Music

Balloon Boy sings in the self-proclaimed "world's youngest metal band"

by Aaron Zorgel

photo via The Heene Boyz

Do you guys remember when the Balloon Boy hoax swept the globe in 2009? When parents Richard and Mayumi Heene allowed a giant helium balloon to float away from their house, then called 911 to report that their six-year-old son Falcon was inside, potentially cruising at altitudes reaching 7,000 feet. The event garnered worldwide media attention, with many outlets nicknaming Falcon Heene the “Balloon Boy.” After an hour long flight, the balloon finally landed, but with no boy inside. After a frantic manhunt ensued, it was revealed that Falcon was hiding in the family’s attic the entire time. Suspicions quickly arose that the whole thing was a hoax and a publicity stunt engineered by the boy’s parents, confirmed when Falcon said that “you guys did this for the show” during an appearance on the Today Show.

Well, Balloon Boy is back in action, this time as a bass player backed by his two older brothers in a fittingly-named tween metal band The Heene Boyz. Managed by their father, The Heene Boyz are currently on tour, booking shows one or two at a time, and crossing their fingers that they don’t run out of money. The whole thing is a bit troubling, reeking of another get-rich-quick scheme by the boys’ father.

With songs like “Duct Tape Man,” “World Of Warcraft,” “American Chili,” and Cactus People,” it looks like self-proclaimed “world’s youngest metal band” The Heene Boyz are having a lot of fun with their burgeoning metal career. Let’s hope Dad’s not pulling the strings in the background. Visit The Heene Boyz at their website here, and check out the music video for “World Of Warcraft” below. The Heene Boyz might be one of the youngest metal bands out there, but it pains me to say that they certainly aren’t the best.