it. No one plays drums like Neil.

And…there was nothing like following the Steelers week to week in the 70s. Absolutely the most dominant football ever played. When those Steelers were healthy and brought their A game they were unbeatable. And the characters; Gerela’s Gorilla’s, Lambert’s Lunatics, Franco’s Italian Army…Run Paisano Run!

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 29, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Music for nerds

In what universe is Rush not “music for nerds” the same way Styx allegedly is? You’ve got girly vocals, you’ve got a mix of prog and arena rock/metal, and you’ve got dense lyrics.

(Note: Rush is my favorite band of all time.)

by TheSpatulaMessiah on Oct 29, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"In what universe is Rush not "music for nerds" the same way Styx allegedly is?"

Number one I want to reiterate that I am being a music snob here and I admit it. Sorry.

Anyway, yeah good point, but to me Rush is 1000 times better than Styx. Just listen to ‘All the Worlds a Stage’ and ‘Exit… Stage Left’ The worst song on either of those albums rocks harder than any Styx song… Of course you are aware of this. I’d love to see a Bytor and the Snowdog montage during timeouts!!

In my opinion, Rush is like the music for musician nerds, the guys who play guitar and bass and drums. Not singers though! The cool nerds. Rush is rock music for people who read books and smoke weed.

Styx, hell I don’t even know about them. I think they’re for the nerds who drank beer and fixed cars or something.

I do think you made a very interesting point. Rush is not music you rock from your car when you’re trying to get laid.

BTW, Rush is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame despite stats that should get them in. Worse than Dawson. I blame Cleveland and will not go there until Rush gets their due.

Music is about a feeling though, and Renegade creates a feeling that the fans love. It was chosen for a reason by people who know more than me. I guess my point is I wish it was a song I like from a cool band.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it is hilarious that you think you are being a music snob by talking up Pantera and Rush.

by worldtrip on Oct 29, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

I thought I was being a music snob by putting down Styx. I am. I admit it.

I’d love to hear some of your favorites since you apparently think Pantera and Rush are below your strata. But those two bands feature some of the top instrumentalists in the history of Rock and Roll. Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson? Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell? MONSTERS of Rock. Poll some musicians. This is not opinion, it is fact.

You appear to be older and wiser than some in here. What, do you like the Beatles or Doo Wopp or something? PLEASE not country. At least… PLEASE not modern country. If that’s the case I’ll laugh you right out of the discussion.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I listen to a lot of different music

I get a new favorite band every month or two. The bands currently that seem to be making the most consistent rotation on my playlist include, in no particular order: Frightened Rabbit, TV on the Radio, Flaming Lips, Grizzly Bear, Band of Horses, Radiohead, Built to Spill, Wilco, Pixies, Bishop Allen, Grand Archives, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Decemberists, just to name a few.

by worldtrip on Oct 29, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I listen to a lot of different music"

ok that was the other direction it could have went. Pixies was the one name I was thinking of to articulate that realm of music. Hey at least they play their own instruments!

I really wish I could find more new bands I liked. I really do try, but mostly I just want to beat up any new band that hits the scene. The one new band I dig these days is Mastodon. They are thunderous and their newish album Crack the Skye is amazing. The song writing is excellent and it is produced by the esteemed Brendan O’Brien. To make comparisons again these guys are Rush mixed with Pantera and Ozzy on vocals. Just keep mixing that stuff up!

The NFL agrees with this assessment because I have heard instrumental portions of Crack the Skye during NFL broadcasts including the Steelers/Bears game. Their song Divinations is featured in Madden 10. Their lead guitar played Brent Hinds is the best new player of this decade. And unlike most bands of the 2000s, I don’t want to, nor do I think I could, beat them up.

BTW to any football fans in this thread, it’s bye week, so cut us some slack!!

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like your musical taste ranges all the way from hard rock to heavy metal.

by worldtrip on Oct 29, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"hard rock to heavy metal."

no that’s just what’s been on my mind lately. I like anything with drums, guitars, and balls. I don’t want to make too long a list but here are some hilights…James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, Black Sabbath, Grateful Dead (60s&70s only), Beatles, David Bowie, Beastie Boys, the Stones, Stone Temple Pilots, Pink Floyd, CSN&Y, The Who, Clapton, Queens of the Stone Age, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Humble Pie.

The best bands have songs for different emotions that are good for different times. I was trying to take it in a direction of good football music.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 30, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You ever use Pandora?

My radio of choice at work. It’s pretty good at finding some of the more obscure stuff, although they don’t have everything from everyone, it’s a nice little online radio, I think.

'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin

by NYSteelersFan4 on Oct 30, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pandora is very cool

I usually stream KEXP, a fantastic Seattle radio station. I also like to download their podcasts to my iPod.

by worldtrip on Oct 30, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll have to check it out...

They stream for free? Band of Horses and Bishop Allen are two bands I’m getting into right now. “Things Are What You Make of Them” is a great song, but I’m barely scratching the surface. Also like the Decembrists too, love their sound. Nada Surf isn’t bad. All the bands Showtime listed are in my repertoire as well, I cut my musical teeth on those older bands (my parents were a combo of a hippie and “classic” hard rocker… go figure). Pink Floyd was the soundtrack to my childhood, it seems at times. I love music, all music, I wish I had some more free time to dedicate to becoming more “snobby” about it, because music snobs, in my opinion, are the most tolerable of all types of snobs.

