Pentagram frontman Bobby Liebling addressed his unexpected viral fame in a recent interview with Altars of Metal. He discussed how a viral video transformed him into an internet sensation.
The veteran singer shared his thoughts on the surprising turn of events that brought newfound popularity after decades in the music industry.
“The whole thing flipped me out at first. It was pretty weird. I always had this dream of maybe someday I can have a post on Instagram or Facebook, and it will be viral,” Liebling said. “And it was like… Jesus, wow…Careful what you wish for, because it kind of blew up more quickly than I expected it to for damn sure. But it was pretty cool, you know? And it’s really fun, though, playing music for over half a century and then becoming famous for being a joke.”
The viral success transformed the band’s public recognition. This led to unexpected encounters with fans in various settings.
“The band’s profile went through the roof immediately, which is pretty obvious that it would,” he continued. “And we got stopped in airports by TSA people, and we’ve gotten stopped on planes by pilots coming out of the cockpit to say hello, and soccer moms in the airport and groups of little kids and stuff like that. It’s pretty wild, man. I really didn’t know how to react, and I still kind of don’t because everywhere we go, it’s someone [saying], ‘Aren’t you that guy?'”
This sudden surge in popularity adds a unique chapter to the band’s extensive history spanning five decades in the metal scene.
Research from historical records shows Pentagram’s journey began in 1971. The band established themselves as pioneering figures in doom metal development. Their groundbreaking albums ‘Pentagram’ (1984) and ‘Relentless’ (1985) cemented their influence on the genre and built their devoted following.
Liebling’s career features notable moments of artistic integrity. A report from Psychedelic Baby Magazine revealed his encounter with Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. They criticized Pentagram’s appearance at a rehearsal. Liebling stood firm in his artistic vision and refused to sell his songs to maintain creative control.
Documentation from their official website chronicles the band’s challenging journey. They faced numerous lineup changes and financial difficulties. Their persistence and Liebling’s distinctive vocal style maintained their status as influential figures in the metal community.
The viral video on Reddit has garnered significant attention. It transformed the band’s public profile and introduced their music to a new generation of listeners.
