If Soulfly is looking to sell tickets, then my advice would be for them to beef up its billing potential. No offense to the other bands like Cattle Decapitation, whose stage performance really betrays all the hype that they get in the metal media, but they really don't measure up to the kind of billpower that one would expect. Prong is an admirable find, and bode well with the thrash/groove style of Soulfly, or at least Max Cavalera-era Sepultura, but nothing on this bill suggests the average concertgoer got his $30 worth in tonight's performance.
MUTINY WITHIN - For a band signed to Roadrunner, they're pretty tepid and weak. Set Grade: C+
CATTLE DECAPITATION - The singer drools and slobbers his way through the set while the rest of the band members try to keep up with the speed that proves too exhausting for the listener in the crowd. For a band that has so much push from label Metal Blade, the band falls short of capturing any interest or respectability. Set Grade: C
PRONG - Tommy Victor rebounds admirably despite an extremely slow start. Prong has lost considerable steam in recent years, but the crowd seems to warm up nicely as Victor leads the crowd into groovy choruses and pushes those in the back to sing along. Still, the crowd is merely saving itself for the Soulfly onslaught, provided that some classic and familiar Sepultura tunes are played. Set Grade: B-
SOULFLY - They barely manage to salvage the lackluster show by pulling out favorite metal gems and classic Sepultura songs because, frankly, no one really cares about Soulfly's catalogue, save for a few songs. Still, not as exciting or original as shows past, and a somewhat dismal appearance by Richie Cavalera on "Unleash" doesn't really help much, but Max and company still move the crowd in fits and cause near riots in the front row. Set Grade: B-
Show Grade: B-
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Down w/ Melvins & Weedeater @ Nokia Theatre - 9/11/0Down w/ Melvins & Weedeater @ Nokia Theatre - 9/11/09
On a day of what should have been one of remembrance and sadness for the people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks eight years ago, was a day of great celebration surrounded by a cloud of marijuana and metal. That is not to say that this tragic day and the heinous events that unfolded were overlooked... in fact, Seattle stoner legends the Melvins led an impromptu sing-along of "O Say Can You See" with members of Down and Weedeater joining them onstage. The bands are no doubt proud to be Americans and share this love of their country with those in attendance, even going so far as to order anybody wearing a hat to take it off and place their right hand over their heart and sing.
Upon meeting the members of Down, I found guitarist Kirk Windstein and drummer Jimmy Bower to be in good spirits despite the fact that bassist Rex Brown couldn't make the rest of the tour due to his chronic pancreatitis and being replaced by fellow NOLA player Danny Theriot, who did an admirable but otherwise ho-hum performance. Guitarist Pepper Keenan was, in a word, a douchebag. I'm not too surprised or bothered by this. Whatever his contributions are to the band, his surly attitude and inability to connect with fans, or at least put forth an effort to connect, rubs me the wrong way and needs to learn to respect people who pay money to watch his crusty, 40-something, over-the-hill, stoned-out self noodling and fiddling his instrument like he's someone important. Let's face it, when you say "Down" the first person you think about is Phil Anselmo, not Pepper Keenan. He is the last person to have any ego! So fuck you, Pepper! And what of Phil, you may ask? I have to say that he is one of coolest, sincerest person you could meet. And despite his previous doings with heroin and mud-slinging from Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell's widow Rita Haney about his character, Philip Anselmo was a true gentleman and in his words, certainly did "take care of us," his fans.
