People often ask me how over the course of my career I have dealt with and continue to deal with adversity, disappointment or tragedy and sometimes pure negativity.

To me, the “secret” to a fulfilled life is the realization that everything has two sides and that we have to embrace them both (as difficult as it is) without getting too caught up in the moment: Celebrate success but don’t think it’s the formula for happiness; realize that hard times will inevitably come upon you. Find peace in the reality that when you’re at the bottom, the only way is up!

Looking back at the last two years is a perfect example of this ever-going ebb and flow:

Two years ago, on April 16, 2019 MANOWAR played the first ever concert of a major rock/metal band in Longyearbyen on the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard, near the Arctic circle. An unforgettable event that we had the honor to celebrate with loyal Manowarriors that made the trip to this distant destination from all over the world, including South Africa, Brazil, Russia and many other places around the globe. It was one of the highlights of our Final Battle World Tour; a tour packed with special moments, that we will commemorate on our upcoming Blu-Ray/DVD, Hell On Earth VI.

From this high point we were thrust into a crisis that literally hit the entire world, when in April 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic brought life as we knew it to a sudden halt for most of us. Lives were lost, people suffered in more ways than one. A shadow lay over the world.

But guess what: The pendulum is swinging back up again! Mankind pulled together; worked through the challenges, found solutions and along the way many of us were reminded of what truly matters in life: Family, friendship, health; the knowledge that we are stronger than we may think and that, together, we can weather any storm.

With that in mind, I look forward to a year from now, when in April 2021 we once again will hit the road and celebrate the power of metal, brotherhood and unity with our incredible Manowarriors around the world.

In the meantime, stay safe, stay strong and live a powerful life!

Joey

#JoeyDeMaio #WordsOfPower #StayStrong