Eternal Combustion:  A family of headbangers

By John Larson
Tacoma Weekly Staff Writer - August 29, 2003

Heavy metal and family values don't often get linked. But one Everett band has managed to turn playing metal into an activity for the whole family. 

Eternal Combustion consists of bassist Carrie Donaldson, her husband Ron Donaldson on drums, their son Tipton Donaldson on vocals and Ron's brother Randy Donaldson on guitar.
The band was around long before Tipton was born. The three adults formed the band in their previous home of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Carrie and Ron moved to Everett in 1990. They reformed the band in 1993 when Randy moved up from Wyoming.

For much of the band's history it was a trio, with the three members sharing vocal duties. Over the years they have had a few singers and additional guitarists in the band. Tipton became the band's lead singer about 18 months ago.

He displayed an interest in singing at an early age. He made his debut at age four, when he sang a Disney song in a talent show.

His interest in heavy metal is almost a given, considering his background. He was named after Judas Priest guitarist Glen Tipton. He grew up hearing his parents and uncle practice. 
"He grew up around it. He likes the same things we do," Carrie said of her son. "We've taken all the kids to concerts with us. Why hire a babysitter when we can take them with?"

Two years ago the band had a singer. About half of the band's set list is cover tunes, and Tipton would sing along with albums of these bands. He would come down to the practice room and sing along at practices. When their singer quit, they decided to give Tipton a shot.

"Tipton stepped right in," Carrie remarked. His vocal ability was natural, but his parents have since enrolled him in lessons with Paul Cristma, former lead singer with Rottweiller. He has instructed Tipton on breathing techniques and on how to increase his range.

Randy is quite proud of his nephew's ability, and noted having him in the group has led to a different outlook on the band's potential. "This would probably just be a hobby without him." 

Tipton is even contributing to songwriting, a process all four members are involved with. "We all come up with ideas," Randy said.

Carrie and Ron have four children. Their youngest daughter, 10-year-old Sara, is their light technician. Their oldest daughter Christine used to attend gigs and help out before moving out of state. Their other son, 20-year-old Sean, helps out selling merchandise at gigs. 
"We all have fun together," Carrie said. She noted all three adults work full-time jobs.
Tipton lists Judas Priest, Pantera, Megadeth and AC/DC as his favorite bands. He is a member of an age group more inclined to rap than metal. He said his close friends listen to metal, but admits most kids he knows listen to rap.

What do kids at school think of his gig as a metal frontman? "They think it's pretty cool. No one else at school plays in a band," he said. 

"I can hit the highest notes in choir," he adds. Tipton will be a seventh grader this fall.
Last summer the family saw Judas Priest in Portland. They got up front and caught a drumstick from drummer Scott Travis and a pick from Glen Tipton. 

After the concert they hung around outside the venue, hoping to meet the band. Travis came out first and signed autographs. 

Then Tipton came out, and Carrie introduced him to his namesake. "It was a joy to meet him," she commented.

Eternal Combustion knows a lot of Priest material. Songs they expect to do for upcoming shows include "Grinder" and "Desert Plains." 

Tipton's age must be taken into consideration when booking gigs. Some bars shy away from underage performers. Those that do require minors to be in the club only while playing. They average one gig a month. "We like to play all ages shows," Carrie noted.

They have played one show in Tacoma at Neener's Pub. "The people in Tacoma are great rock fans," Carrie said. "Tacoma rules."

Eternal Combustion currently has a three-song demo CD. The band will be recording the song "Oblivious" at Crisma Studios in September for the upcoming Seattle Metal Online compilation album.

Eternal Combustion plays an all-ages show at Studio 7 in Seattle on August 29th. 
On Saturday, August 30th, they play www.TacomaScene.com annual Labor Day Inferno at Bull's Eye in Spanaway.