WEEDEATER - To light up the evening's first joint, this band seemed to relish burying their "music" in feedback and distorted noise rather than actually sing. There was some initial growling that couldn't be heard and after a while the band just gave up and simply played "noise." Not a whole lot else, except that douchebag Pepper seemed to like them a lot and paid ample attention to their set. My guess is that the band is a possible discovery of his. I think he needs to do better than this. Set Grade: C
MELVINS - The legendary and mysterious band from Seattle who may, or may not, have been responsible for the start of Grunge in the 80s. Certainly they didn't popularize the genre, but they were one of the first. So when I expect to hear something akin to early Nirvana or Soundgarden, but get Weedeater Part II instead. At one point, notoriously nappy-headed frontman peers out into the crowd and notices the otherwise bored, tired looks on the faces of the people in the front row, including mine, and assures us that "Down is here tonight, don't worry!" which actually proves to be one of the most hilarious exclamations ever made at a concert that I've been to. There are moments when the Melvins get a good riff going, but then stop immediately in favor of sludgy 10-minute riffs which put the front row back to sleep. Despite a rousing double-drum intro from Dale Crover and a second drummer (!!!!) that lasts for what feels like almost five minutes of continuous cymbal bashing and the rousing, impromptu sing-along for America, the Melvins fall short and disappoint. Set Grade: C+
DOWN - When all is said and done, what we want to see is Phil! The man behind the mic for metal saviors, the late Pantera, is back after two years to spread the good message that "real metal" has returned to New York City. The crowd is all over this one and bodies immediately start flying. Down pummel through several favorites such as opener "Eyes of the South" and other favorites from the first two albums, such as "Stone the Crow," "Bury Me in Smoke," "Ghosts Along the Mississippi," and "New Orleans Is a Dying Whore," while playing only one song from the latest album, "Nothing in Return (Walk Away)." But the best, and most surprising, moment was when the band kicked into their faithful rendition to Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love." Immediately, the crowd and myself went wild with delight and anyone who knew the words, which was EVERYONE, sang along to Phil who had a similar quality to VH's latest frontman David Lee Roth! For my first Down show, this was an unexpectedly pleasant one... and definitely one of the Top 5 best shows this year! Set Grade: A-
Overall Show Grade: B
Upon meeting the members of Down, I found guitarist Kirk Windstein and drummer Jimmy Bower to be in good spirits despite the fact that bassist Rex Brown couldn't make the rest of the tour due to his chronic pancreatitis and being replaced by fellow NOLA player Danny Theriot, who did an admirable but otherwise ho-hum performance. Guitarist Pepper Keenan was, in a word, a douchebag. I'm not too surprised or bothered by this. Whatever his contributions are to the band, his surly attitude and inability to connect with fans, or at least put forth an effort to connect, rubs me the wrong way and needs to learn to respect people who pay money to watch his crusty, 40-something, over-the-hill, stoned-out self noodling and fiddling his instrument like he's someone important. Let's face it, when you say "Down" the first person you think about is Phil Anselmo, not Pepper Keenan. He is the last person to have any ego! So fuck you, Pepper! And what of Phil, you may ask? I have to say that he is one of coolest, sincerest person you could meet. And despite his previous doings with heroin and mud-slinging from Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell's widow Rita Haney about his character, Philip Anselmo was a true gentleman and in his words, certainly did "take care of us," his fans.
WEEDEATER - To light up the evening's first joint, this band seemed to relish burying their "music" in feedback and distorted noise rather than actually sing. There was some initial growling that couldn't be heard and after a while the band just gave up and simply played "noise." Not a whole lot else, except that douchebag Pepper seemed to like them a lot and paid ample attention to their set. My guess is that the band is a possible discovery of his. I think he needs to do better than this. Set Grade: C
MELVINS - The legendary and mysterious band from Seattle who may, or may not, have been responsible for the start of Grunge in the 80s. Certainly they didn't popularize the genre, but they were one of the first. So when I expect to hear something akin to early Nirvana or Soundgarden, but get Weedeater Part II instead. At one point, notoriously nappy-headed frontman peers out into the crowd and notices the otherwise bored, tired looks on the faces of the people in the front row, including mine, and assures us that "Down is here tonight, don't worry!" which actually proves to be one of the most hilarious exclamations ever made at a concert that I've been to. There are moments when the Melvins get a good riff going, but then stop immediately in favor of sludgy 10-minute riffs which put the front row back to sleep. Despite a rousing double-drum intro from Dale Crover and a second drummer (!!!!) that lasts for what feels like almost five minutes of continuous cymbal bashing and the rousing, impromptu sing-along for America, the Melvins fall short and disappoint. Set Grade: C+
