Matt Sams might have only purchased Tucson's oldest comic shop Fantasy Comics a year ago from Tom Struck, but the 41-year-old has a long history with the story, shopping at Fantasy since he was 7 years old. Don't let Sams' stoic demeanor fool you; he's a big teddy with a heart of gold. The husband and father of two raised money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona during this year's Free Comic Book Day extravaganza, also holds an annual toy drive before Christmas, and has been a driving force behind Tucson Comic-Con since day one.
What was the first concert you attended?
First was Bon Jovi with my aunt. My first concert of choice? I snuck in through a kitchen in the Tucson Convention Center to see N.W.A.
What are you listening to these days?
1400 AM, High on Fire, Scott Pilgrim soundtrack, Queens of the Stone Age, Big Business, Rocket from the Crypt.
What was the first album you owned?
Surf Punks, My Beach.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Whatever the kids are listening to nowadays and Dave Matthews Band.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Johnny Cash.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
ABBA.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
"Piano Man" by Billy Joel.
What artist changed your life and how?
Queen's soundtrack for Flash Gordon. I never realized a man could be so beautiful.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Rocket by the Crypt's Circa Now.
