Bobby Liebling, the 71-year-old vocalist of the band Pentagram, has had a career entangled more in scandal than financial success. Despite spending fifty years in the trenches of the metal scene, Liebling is often held responsible for the band’s lost momentum and missed opportunities. Following years of drug addiction and solitude in the 1990s and early 2000s, a pivotal 2011 documentary titled “Last Days Here” reignited interest in the band and helped Liebling improve his life.
Though it appeared the band was back on track, new challenges surfaced a few years later. Liebling left a 2016 tour amid allegations of harassment and inappropriate behavior within the band. About a year later, he was sentenced to prison for attacking his elderly mother while in a “drug-induced rage.”
After his release, Liebling rejoined the band, which has continued to perform.
Their prominence saw a significant shift last year when a video of Liebling, appearing groggy on stage, went viral and received millions of views. The unexpected notoriety has drastically increased the band’s visibility, resulting in situations where they require police escorts in some areas to navigate through crowds of new fans. In an interview, Liebling discussed the impact of the viral video.
“The whole thing flipped me out at first.
Reflections on unexpected viral fame
It was pretty weird,” he admitted.
“I always had this dream of maybe someday I can have a post on Instagram or Facebook, and it will be viral… Careful what you wish for.”
He continued, “It’s really fun playing music for over half a century and then becoming famous for being a joke. The band’s profile went through the roof immediately.
We’ve gotten stopped on planes by pilots, and by soccer moms at the airport. It’s pretty wild.”
Despite the notoriety, Liebling noted that it didn’t necessarily affect concert sales, as many of their shows were already sold out. “People are clawing, trying to get through crowds, and you got police escorts surrounding you to get to a van when you leave a gig.
It was wild, man. It still is,” he reflected. The band’s journey highlights the unpredictable path of fame and the enduring appeal of their music, even amidst controversy and personal challenges.
Pentagram will be continuing their tour in the U.S. starting this weekend.