DOWN - When all is said and done, what we want to see is Phil! The man behind the mic for metal saviors, the late Pantera, is back after two years to spread the good message that "real metal" has returned to New York City. The crowd is all over this one and bodies immediately start flying. Down pummel through several favorites such as opener "Eyes of the South" and other favorites from the first two albums, such as "Stone the Crow," "Bury Me in Smoke," "Ghosts Along the Mississippi," and "New Orleans Is a Dying Whore," while playing only one song from the latest album, "Nothing in Return (Walk Away)." But the best, and most surprising, moment was when the band kicked into their faithful rendition to Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love." Immediately, the crowd and myself went wild with delight and anyone who knew the words, which was EVERYONE, sang along to Phil who had a similar quality to VH's latest frontman David Lee Roth! For my first Down show, this was an unexpectedly pleasant one... and definitely one of the Top 5 best shows this year! Set Grade: A-
Overall Show Grade: B
Motörhead w/ Reverend Horton Heat & Nashville Pussy @ Roseland Ballroom - 9/9/09
Almost one year ago, at the same venue, I saw Motörhead for the first time and was blown away. I missed a chance to meet frontman/bassist Lemmy, who escaped through the back exit, and instead had to settle with meeting drummer Mikkey Dee, who was polite enough but seemed otherwise uninterested in chatting with fans. This time was way different! Mikkey Dee, who opted to appear on the Swedish version of our American show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" instead, was replaced by Velvet Revolver skinsman Matt Sorum and I got to mee the legendary Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, who, after forming the band for almost 35 years, was standing before me. A gentleman in every respect and surprisingly quite upbeat and funny. My vision of him was the proverbial old warhorse, jaded and wiry of the road and all the whores, groupies, users, abusers and hanger-ons who latch themselves onto bands with no purpose but to bleed them dry. So it was a pleasant surprise to me that despite having a pathetic entourage following behind him, he seemed to gravitate more towards me than the silicone-injected females near him. It's one of those great thrills that you feel when you come near a legend or a hero from your childhood and he is still just a normal guy at heart and plays for the simple joy of seeing his fans happy. As he took my hand into his and we walked down the sidewalk for five seconds - yes, this really did happen! - he assured me that the fun wouldn't stop any time soon and that the best was yet to come. Oh, and yes, the facial warts are indeed real!
NASHVILLE PUSSY - Not to be confused with "Alabama Thunderpussy," these southern rockers boast a pretty down and dirty, but some good, clean fun that begins with Cheech Marin's "Pussy, Pussy" monologue in the 1995 film, "From Dusk 'til Dawn." From the word "go," the show shoots off like a wild rodeo ride, never letting up for inch until the songs ends. The band boasts two females, one is a big chested guitarist and the other the bassist, who rock just as hard as the men. No feminist bullshit on their part, and the men don't seem to impose any sexist views, except for the name of the band, although I'm sure you could hear them if you listen to the lyrics, which, unfortunately, I couldn't. Set Grade: B
THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT - And now for something completely different and totally unexpected, a psychobilly act at a predominently metalhead show. They get the top prize for being the most unlikely band on the bill, yet still manage to get some cordial applause from the crowd of mosh-hungry people who want to see Motörhead. Still, there are certainly fans of RHH in the crowd, many of whom are old, tall men who grew up in Dallas, Texas as the frontman onstage and eventually migrated to New York. The band boasts a 50s throwback style complete with a giant bass viola and a Les Paul stratocaster (I could be wrong, though) with some old-style etchings. They play music that reminds me of something I heard in "Pulp Fiction" or some David Lynch movie that uses psychobilly-esque/50s rockabilly/surf punk music. At times, the interludes get slow, but not without some clever moments that tends to toy with the crowds reaction. Still, the good Rev (who looks like a post-rehab James Hetfield) and company do an admirable job in keeping the Southern Comfort vibe going. Set Grade: B
