Showing autism their metal

Paul Saitowitz

For those about to rock, we salute you. And for those about to rock

for autism, we applaud you.

Metal heads with flowing locks clad in leather pants, Viking-like

boots and various metal chains and studs from around the county will

gather at Hogue Barmichael’s in Newport Beach this Saturday for Metal

Jam 2004, a benefit concert for the Cure Autism Now Foundation -- an

organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed

to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through

research, education and outreach.

Jenny Warren, who fronted and founded the Iron Maidens -- an

all-female Iron Maiden tribute band -- helped put this event together

along with fellow rocker Jeff Fahnstock. Both are the parents of

autistic children.

“A lot of people are not aware that if you start therapy early on,

there is a chance for kids with autism to lead a normal life,” Warren

said. “The more money we can raise to put into research and finding a

cure, the more we can really make a difference.”

Warren’s 9-year-old son Brandon, who began therapy when he was 2,

attends regular class with other kids his age.

“He’s like a little Einstein,” Warren said. “Autism is something

that can be dealt with and we’re trying to get the word out.

Monitoring it and intensive therapy can really help.”

The concert, which is free to attend -- raffle tickets offering

prizes including a Jackson guitar, a rare Jimi Hendrix box set and

much more will be sold throughout the night -- will open with

original metal bands JMF, which features Fahnstock, who also plays in

Black Sabbath tribute band Sabotage, and Psychic Mafia.

Then Psychic Mafia will transform into its alter ego, Metal 101.

For those still grasping onto their King Diamond and Dio roots dying

to carry on the metal torch and expose their inner James Hetfields

and Lemmy Kilmeisters to the world, this is the band for you.

“They’re great musicians and they basically give people the

opportunity to come on stage to jam with them to any metal tune they

can think of,” Warren said. “People that want to participate can sing

or feel free to bring their guitars too.”

Warren, who left the Iron Maidens last year because of severe TMJ

and strain on her vocals, will reprise her role as Maiden frontman

Bruce Dickinson -- she goes by Bruce Chickinson -- one last time.

This time she will hit the stage with Wrathchild, the coed Maiden

tribute band she was in before joining the Iron Maidens.

“It will be a lot of fun for me to get up and do it one more time,

but this is definitely going to be it,” she said.

Warren now plays bass in a female AC/DC tribute band called Whole

Lotta Rosies. Combining her passion for music and helping advance the

fight against autism is a perfect night for her.

“It should be a lot of fun and I can’t think of a better cause,”

Warren said.

Donations will also be taken at the door.

* PAUL SAITOWITZ is a news editor. He may be reached at (949)

574-4295 or by e-mail at [email protected].