BIG BROTHER may not be the most metal show in the world, but it’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid. I’ve always been intrigued by the game show that pits players against one-another while keeping them secluded in a house together all summer and keeping the cameras rolling 24/7. That’s right, if you dig BIG BROTHER, you can watch on TV or online at any time during the day and you’ll see the cast living their lives while playing this crazy, intense game show and hoping to win it’s $500,000 grand prize.
I’ve watched the show every single season since it’s premiere in the US and this year was a little different. This time, CBS cast ADAM POCH to be a part of the show. Like me, Adam is a huge fan of the BIG BROTHER series. Like all of us, he’s a huge metal head! Working for Sony, Adam took a break from his career in metal, going to shows or even listening to music and spending time with friends and family to compete on the major TV series this year. He came in third place but left a metal impact on the mainstream that the show’s fans are still talking about. Lucky for us, we caught up with ADAM POCH recently and he was more than happy to provide us with an interview.
What was the process like when you were auditioning for the show? A lot of people in today’s culture would kill to be on reality TV, how did you make it there?
I tried out for Season 10 – and bombed the open interview. I talked about everything but myself. So when I went back for season 12 – I basically said – “My 3 passions in life are Heavy Metal, Bacon, and Beverly Hills 90210” – and then just went on about who I am, and why I am unique. They liked my passion and called me back for a 2nd interview. I ended up making it to finals last year – but not chosen. So this year – I tried again, and along with everything they liked about me last year, I also lost over 100 lbs, and had a girlfriend. My confidence level was so high – and they could see that. My suggestion to anyone trying out for a reality show is BE YOURSELF & BE CONFIDENT. They can see through people being fake.
Did the producers know right away that you were a metal head? Did it help you or hurt you?
Yeah, and a few of them like metal also. I think they like that I am not just a metal head – but have a well rounded personality. When you look at me, you would never think I love Appletini’s and other “girly” stuff. I saw their eyes light up the first time I called myself “The Heavy Metal Teddy Bear”
I know a lot of metal fans aren’t fans of Big Brother, but I was a huge fan of it growing up and still watch it now. Who is the most metal houseguest (other than you) of all time? What about this season?
Of all time – no doubt Evel Dick. When he was on Season 8 – that is when I realized, hey they can have a rock and roll guy on the show – and that’s when I said I will try out instead of just watching. This season, everyone was into R&B or Boy Bands – so it was definitely not very metal in the house!
Evel Dick runs some nightclubs in LA and seems to be a hard rock kind of guy, did you guys bond over any music before he left the house?
Oh yeah, Dick and I bonded over metal. We actually know a few of the same people / bands. It sucked he had to leave early cause he was the only one I could talk metal with, But it was good for him to leave early game wise – cause he is one of the best players to ever play in my opinion.
Out of all of the returning houseguests, who was your favorite from seasons past? What about after you played the game with them?
Evel Dick is by far my favorite all time player. Not just for his personality, but for how he played. I did not always agree with his tactics, but could not argue with his results. I was also a big Rachel fan her season. After playing, I really liked the way Jeff played, and that’s why I liked working with him. I felt of everyone in the house he was the most direct and straight forward. He is from Chicago, but had that New York attitude I grew up around. I liked that over the people who were a little flakey.
What was the response of the houseguests to you being so metal and over-the-top in the house? Did they know much about metal or did you have to teach them?
When I first walked in the house and let out my metal roar – I know I scared some people. Jordan told me at first she thought I was going to be just like Evel Dick and bring that aggressive attitude to the house. But after she got to know me, she fell in love with the Teddy Bear side. It was great when I would have people flash the horns and give a metal roar. Some did it better than others. I even think they did a piece on the show where people imitated me. No one knew much about metal – so I tried to teach them, but they were not good students! Porsche actually was the only one that kinda knew some metal because she used to work at a venue in Ft. Lauderdale.
Obviously, Big Brother attracts a lot of mainstream fans who won’t know metal too much. What kind of response have you gotten from the fans of the show?
The fans have been amazing! A lot of them will try and do my scream, and take pictures with me giving the metal horns. Some of them I have to teach how to do it hahaha! I do have some haters based on what I have read online – but you are going to have that no matter what. I have thick skin and can take it. But all of the fans I have met have been very cool. As a huge fan of the show myself, I know how cool it is for them to meet me and I try and talk to all of them. Without the fans there is no show.
What did you think was the most metal moment of the house?
Not too many things would be considered “metal” in the house – but one that is close was when Rachel was running around in the backyard and wiped out and almost rolled into the hot tub. It was kinda like seeing someone fall in a mosh pit!
What was your personal favorite moment in the house and why?
Well, if you saw the episode when Tori Spelling came into the house – you would know by my reaction, that was the best. Not just best moment of the show – but one of the best moments of my life. I am still a huge fan of Beverly Hills 90210 and Donna Martin was my favorite character. I have been in love with Tori Spelling for about 20 years. I know that does not sound very metal of me – but it is true. SO when she walked into the Big Brother House – I lost it! She is now following me on Twitter, and even sent me an email. That blows me away, not that I got to meet her, but she knows who I am!
Was it harder to be away from your family and friends or harder to be away from music? It seems like a really long time to be without either of them, how did you cope with it?
Wow – that’s a close call. I really missed my girlfriend – if you watched Showtime or the Live Feeds you would hear me give her a shoutout everyday at 10:10 pm (10/10 is our anniversary). But besides her – I definitely missed music the most. I mean, I listen to music all day at work, in the 3 months I was away, I probably missed 15 – 20 concerts. They do give us a few minutes of music in the morning to wake us up – but other than a few songs here and there – most of it was mainstream pop. It was good to hear music – but I would much rather have been woken up to Slayer than Michael Jackson! I did think of songs and jam out to them in my head. But still not the same!
What albums are you most excited to check out now that you’re back? What albums are you currently enjoying?
I just picked up the new Mastodon and Primus albums. I need to get the new Anthrax. But the one I am most curious and excited for is the new Machine Head. I don’t even know if it is out yet. ‘The Blackening’ was such a terrific record, I want to see what they come back with.
Have you been to any shows since returning from the house?
I was supposed to go see Kyuss & The Sword – but had more promo stuff for the show to do. So my first show back into society was Foo Fighters. Yeah, they may not be a “metal” band – but Dave Grohl is sooooo metal. Don’t believe me, check out Probot! It was so good to see live music.
Think fast! Top 5 albums and top 5 bands of all time?
Albums: Mr. Bungle (self titled), Powerslave (Iron Maiden), Paul’s Boutique (Beastie Boys), Sgt. Peppers (Beatles), Unplugged (Alice in Chains)
Bands: IRON MAIDEN, Slayer, Mr. Bungle/Faith No More/Anything Mike Patton does, Primus/Anything Les Claypool does, Clutch
What’s next for you? Are you going back to Sony or do you have plans to do another show (Amazing Race, etc)?
Back to work for now. Even if I won the half million – that is not enough to retire – so I am now back at Sony making CD’s & Vinyl – don’t download! I am lucky my boss is also a huge fan of Big Brother and let me take 3 months off to pursue my dream. I owe her big time! If any other opportunities come up – I will listen, but not expecting anything.
Adam with press warlord Jon Freeman and Porsche, who came in 2nd on Big Brother. I'm sure it's easier to cope with the stresses of the house when Porsche's around! Stunning!
Written by Josh Eldridge.