MOTÖRHEAD - And off we go, exactly where we left off nearly a year ago, with a packed crowd of people waiting to see the Road Crew bring down the Roseland in true road-dog style. This time, however, things got a little bit louder, as I had read on some concert-goer's T-shirt that evening which read: "Motörhead... Everything Louder Than Anything Out There!" or something to that effect. It wasn't enough that I could hear the songs being played, but the band were in danger of killing every eardrum that wasn't protected or covered. Lemmy, like a great crumbling statue, remained in his position belting out the usual classics like.... oh, you know the ones.... do I really have to name them? The crowd seemed satisfied to throw themselves literally on top of each other and into the waiting arms of security more for themselves than for Lemmy. I mean, seriously, can anyone name one Motörhead song that they can mosh to? Matt Sorum covers Mikkey Dee's fat ass well on the drums and even goes so far as to mimic Dee's "tossing-of-the-sticks-everywhere" routine. And Phil just wears a damn cool-looking fedora hat. The night did belong to them naturally, but without really being able to hear the songs and singing along, it really made me lose focus. Maybe next year, in September at the Roseland again, will be a different story. Set Grade: B+
Overall Show Grade: B
NASHVILLE PUSSY - Not to be confused with "Alabama Thunderpussy," these southern rockers boast a pretty down and dirty, but some good, clean fun that begins with Cheech Marin's "Pussy, Pussy" monologue in the 1995 film, "From Dusk 'til Dawn." From the word "go," the show shoots off like a wild rodeo ride, never letting up for inch until the songs ends. The band boasts two females, one is a big chested guitarist and the other the bassist, who rock just as hard as the men. No feminist bullshit on their part, and the men don't seem to impose any sexist views, except for the name of the band, although I'm sure you could hear them if you listen to the lyrics, which, unfortunately, I couldn't. Set Grade: B
THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT - And now for something completely different and totally unexpected, a psychobilly act at a predominently metalhead show. They get the top prize for being the most unlikely band on the bill, yet still manage to get some cordial applause from the crowd of mosh-hungry people who want to see Motörhead. Still, there are certainly fans of RHH in the crowd, many of whom are old, tall men who grew up in Dallas, Texas as the frontman onstage and eventually migrated to New York. The band boasts a 50s throwback style complete with a giant bass viola and a Les Paul stratocaster (I could be wrong, though) with some old-style etchings. They play music that reminds me of something I heard in "Pulp Fiction" or some David Lynch movie that uses psychobilly-esque/50s rockabilly/surf punk music. At times, the interludes get slow, but not without some clever moments that tends to toy with the crowds reaction. Still, the good Rev (who looks like a post-rehab James Hetfield) and company do an admirable job in keeping the Southern Comfort vibe going. Set Grade: B
MOTÖRHEAD - And off we go, exactly where we left off nearly a year ago, with a packed crowd of people waiting to see the Road Crew bring down the Roseland in true road-dog style. This time, however, things got a little bit louder, as I had read on some concert-goer's T-shirt that evening which read: "Motörhead... Everything Louder Than Anything Out There!" or something to that effect. It wasn't enough that I could hear the songs being played, but the band were in danger of killing every eardrum that wasn't protected or covered. Lemmy, like a great crumbling statue, remained in his position belting out the usual classics like.... oh, you know the ones.... do I really have to name them? The crowd seemed satisfied to throw themselves literally on top of each other and into the waiting arms of security more for themselves than for Lemmy. I mean, seriously, can anyone name one Motörhead song that they can mosh to? Matt Sorum covers Mikkey Dee's fat ass well on the drums and even goes so far as to mimic Dee's "tossing-of-the-sticks-everywhere" routine. And Phil just wears a damn cool-looking fedora hat. The night did belong to them naturally, but without really being able to hear the songs and singing along, it really made me lose focus. Maybe next year, in September at the Roseland again, will be a different story. Set Grade: B+
Overall Show Grade: B
Monday, July 20, 2009
Summer Slaughter @ The Fillmore - 7/19/09
For some reason, I felt compelled to see this year's Summer Slaughter tour, despite the fact that last year's show was a bust and this year was charged at $30-35 a ticket. But, being the masochist that I am, as well as a somewhat wealthy young man, I took a chance and came out. Imagine my surprise when I found out that they had split the bill of twelve bands in half, but including Ensiferum, Suffocation and Necrophagist on both dates, and only seven would play tonight and the remaining five would play the following evening, a move that robs myself and the few hundreds in attendance our money's worth. In any event, the bill had it's few ups and many downs, but I would gather that tonight couldn't possibly any worse than tomorrow's show, which unfortunately, I will not be able to see. But to be quite honest, I'm not the least bit saddened. Read on!
