Dive into the musical roots of Manowar guitarist Michael Angelo Batio as he recounts his journey from discovering his love for music at the tender age of 5 to early success as a rock guitarist.

In Part I of this intimate interview, Michael reflects on his formative years, from jamming in school bands to making pivotal decisions that set him on the path to professional music. Gain a deeper understanding of his unyielding dedication to his craft that has taken him to the pinnacle of his career. 

Batio: "When I was 10, I was like 'Dad, can I get a guitar?' and he didn't jnow if I could play. He didn't know if I was interested or not; I was a 10 year-old kid. I'm left-handed, and there are no left-handed guitars. We went to Woolworths and there were these guitars, and they were $20 or $30, which was a lot of money for a kid to start playing. I've always gravitated towards this way (left-handed) to play; my dad said 'Son, you can have a great advantage if you play guitar right-handed as a left-handed person.' Translation: if you want to learn how to play guitar, you've got one choice."

Manowar, have announced  the addition of three more countries to their epic The Blood of Our Enemies Tour 2025. The band will descend upon Sweden, Norway, and for the first time ever, Iceland.

The dates are as follows:

January 
29 – Stockholm, Sweden – Cirkus

February
1 – Reykjavik, Iceland – Harpa
3 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum

The Blood Of Our Enemies Tour 2025 will see the metal legends celebrate the albums Sign Of The Hammer and Hail To England, and other fan-favorite anthems, presented in a brand-new stage production.

Manowar will return to the US after 10 years for an exclusive show on November 30, 2024, at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY. The power metallers have announced the show is now officially sold out.

Manowar says in a statement: “Thanks to all Manowarriors who have made a statement of their passion and loyalty!

“Wishing all our Brothers and Sisters around the world a fantastic 2024, filled with health, happiness, and true metal.”

Packed with immortal hymns from the band’s entire career, this will be a special celebration honouring the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1984 album, Sign Of The Hammer, with Manowar biggest production ever in the US.

Check out a video message from bassist / band leader Joey DeMaio below: