First Time Awe In Pittsburgh

Send us a text

The door of the tunnel opened and Pittsburgh exploded into view—bridges, rivers, stadium lights—and we knew we were in for something special. Sitting with Alan Kaiser at Living Dead Weekend 2024, we traced a candid arc from a first-time love letter to the city to the craft and community that made Knight of the Creeps a cult classic with real staying power.

Alan walks us through what made that set different: a sharp script, a director with focus, and scene partners who made every take count. He talks about the moment you know you’ve done good work—the kind of internal click artists rarely admit—and how that confidence fueled a run that led straight into Mama’s Family and a four-year series job. No shortcuts, just hundreds of auditions, relentless reps, and a reminder that momentum is a byproduct of consistency. Along the way, we touch on friendships that formed long after the cameras stopped, and why some stories keep finding new fans decades later.

The conversation bends toward music, where Alan’s fandom lights up: vintage Van Halen, Blackfoot, Tesla, Godsmack, and especially Metallica. We dig into what longevity really looks like—touring hard, giving back to local communities, and staying generous with fans. There’s even a tease of future guests from Anthrax and a few backstage stories about meeting Frank Bello and Scott Ian, proof that the metal family tree keeps growing. We close with gratitude for the people who show up at conventions, the organizers who make them happen, and the city that welcomed us with open arms.

Hit play for a grounded, funny, and inspiring hang that blends cult horror, 80s nostalgia, and the practical blueprint of a working artist. If you enjoyed this one, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves classic horror or metal, and leave a quick review to help more fans find the fishbowl.

Support the show