BLACKGUARD - Once you get past the stench of sweaty balls and dirty water, this opener band was pretty rockin'. I would venture to take a guess that they've probably ripped off several pages from the ol' heavy metal rulebook and committing to several of its familiar cliches, like placing a domineering foot on the monitors, or uniformly swaying and bobbing their long manes of hair in choreographed unison. Still, at the early in the day and being the first band up, they got the entire house rockin'. And while they seem to be a bit cliched, their good-time attitude is what saved their set. Set Grade: B
DECREPIT BIRTH - Hats off to the singer of this band for providing the single most entertaining moment of the evening, having jumped into a crowd of docile metalheads and losing a shoe in the process. What followed was painfully hilarious as the singer wouldn't focus on his stage duties and simply ask the crowd where his missing shoe was. It's sad, really, when that is what is most remembered from your set. Music was typical and average, but that missing shoe - priceless. Set Grade: C+ (B- for the missing shoe)
ORIGIN - The girl to the right of me said that this band was good... well, she lied! Not my cup of tea, really. The band substitutes lyrical clarity and brutal riffs for monster faces and spanking the mic like a misbehaved child (don't ask!). The singer is a fat, drunken douchebag, and the band would be wise to dump him fast! Set Grade: D+
DARKEST HOUR - The perfect example of having the right kind of energy with thrashy riffs and vibe, but having zero chemistry with the crowd - one fan told the singer to "fuck off" - and even less stage charisma. For a notable band such as this, I expected way more. Set Grade: C+
ENSIFERUM - I'm not a big fan of singing along to the main riff or chanting along with the crowd of sweaty morons behind me that is common with folk-metal, but this wasn't a totally awful set. I just wish the male players hadn't exposed their hairy, sweaty beer gut while the one female in the group remained covered up. At least these guy crafted much better than the bands before them, and how sad that it takes foreigners to outdo Americans like that. Set Grade: B-
SUFFOCATION - As brutal as they want to be! That is their credo, at least when their singer can't shut the fuck up for two seconds and let the band actually play. The band just released their latest album, Blood Oath, and after 20 years as an influential death metal band, their age doesn't necessarily show. An while there are far better bands in their genre, tonight definitely belongs to them. Necrophagist better be on their game! Set Grade: B
NECROPHAGIST - As I write this, the band is playing. That should tell you just how lackluster the energy is if I can blog this while a metal band is playing! No flying bodies, no crowdsurfers... just really loud douchebags and even louder music. How the fuck can these guys be the headliners? After all, this is an American tour, yet the main act is a bunch of Krauts! A major comedown from the sheer brutality and speed of Suffocation. Technical death metal my ass! Set Grade (before the set is even finished): C+
NO SHOW BANDS/PART II's REMAINING BANDS - After the Burial, Beneath the Massacre, Born of Osiris, Dying Fetus, and Winds of Plague (my misbegotten foes).
Overall Show Grade: B-
BLACKGUARD - Once you get past the stench of sweaty balls and dirty water, this opener band was pretty rockin'. I would venture to take a guess that they've probably ripped off several pages from the ol' heavy metal rulebook and committing to several of its familiar cliches, like placing a domineering foot on the monitors, or uniformly swaying and bobbing their long manes of hair in choreographed unison. Still, at the early in the day and being the first band up, they got the entire house rockin'. And while they seem to be a bit cliched, their good-time attitude is what saved their set. Set Grade: B
DECREPIT BIRTH - Hats off to the singer of this band for providing the single most entertaining moment of the evening, having jumped into a crowd of docile metalheads and losing a shoe in the process. What followed was painfully hilarious as the singer wouldn't focus on his stage duties and simply ask the crowd where his missing shoe was. It's sad, really, when that is what is most remembered from your set. Music was typical and average, but that missing shoe - priceless. Set Grade: C+ (B- for the missing shoe)
ORIGIN - The girl to the right of me said that this band was good... well, she lied! Not my cup of tea, really. The band substitutes lyrical clarity and brutal riffs for monster faces and spanking the mic like a misbehaved child (don't ask!). The singer is a fat, drunken douchebag, and the band would be wise to dump him fast! Set Grade: D+
DARKEST HOUR - The perfect example of having the right kind of energy with thrashy riffs and vibe, but having zero chemistry with the crowd - one fan told the singer to "fuck off" - and even less stage charisma. For a notable band such as this, I expected way more. Set Grade: C+
ENSIFERUM - I'm not a big fan of singing along to the main riff or chanting along with the crowd of sweaty morons behind me that is common with folk-metal, but this wasn't a totally awful set. I just wish the male players hadn't exposed their hairy, sweaty beer gut while the one female in the group remained covered up. At least these guy crafted much better than the bands before them, and how sad that it takes foreigners to outdo Americans like that. Set Grade: B-
SUFFOCATION - As brutal as they want to be! That is their credo, at least when their singer can't shut the fuck up for two seconds and let the band actually play. The band just released their latest album, Blood Oath, and after 20 years as an influential death metal band, their age doesn't necessarily show. An while there are far better bands in their genre, tonight definitely belongs to them. Necrophagist better be on their game! Set Grade: B
NECROPHAGIST - As I write this, the band is playing. That should tell you just how lackluster the energy is if I can blog this while a metal band is playing! No flying bodies, no crowdsurfers... just really loud douchebags and even louder music. How the fuck can these guys be the headliners? After all, this is an American tour, yet the main act is a bunch of Krauts! A major comedown from the sheer brutality and speed of Suffocation. Technical death metal my ass! Set Grade (before the set is even finished): C+
NO SHOW BANDS/PART II's REMAINING BANDS - After the Burial, Beneath the Massacre, Born of Osiris, Dying Fetus, and Winds of Plague (my misbegotten foes).
