Squindo: From Bus-Doors to Designing for Metallica — How a Jersey Artist Built a 25+ Year Partnership

# Summary

# Origins: local shows and bus doors

Squindo grew up in Old Bridge and spent a lot of time at local shows, including a bar called the Birch Hill. Early on he approached bands like Corrosion of Conformity and Pro-Pain, drawing for them and giving work away to build relationships. His wife worked as a photographer and together they used photography and art to get closer to the scene. Those initial interactions rarely resulted in sales, but they established a pattern: show up, give work freely, and make personal connections.

# The Kid Rock moment that changed things

While stocking magazines one night, Squindo heard Kid Rock on WSOU 89.5 and went to a nearby show. He and his wife connected with Kid Rock and later banged on the musician's bus to show designs. Kid Rock used a photo and bought a tour-pass design. That relationship led Squindo to take a batch of printed shirt designs backstage at a July 22, 1999, show at Hammerstein Ballroom where Kid Rock was opening for Limp Bizkit.

# Meeting Lars Ulrich and getting a manager's number on a paper bag

# Work with Metallica across projects and events

Over the ensuing decades, Squindo produced many pieces for Metallica and participated in public-facing events such as The Art of Squindo tied to the band's M72 World Tour. He has also been involved with Metallica's partnership with the American Red Cross, taking part in the Vegas blood-drive kickoff tied to Metallica's Sphere residency. Squindo traveled to Las Vegas for the residency opening and the related Art of Squindo edition.

# Approach and outlook

Despite long-running access to major touring operations and high-profile events, Squindo emphasizes a humble, work-oriented stance. He recalls early career moments where bands accepted free drawings and photo collaborations, and he treats later commercial and partnership work as an extension of that grounded, relationship-driven approach.

# Concise timeline

• Early career: handing out art at local shows in Old Bridge and New Jersey.

• Over 25 years: created multiple pieces for Metallica, staged The Art of Squindo events, and worked with Metallica on a Red Cross blood-drive initiative ahead of the Sphere residency.

# Bottom line