RARE "EXODUS" FOOTAGE FOUND!

As I was scanning through some old VHS tapes, determining if it was alright to toss them out, I discovered a rare clip of the band EXODUS.  This was one of the first "real bands" I encountered as a young aspiring drummer.  I was a hardened metal fan, a follower of groups like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Ozzy Osbourne, when I unknowingly attended a youth conference where these guys were playing.  Enthralled by their style of "Christian Rock" and inspired by their moving testimonies, these guys were instrumental (Ha! Pun intended!) in my becoming a Christian.

Soon after this initial experience, I was contacted by the bass player of the band and invited to become a "roadie" for the band.  Of course I was thrilled with the opportunity to hang around with members of the group and watch their concerts from backstage.  Eventually the drummer, Tracy Hollingsworth, graciously allowed me to play drums on two of their songs, but just being a part of the ministry and being able to "fellowship" with other Christian musicians was a huge blessing.

Anyway, I recently uncovered this very rare clip of Exodus that was filmed sometime in 1984 or '85.  Because neither Dwayne Dennis nor Tony Feliciano appear in this brief video, I am assuming this concert took place sometime between their departure and the formation of "Alliance," a four-piece band that featured Hollingsworth on drums, Lonnie Smith on vocals, and two members of the band "Vanguard," Mark Poole (bass) and Chris Gaylord (guitar).  They replaced guitarist Gary Bruce and bassist Steve Eason, who both appear in this video.  Eventually Tony Feliciano would return to the band to replace Chris Gaylord, but let's not get too confused with all the switching around that took place in the late eighties.  Suffice to say, this footage was filmed when Exodus consisted of Lonnie, Tracy, Gary and Steve, whenever that might have been.

 

Sorry, but that's it.  That's all I have.  I think perhaps the rest of the show got erased or taped over.  Funny thing is, I don't remember filming an Exodus gig, so I'm not even sure who's recording this video.

Also, I have no idea where this concert took place, so if any of the members who participated can recall the venue I would appreciate the input.  There are very few clues as to where they are other than the white doors behind them.  Any guesses guys?

On a humorous note, this crowd-rousing song called "Burning Up the Road" was often played at the end of Exodus concerts as an energetic "closer."  Lonnie always encouraged audience participation on the simple chorus, holding the microphone out for the audience to yell "Burning Up the Road!"  Backstage, a fellow roadie and I nefariously engaged in sophomoric yet clever lyrical distortions to amuse ourselves, including such perversions as "Boogers Up My Nose!" "Slurpin' Up a Toad!" and "Poopin' Out a Load!"  Sure, it was juvenile, but after all, we were only teenagers at the time.  A great time was had by all.