Overall Show Grade: B-
Deicide and Vital Remains @ BB King - 7/5/09
Back in October 21 of 2006, which happened to be my birthday, Deicide had come to New York to promote their latest album at the time, The Stench of Redemption, and I had the misfortune of missing the show. Since then, I had always wondered what a Deicide show was like and what would I expect. Three years later that time finally came and I was going to see Glen Benton up close and personal!
REGAIN THE HEART CONDEMNED - The first band up was a strange combination of dudes. Taking their cue from legendary Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, the five-piece band had four of its members looking and dressing like normal dudes, more like rejects from a deathcore band, and the singer dressed in corpse paint and Jesus Christ regalia. Much to my surprise, the crowd seemed to enjoy the dark theatrics as the singer pours cornsyrup, designed to look like fake blood, from a plastic skull all over himself and grumbles incoherently into the mic. I wasn't impressed, plain and simple. Better bands can pull it off without seeming cartoonish or the least bit ridiculous. Bands need to rely on their music and lyrics to reach people, not kindergarten-style Halloween costumes and fake blood. Set Grade: C
MARTYRD - In every bill there is always one band that sticks out. Sometimes it's because they're better than the other bands, and they bring a certain kind of finesse and skill than the others don't have. In this case, it's playing the wrong style of music! This is supposed to be a night Satanic death metal, and a band like Martyrd brings to the stage an 80s pop thrash/NWOBHM-influenced style more suitable for throwbacks trying to regain their former glory. (In fact, their next big show will be with 80s thrashers Metal Church.) And since I've seen these guys many times before, playing the same songs in the same way, there isn't much else to say. At least they moved up from show openers to second billing. Set Grade: C
VITAL REMAINS - Perhaps one of the nicest group of guys ever to front a death metal band, there's the massive bodily frame of guitarist Tony Lazaro, who towers over anyone, and renowned drummer of extreme metal Tim Yeung, who, upon having a casual conversation with, is a lot more brighter and humble than he looks. Sonically, the band is brutal and the crowd is definitely feeling the vibe of danger. Pits are getting crazier behind me as bodies are falling onto the stage. At one point, VR frontman Scott Wily attempts to pull me onstage so that I can jump back into the crowd and take some people out. On another night, I may have done so, but I was not going to lose out on havin the evil Mr. Benton perform before me. Still, Vital Remains do a good job is rustling up some fire from the crowd of angry spics around me and leaves ample room for Deicide to lay waste to all in attendance. Set Grade: B
DEICIDE - I often wondered what the evil monster that was Deicide was like in the 90s when the genre was still new. After all the news reports that Deicide were responsible for an Italian boy's death and bomb scares in Europe, as well as Benton's antipathy toward his fans' safety, I was actually a little scared. This dude actually branded his fucking forehead with an inverted crucifix in devotion to his Satanic beliefs! This guy is the real deal! Instead of having THAT guy come out onstage, we got an older, fatter, and visibly tired Glen Benton putting on a show. Aided by former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen, weasely-faced drummer Steve Asheim, and a fill-in for guitarist Ralph Santolla, who has touring commitments with Obituary, Benton put on a good, but otherwise typical, death metal show that you can find at cheap dive bars in Brooklyn. So unmoved was I by the lack of evilness that I heckled Benton with: "I heard you were evil!" which prompted the perturbed Benton to threaten me by kicking my teeth just to see how evil he can be. And while I was smiling and laughing at this old man's "threat", I couldn't help but think that he was probably very serious! It was one of the most scary/awesome moments I've ever gotten from a band member at a show. Despite the visible age in their music and playing, Deicide made my night and the three year wait was worth it. Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I quickly snatched the slit of cardbox (a reference to Christ, perhaps?) that Deicide's setlist was written on and quickly stuffed it in my pants right when the final note had finished. I even shook Benton's sweaty hand, who seemed to have forgotten my earlier heckling. The setlist: Deicide/Dead by Dawn/Once Upon the Cross/Scars of the Crucifix Death to Jesus Desecration When Satan Rules His World Serpents of the Light Bastards of Christ They Are the Children of the Underworld Holy Deception Oblivious to Evil Homage for Satan Kill the Christian Sacrificial Suicide Surprisingly, there were no songs off the new album Till Death Do Us Part. Outside the venue, I spoke with and met with each band that performed, finding it very easy to talk to Tim Yeung, Tony Lazaro, and Jack Owen. Steve Asheim was also accomodating, even if he did look a little hurried. When Benton came out, however, he beat a hasty exit without any smiles or stopping to take pictures or sign autographs with the fans outside. Fortunately for me, I got to take a pic with Benton before the show! He's much shorter and not as scary as he looks and tries to appear in public. I won't lie, but that ruins it for me now. Deicide has become a band of old and tired men!
