<b>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</b> - Hundreds of fans turned out May 16 to rock with metal bands Puddle of Mudd and Saliva during the Yongsan stop of their tour to U.S. military installations in Korea.
Students, Soldiers and fans young and old crowded the Main Post Club parking lot during this free concert brought to Korea by Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"We wanted to come over here and show the Soldiers that we appreciate their service very much and it means a lot to us," said Josey Scott, Saliva's lead vocalist. "We really take pride in the service of the young men and women who defend our country and our freedom."
Three of the five Saliva bandsmen grew up as "military brats," moving from assignment to assignment. All five have at least one family member who has served in the military. "It's in the family," Scott said.
Though Puddle of Mudd's military ties are not as strong, "we are slowly becoming military brats" confessed lead vocalist Wesley Scantlin of his band's performances for U.S. Servicemembers in places such as Iraq and Germany.
The interviews, which took place before the concert, were done in a friendly, relaxed manner, not what one might expect at first from their unorthodox looks or the type of music they play. But once the performance began both bands made it all too obvious why they have become so popular in the U.S. The crowd was engrossed in their lyrics and melodies. Many of them knew the words by heart.
For Pfc. Matthew Woodman, who had been missing out on concerts in the United States, the live music was a breath of fresh air.
"Being here, you miss out on a lot of things. So I appreciate the bands coming here," Woodman said. "It brings a little bit of home."
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