Ben, who has been at the helm of Wellington's iconic Valhalla venue for over a decade. From the intimate stage settings that musicians adore to the supportive metal community that thrives in New Zealand, Ben offers an insider's perspective on what makes the local music scene so unique.

We'll explore his journey from a synthetic chemist to a music venue owner, the challenges and triumphs of running Valhalla, and the enduring passion that fuels the metal genre.

Plus, we'll uncover some memorable moments, like crazy onstage antics and the deeply loyal fanbase that rallies around its community in tough times.

Whether you're a metalhead or just curious about the music industry, this episode promises a fascinating look at the heart and soul of New Zealand's live performance scene. Tune in and experience the world of Valhalla through Ben's eyes.

You can watch the full video here:

https://youtu.be/fyQssa0QktA?feature=shared

Valhalla:

https://www.valhallatavern.com/

Steve Francis is the drummer Bulletbelt, a heavy metal band hailing from Wellington New Zealand.

Watch the clips from Kultura Episode 71

https://www.bulletbelt-official.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Bulletbelt/

https://www.instagram.com/bulletbeltnz/

Listen to the full episode here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wa2OKo3Hs92c3vs8asVQj

Watch the full episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzRXdYgFEDw