The Headquarters, located on the South East side of Indianapolis, is one of the few all-age metal venues that Indy has to offer. Unlike other ve
nues around town that cater to towards the metalcore crowd, The Headquarters books bands ranging from death, power, thrash to doom. Thanks to promoter Larry Rasener, the venue has brought music from all genres and decades to the scene.
Indy Metal Show got a chance to speak with Rasener, via Messenger, to learn more about his background with music, his role in Indy’s metal scene and shows that The Headquarters has coming up.
Indy Metal Shows: What is your background? When and how did you get into metal? Do you play any music?
Larry Rasener: I got into metal sometime around 1984. The bands that got me into metal were Twisted Sister and the first WASP album. I’ve been a diehard Metalhead since then. I have no musical ability whatsoever, which is why I’m a promoter.
IMS: How did you get involved with promoting shows? Is this a hobby for you?
LR: My first show was Obituary and Napalm Death in 2005, Dan Ferguson and I teamed up on that one. My first solo show was Havok in 2013. At that time Indy wasn’t getting many shows at all so I decided to try and change that. I’ve done over 20 shows since then and think I’ve helped solidify Indy as a place where metal bands want to play again, and that was the goal when I started.
IMS: You seem to do more shows with thrash and death metal bands. You also book a lot of old school acts as well. Is that a personal preference?
LR: I mainly book old school thrash bands because that’s what I’m the biggest fan of, but I’ve also booked death metal and hardcore bands. Most of the bands I’ve booked have either never played Indy before or haven’t played here in a long time, sometimes decades.
IMS: What show are you most proud of putting together? Why?
LR: Thats hard to say because I’m proud of all my shows, but I had to work the hardest to get Sanctuary to play here, but not only did I eventually get them to play here, it was the opening night of their first US tour in 25 years. It took a lot of work but was well worth it.
IMS: What is your dream lineup that you would love to promote?
LR: I have a couple bucket list bands out there to book still and I’m actually working on getting them here but I’m not going to say anything until they’re official because as I’ve found out things change quickly. Hopefully they happen though-and if they do they’ll be my biggest shows yet!
IMS: Have you ran into any ridiculous rider requests? If so, what were they?
LR: No not really, just food, beer and baby wipes (mobile shower).
IMS: How do you feel the metal scene has changed over the years? How about here in Indy? You always book a few local 
acts with your shows. What do you like to see in a local act?
LR: I think metal is definitely making a comeback especially here in Indy. When I started booking shows we weren’t getting many metal shows at all and now we get plenty. I feel some pride in knowing that I played a part in bringing Indy’s metal scene back, because we always had one it just disappeared for awhile but it’s back with a vengeance now! Plus we have a TON of killer local metal bands. I’ll put Indy’s local metal scene up against anybody else’s, there’s a lot of talent here. I think it’s important to get at least one local band on all of my shows and hopefully they get some new fans out of it. I’ve had most local bands play at least one of my shows and they’ve all kicked major ass!!
IMS: Do you have any advice for bands around the city or other promoters?
LR: Do it for the music because if you do it for the money-good luck! Stay Heavy!
To find out which shows Metalhead Productions has coming up check out their website and follow them on Facebook.
The next show for Metalhead Productions will have a lineup of Grim Reaper, Hell Came Home and Legion.
November 2nd at 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 advance/$25 day of show