'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin

by NYSteelersFan4 on Oct 30, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you are going to listen to Bishop Allen go straight to their second release, The Broken String. Like Castanets is a cool little ditty from that album.

by worldtrip on Oct 30, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, yeah you can stream KEXP for free. They’re at www.kexp.org. All their funding comes from listeners, so you don’t have commercials. It’s a cool station.

by worldtrip on Oct 30, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/open_minded_music_lover

by TheSpatulaMessiah on Oct 30, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Don’t know if you know this showtime"

Here’s the picture:

Look familiar?

I was disappointed when they didn’t make it in 78 I actually had tickets for the 80 In Through The Out Door show but Bonham’s death ended that concert

PA got royally screwed in 1977. RFK Stadium, Three Rivers, Led Zeppelin was gonna rock PA before Plant’s tragedy. I don’t know… the 77 tour was VERY self-indulgent. I’m talking 20 minute piano solos during No Quarter, a 20 minute noise solo from Jimmy, and Bonzo will do 45 minutes a night if they let him. Many people were disappointed with the performances and the inconsistency. Look at Cleveland. The first night, 5/27/77, is captured on a perfect soundboard tape – Destroyer. It’s a classic, but the performance is only so-so getting worse at the end. The next night, 5/28 is only available in a good audience tape, but the performance is devastating, one of the best of the tour. You never knew which you’d get. DON’T EVER watch the Seattle 77 video floating around. It’s horrible. I could play better. And 1980? Man if their short European warm-up tour is any indication, be glad you missed that. God bless Bonzo, but they sounded pretty bad at that point. Now 1973? I’ve heard some of the Pittsburgh show and it sounded pretty damn bad-ass.

Rush on the Permanent Waves Tour would be awesome. They were peaking then as they still played 2112 in its entirety. There is a great FM broadcast from St. Louis from this tour you should look for. I may be able to help if you are interested. I’ve seen them 7 times myself. I actually won tickets to their ’94 tour when I was too young to drive to a show.

With regards to 70s Steelers, I think I would love the Nittany Lions draft picks the most, then probably Rock because he is just so badass. The 70s would also be great because you wouldn’t hear salty fans from teams like the Vikings crying like babies after they lose ONE game this year. That’d be a plus.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Oct 29, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have some MP3s from 77 ( Cleveland I think) that sound great. Achilles Last Stand etc. Great picture of 3 Rivers.
First time I saw Rush they played 2112, Xanadu and Jacobs Ladder. Already knew every word, drum beat and triangle from Hemispheres as I had an older rock guitar god brother. Loved the By Tor reference. See you come Bastille Day..

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 29, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I can’t seem to get past the “scremo vocals”.

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert

by LongTimeSteelersFan on Oct 29, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Browns Game At Heinz

The Steelers Nation absolutely LOVES this song. They wait for it. At the Browns game all during the game fans were yelling for Renegade. When they finally played it late in the 4th quarter the crowd absolutely erupted.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Oct 29, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The NFL Films thing

On the show they interviewed the guy who originally pushed to make the song part of the rotation. He seems to think it’s a big deal figuring out just the right moment to play the video, and enjoys the buildup that comes with making people wait for it.

by TheSpatulaMessiah on Oct 29, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Renegade Kicks ass

….During the games. I mean Id love R.A.T.M Fistfullasteel but there would be I dont know….uhh…RIOTS!!

dont get me wrong I aint got Styxx in my Ipod but it fits the steeler party just fine.

Ron Paul was Right.

by Steelchamps !! on Oct 29, 2009 6:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

There would be riots if any R.A.T.M song was played

"Polamalu’s lineage can be traced through several roots. Chuck Norris mated with an Amazon Queen, and on the other side, Tony Hawk mated with Mother Nature. The two children of these spawned and fused in a tantric love session to create Troy Polamalu. The mother however died as he tore through the birth canal with a spin move."
Mechem on the roots of Troy Polamalu

by WVPiratesfan on Nov 1, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thump .. ... thump thump

(crowd begins to froth)

OH mama I’m in fear for my life
From the long arm of the law .. .. ..

Thump .. .. .. thump thump

Hangman is coming down from the gallows
and I don’t have very looooong

THUMP .. .. .. THUMP THUMP
__________________

Granted, the song in its entirety is subpar at best. BUT, when you first hear the “thump .. .. .. thump thump” over the PAs, coupled with the video board that begins flashing replays of devastating Steeler’s hits on opponents and the rise of the deafening roar from the crowd, as a fan, YOU want to go knock someone’s head off!

Then there’s the words: “I’m in fear for my life from the long arm of the law” that give you a visualalization of the players on offense crapping their trousers and calling for mommy because they know what’s coming and are powerless to stop it.

The Steelers D IS the Long Arm of the Law and the Hangman. Once the song plays through that part, the crowd is so stinking loud and frenzied that you barely hear, much less care, what the rest of the song sounds like.

I also think its great that the Steelers have a blitz package on Madden call Renegade!!

The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games

by chewiesteeler on Oct 30, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs