World Premiere of Armored Saint’s Documentary ‘A Band of Brothers’

Harmony Gold Theater - 5/23/23 

Armored Saint fans gathered Tuesday night, May 23rd, 2023 for the World Premiere of Armored Saint’s Documentary ‘A Band of Brothers.’ Many familiar faces were present, including the director Russell Cherrington and 4/5 of the band. (We missed you Jeff Duncan!) Cherrington introduced the film, and the documentary was followed by a Q&A with John Bush, The Sandoval Brothers Phil and Gonzo, Joey Vera, and himself.

‘A Band of Brothers’ had been in the works since 2017, with the final Lars Ulrich footage being shot in March 0f 2020. The film tells the Armored Saint story chronologically using a series of chapters and dozens of interviews from the band members and people involved.

In addition to the band, interviewees include James Hetfield/Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Brian Slagel (Metal Blade), producers Bill Metoyer and Ron Fair, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Eddie Jackson/Todd LaTorre (Queensrÿche), and Cliff Burnstein (Q-Prime) were pieced together to tell the stories.

The story follows the band of brothers from Los Angeles in the early 80’s as they form a badass metal band, the hardships, and the successes, as they persevered 40+ years maintaining a strong enduring reputation as a great metal band.

Some of the stories include: (Phil) Sandoval’s temporary departure, Duncan joining, the Mount Baldy show and car accident involving Tommy Lee and Joey Vera, Metallica asking Joey Vera and John Bush to join the band (at separate times) and John Bush leaving Armored Saint for Anthrax, and then coming back again.

The Q&A was brief, but allowed for several questions from attendees. It ended with Gonzo telling us how proud their mom is of them, and that she sends love to us all… That includes each and every one of you reading this.

The film was dedicated to both the original guitarist David Prichard, who passed away 2/28/90 following a battle with leukemia, and director/writer/producer Bob Nalbandian who passed away 12/30/22 after a battle with mantle cell lymphoma.

The documentary is recommended for fans of Armored Saint and metal. It was put together well and interesting. Keep posted for ‘A Band of Brothers’ on streaming sites, followed by a DVD release that will include quite a bit of extra footage. 

 Visit https://www.armoredsaint.com/ for more information on Armored Saint and upcoming tour dates with WASP.

*Special shoutout goes to Jeff Duncan, who is wearing a Metal Babe Mayhem Kiss of Death shirt in his interviews, and to the band for representing Al Bane for Leather.