Heavy Metal Detector on tour \ Steve Maher
Heavy Metal Detector is a cross-between a walk, workshop and performance. A relational public art project that sits somewhere between metal music and sites of historic importance, this feat of geomancy gives members of the public the opportunity to become metal-detectors for the day, with a twist.
Using customised metal detectors that have been hacked to play pre-recorded Heavy Metal music the artist will lead a number of tours responding to the site of Bolsover Castle. Every time a piece of metal is located under the ground a selection of locally-sourced hard rock and metal songs will play through their headphones. The work asks audiences to navigate between rethinking their relationship to history, often communicated as something that is abstract and linear, and sub-cultures which are often experienced through social rituals and sound. Through the act of listening, detecting metal becomes a way to connect these two often, disparate worlds.
Heavy Metal Detector also operates as a new platform for disseminating music. Local bands are contacted and invited to share a piece from their existing catalogue to be heard as part of a compilation which is listened to sporadically throughout the tour. This new distribution channel will connect the musicians with audiences, who most likely would never normally get to experience their music otherwise.
Tours: FREE tours will take place throughout the day at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Maximim 12 people per tour).
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of each tour, meeting at the castle visitor centre.
Booking: To book in advance please email info@junctionarts.org. To book on the day visit Bolsover Castle visitor centre.
Bands featured in Heavy Metal Detector are: Burn down the District, Zero Point Zero, Abomination Federation, Ten Eyed Man and The Crimson Brigade. To read more about the bands, check our Heavy Metal Detector’s facebook page.
Heavy Metal Detector at Bolsover Castle is produced by Abandon Normal Devices and Junction Arts, delivered in partnership with English Heritage. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
