SODOM frontman Thomas "Angelripper" Such has spoken out against the growing trend of bands charging fans for meet-and-greet sessions, autographs, and photo opportunities -- a practice that has become increasingly common across all levels of the metal touring circuit in recent years. "SODOM is the only metal band who would never make money with signing sessions or photo sessions," Angelripper claimed in a recent interview. "The people, they're gonna buy the tickets, they're gonna buy the new album. They don't need to pay when I sign something or make a picture with them. We wanna give something back."
His comments sparked immediate and passionate debate across metal forums and social media about the ethics of fan interaction pricing in an era of rising concert costs. Many fans rallied behind Angelripper's stance, pointing out that meet-and-greet packages for major metal tours can cost hundreds of dollars -- sometimes significantly more than the concert ticket itself -- and that the practice creates a two-tiered system where only wealthy fans get face time with their idols. Others argued that bands need every revenue stream available in an industry where album sales have plummeted and streaming pays pennies.
Angelripper's position is entirely consistent with SODOM's working-class ethos that has defined the band since their founding in Gelsenkirchen -- a gritty industrial city in Germany's Ruhr Valley -- in 1981. As one of the "Big Four" of Teutonic thrash alongside KREATOR, DESTRUCTION, and TANKARD, SODOM have always maintained a grassroots connection with their fanbase, prioritizing accessibility and authenticity over exclusivity and profit maximization.
The discussion comes at a particularly interesting time for SODOM, who released their latest album "The Arsonist" to strong reviews in June 2025. Angelripper recently expressed his desire to slow down the band's touring schedule for personal and business reasons, announcing an indefinite hiatus from live shows following the album cycle. This makes his public appearances and fan interactions all the more meaningful for devoted followers who may have fewer opportunities to see the German thrash legend in person going forward.