Doro Pesch recounts difficult experiences in 1980s New York

German heavy metal singer Doro Pesch has shared details regarding the difficult conditions she faced in New York during the 1980s while her band, Warlock, was achieving international success. Pesch described an intense period of control imposed by her record label, which assigned her a personal coach to strictly manage her daily routine.

According to Pesch, the coaching included early morning dance and hours of exercise, alongside strict dietary restrictions and a ban on smoking. She characterized the experience as ‘hell’ and noted that the label's demands conflicted with her personal view of heavy metal as a symbol of freedom.

The psychological pressure led Pesch to occasionally flee her daily life to spend nights in the New York subway system with homeless individuals. To avoid being recognized, she would wear a hoodie and draw a small mustache on her face. She noted that she felt safe and accepted among the homeless community during those times.