My name is Thomas. I am 43 years young and live in the beautiful city of Hamburg, Germany. MANOWAR is the most important band in my life, the greatest band ever, and this is why.
MANOWAR makes the music I love. MANOWAR offers magic, majesty, honor, and a philosophy. It is a refuge.
I need MANOWAR.
I was an insecure child with low self-esteem. In the 1990s, as a teenager, I saw a CD in a store: a warrior breaking free from his chains. I looked at the logo, the album title, and the song names, and I immediately knew this was something extraordinary. Epic. Majestic. Powerful. It represented the strength I wanted in my own life.
I listened to Louder Than Hell, loud, and was completely blown away. I played it again and again, and soon I bought every MANOWAR album I could get. At that time, Louder Than Hell was my newest record.
As I entered working life, the pressure increased. Friends disappeared after pointless conflicts. My girlfriend left. My job contract was not renewed. I felt deeply lonely and realized that I had lived with depression for a long time. I questioned everything about myself and knew I needed a new beginning.
Then I met my wife. After some time, we started going to concerts together. One day I told her that MANOWAR makes the music I love most. She answered that she loved Warriors Of The World United. That moment meant everything to me. Since then, we attend as many MANOWAR concerts as we can, and I am happier than ever.
Thanks to my wife, Joey, and MANOWAR, I was saved.
There are countless MANOWAR songs that have helped me through life, including The Gods Made Heavy Metal, Return Of The Warlord, The Power, Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors, Glory Majesty Unity, Gods Of War, Sons Of Odin, Call To Arms, Hand Of Doom, Manowarriors, Hail And Kill, Today Is A Good Day To Die, Battle Hymn, Mountains, Swords In The Wind, and many more, as well as the Spoken Word tours Blood Of The Kings and Words Of Power.
MANOWAR taught me how to develop a “don’t take nonsense” attitude when needed, something I never knew how to do before. MANOWAR became my shield wall.
I learned to stand up for myself. I stopped giving in and started living by what felt right to me. When bullying crossed the line, I fought back with words and strength, and it worked. MANOWAR truly helped me find my voice.
Over time, I understood the deeper meaning of Mountains: the struggles inside all of us, the importance of facing them every day, and the honor found in climbing them. MANOWAR encourages me to overcome obstacles, grow stronger, and become the best version of myself. The Faceless Warrior within us keeps us moving forward.
Through MANOWAR, I learned the worth and honor of battle and self-acceptance. Louder Than Hell taught me a new truth: I walk in my own shoes. I can be proud of my scars, speak the truth, live meaningfully, and forgive.
I love music that combines epic choirs, classical elements, warmth, power, and fierce metal. No one captures that balance like MANOWAR. Songs like Swords In The Wind, Defender, Gods Of War, and Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors prove how beautiful and majestic metal can be.
Meeting Joey was mind-blowing. He welcomed us like old friends and shared wisdom that stayed with me, especially about the value of every job, no matter how small it seems. The Ultimate Fan Experience was unforgettable and deeply meaningful.
Through Joey and MANOWAR, I learned how to believe in myself and gather courage. MANOWAR is the crown and the ring.
Speaking with Joey at the UFE in Dortmund 2019 and during the Spoken Word Tour changed my life. When my wife and I met him, it felt like meeting a warm-hearted friend. We truly feel we have brothers in MANOWAR.
Joey helps me prioritize, find trust in myself, and regain strength when I feel tired or insecure. His words of power help me conquer my mountain day by day.
The concerts are overwhelming experiences. Our first shows were in 2016 and 2017. The Final Battle Tour in 2019 was unforgettable, with the Vikings on stage, the symbols, and the songs. In Birmingham on April 20th, Eric even laughed as I sang every word of The Gods Made Heavy Metal at the top of my lungs.
At that time, I realized I could believe in something greater. MANOWAR ignited that belief. Faith has many forms, and inspired by MANOWAR, Joey, wisdom, science, and experience, I live by what feels true and meaningful.
Moments like hearing The Fight For Freedom before Joey spoke during The Blood Of The Kings spoken word tour added even deeper meaning to that song for me. Listening to MANOWAR empowers me to fight for my own freedom.
Meeting Joey in Hamburg was a great honor. I thanked him and told him how MANOWAR makes my life better, and seeing that my gratitude moved him is something I will always cherish.
The interactions during the shows create lasting bonds. Eric recognizing us, Joey winking, and E.V. and Anders sharing smiles all meant a lot to us. One of the greatest moments was in Munich when Joey handed my wife a bass string from the stage. These moments mean everything to us.
We followed MANOWAR across Germany, Norway, and England, and cherish memories from Dortmund, Munich, Bergen, and Birmingham. Seeing Joey, Eric, and the band smile back at us gives strength beyond words.
In recent years, we also enjoyed the Fan Conventions and tours like Crushing The Enemies Of Metal and The Blood Of Our Enemies. The Sign Of The Hammer show in Kiel in February 2025 was phenomenal and powerful enough to carry me through very difficult times.
MANOWAR helps me conquer challenges every day. I listen to MANOWAR daily.
My wife and I are beyond excited for future tours and musical plans. MANOWAR’s music fuels the warrior within us, the one who lives for truth.
Your songwriting, sound, lyrics, and inspiration make you the greatest band in the world.
All power, love, health, and glory to you and your families.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you.
HAIL GODS OF WAR!
HAIL MANOWAR!
-Thomas