Machine Head have collected plenty of milestones across more than three decades in heavy music, but getting handed the ceremonial keys to a city jail might be one of the more unexpected additions.
During a recent stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bay Area metal veterans Machine Head were recognised by Mayor Tim Keller in a moment that felt uniquely on brand for both the city and the band (per The PRP).
Rather than receiving the traditional Key to the City, Robb Flynn and company revealed they’d instead been presented with the ceremonial keys to the Albuquerque City Jail, if Machine Head were going to receive keys to anything, it was probably never going to be City Hall, haha.
Albuquerque Embraces Metal
Albuquerque has quietly developed a reputation for embracing heavy music culture over the years, with Mayor Keller regularly acknowledging major rock and metal acts passing through town, previous recognitions have involved artists including Judas Priest, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, Parkway Drive and Trivium.
Machine Head’s latest stop came amid their current North American touring run alongside Killswitch Engage, with support rotating across different legs of the trek, the current stretch of dates wraps this weekend before another round of shows launches in August.
That upcoming run splits into two distinct versions, Canadian dates will pair Killswitch Engage and Machine Head and UK metalcore force Malevolence, while the US leg shifts gears with support from technical death metal outfit Rivers Of Nihil and crossover heavy hitters Judiciary.
Speaking earlier this year on the tour announcement, Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach described the mission simply:
“Two unique lineups, one mission: To tear it up everywhere we go. Hell yes, my friends!”
For Machine Head, getting honorary jail credentials probably wasn’t listed in the original routing notes, but considering the band’s history of riffs and controlled destruction, Albuquerque may have accidentally found the most fitting tribute yet.
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