Metal Maiden of the Month – Bailey

Bailey

Name: Bailey Noel

Country: USA

Bailey Instagram

THE METAL PIT: How did you first get into metal music, and what was the first band or album that hooked you?

Bailey: It honestly started with my mom. She’s the reason I even knew what metal was. She used to blast Motley Crüe around the house, like, really blast it. I have these vivid memories of her dancing around to Shout at the Devil while cleaning or getting ready to go out, and I just thought she was the coolest person alive. At first, I just loved how over-the-top it all sounded, the shredding guitars, the wild vocals, the glam, the chaos. It felt like rebellion in musical form. As I got older, I started realizing that it wasn’t just the sound, it was the attitude. That whole unapologetic, loud, messy freedom. Motley Crüe was definitely my first “gateway band,” but from there I fell down the rabbit hole hard. I started exploring everything from classic glam metal to heavier stuff and eventually found myself getting obsessed with bands like Dokken and Ratt.

What was the most memorable concert you’ve ever attended, and why did it stand out?

Hardcore Superstar, hands down. That show completely changed something in me. I had just started getting into Swedish rock after randomly stumbling across them on YouTube, some grainy live clip where the crowd looked unhinged and the band was just dripping with attitude. I went down the rabbit hole, found Crashdïet, Crazy Lixx, all of it, and then Hardcore Superstar came to town. That night was pure chaos in the best way. No flashy effects, just raw energy and zero ego. Everyone around me was just as hyped, and it felt like I finally found my people. It was sweaty, loud, and reckless, and I left with my voice gone and a massive grin. It wasn’t just a concert, it was like a big, messy celebration of everything I love about rock.

What’s your favorite metal-related memory?

One of my favorite metal memories was recently seeing Fozzy live. It wasn’t a huge arena show, but
the atmosphere was incredible, high energy, a great crowd, and just an all around solid performance. What really made it memorable, though, was getting to hang out with my friend Sam, who plays in the band Liliac. There’s something special about enjoying a live show with someone who shares the same passion for music. We spent the night catching up, joking around, and just soaking in the energy. It reminded me why I love this genre so much, not just the music itself, but the community and the genuine connections that come with it. It wasn’t the loudest or the wildest night I’ve ever had, but it felt real. And sometimes, that’s what sticks with you most.

What’s your go-to metal anthem when you need a boost of energy?

“Reign of Love” by Hurricane has been my go to lately. It’s the kind of song that just hits right when I’m
driving with the windows down or trying to power through a workout. The chorus kicks in and suddenly
I’m in a whole different mindset, more focused, more alive, like I’m in the middle of a music video or
something. It’s not overly aggressive, but it’s got that perfect build and emotional punch that keeps me
going when I need to snap out of a funk or just hype myself up. Whether I’m stuck in traffic or pushing
through the last set at the gym, it gives me that little push to keep going and feel good doing it.

If you could attend any metal concert from any era, which one would it be and why?

If I could go to any metal concert from any era, it would 100% be the US Festival in ’83, the day they
called “Heavy Metal Sunday.” That lineup was insane: Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Scorpions, Van
Halen, Quiet Riot
and Triumph… all in one day, in the California heat, with a crowd of like 300,000 people losing their minds.

I see you attended the Monster of Rock Cruise. What was that experience like?

It was honestly one of the most surreal and fun things I’ve ever done. Imagine being trapped on a boat
with a bunch of rock legends, diehard fans, and no real rules, just nonstop music, sunburns, and stories
you can’t always tell in full detail. There’s live music literally everywhere: pool decks, tiny lounges,
packed theaters, it doesn’t stop. One minute you’re watching a band you’ve admired forever, the next
you’re in line at the buffet behind them like it’s totally normal. Everyone’s there for the same reason, so
there’s this instant connection. You end up talking to strangers who feel like old friends by the end of the
trip. It’s loud, chaotic, a little unhinged, and exactly what you’d hope for from something called the
Monsters of Rock Cruise. I came back exhausted, slightly dehydrated, and already thinking about the next
one.

If you could pose for any bands album cover what band would it be?

I’d like to channel my inner Tawny Kitaen and model for a band like Ratt Out of the Cellar style. That
era had such a raw, seductive energy, and she really helped define what that looked like. She wasn’t just
posing, she owned the scene. That kind of presence is timeless.

What song is a song you listen to if you need a boost of energy?

No Respect by Vain. It’s one of those albums that didn’t get the attention it deserved, but it rips. From
start to finish, it’s full of grit, emotion, and that raw, sleazy energy that makes glam feel real. Davy Vain’s
voice has this perfect balance of confidence and vulnerability. The songs have hooks, but they hit deeper
than a lot of what was coming out at the time. It’s sexy, messy, emotional, and somehow still completely
cool. You can hear the hunger in it, the kind of record made by a band that had something to prove. If
you’ve ever loved glam but wanted something a little darker and rough around the edges, No Respect is it. Every metal fan should hear it at least once, it’s a total hidden gem that still holds up today.

Outside of listening to metal what are your other hobbies and interests?

Outside of metal, I’m a full time student studying music technology and media production so a lot of
my time goes into learning how to shape sound and bring creative ideas to life. I play a bit of bass too,
mostly just for fun, but it’s a nice way to zone out and get into a groove. I’m from Colorado, so I’m big on
the outdoors, snowboarding in the winter, hiking and exploring the mountains when it’s warm. I also
collect vinyl and cassettes, especially glam and obscure stuff. I love the hunt, digging through bins and
finding weird pressings or forgotten bands. And when I’m not doing any of that, I’m probably watching
horror movies. I love everything from classic slashers to weird indie psychological stuff. The creepier and
more unsettling, the better.


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