Overall Show Grade: B
REGAIN THE HEART CONDEMNED - The first band up was a strange combination of dudes. Taking their cue from legendary Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, the five-piece band had four of its members looking and dressing like normal dudes, more like rejects from a deathcore band, and the singer dressed in corpse paint and Jesus Christ regalia. Much to my surprise, the crowd seemed to enjoy the dark theatrics as the singer pours cornsyrup, designed to look like fake blood, from a plastic skull all over himself and grumbles incoherently into the mic. I wasn't impressed, plain and simple. Better bands can pull it off without seeming cartoonish or the least bit ridiculous. Bands need to rely on their music and lyrics to reach people, not kindergarten-style Halloween costumes and fake blood. Set Grade: C
MARTYRD - In every bill there is always one band that sticks out. Sometimes it's because they're better than the other bands, and they bring a certain kind of finesse and skill than the others don't have. In this case, it's playing the wrong style of music! This is supposed to be a night Satanic death metal, and a band like Martyrd brings to the stage an 80s pop thrash/NWOBHM-influenced style more suitable for throwbacks trying to regain their former glory. (In fact, their next big show will be with 80s thrashers Metal Church.) And since I've seen these guys many times before, playing the same songs in the same way, there isn't much else to say. At least they moved up from show openers to second billing. Set Grade: C
VITAL REMAINS - Perhaps one of the nicest group of guys ever to front a death metal band, there's the massive bodily frame of guitarist Tony Lazaro, who towers over anyone, and renowned drummer of extreme metal Tim Yeung, who, upon having a casual conversation with, is a lot more brighter and humble than he looks. Sonically, the band is brutal and the crowd is definitely feeling the vibe of danger. Pits are getting crazier behind me as bodies are falling onto the stage. At one point, VR frontman Scott Wily attempts to pull me onstage so that I can jump back into the crowd and take some people out. On another night, I may have done so, but I was not going to lose out on havin the evil Mr. Benton perform before me. Still, Vital Remains do a good job is rustling up some fire from the crowd of angry spics around me and leaves ample room for Deicide to lay waste to all in attendance. Set Grade: B
DEICIDE - I often wondered what the evil monster that was Deicide was like in the 90s when the genre was still new. After all the news reports that Deicide were responsible for an Italian boy's death and bomb scares in Europe, as well as Benton's antipathy toward his fans' safety, I was actually a little scared. This dude actually branded his fucking forehead with an inverted crucifix in devotion to his Satanic beliefs! This guy is the real deal! Instead of having THAT guy come out onstage, we got an older, fatter, and visibly tired Glen Benton putting on a show. Aided by former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen, weasely-faced drummer Steve Asheim, and a fill-in for guitarist Ralph Santolla, who has touring commitments with Obituary, Benton put on a good, but otherwise typical, death metal show that you can find at cheap dive bars in Brooklyn. So unmoved was I by the lack of evilness that I heckled Benton with: "I heard you were evil!" which prompted the perturbed Benton to threaten me by kicking my teeth just to see how evil he can be. And while I was smiling and laughing at this old man's "threat", I couldn't help but think that he was probably very serious! It was one of the most scary/awesome moments I've ever gotten from a band member at a show. Despite the visible age in their music and playing, Deicide made my night and the three year wait was worth it. Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I quickly snatched the slit of cardbox (a reference to Christ, perhaps?) that Deicide's setlist was written on and quickly stuffed it in my pants right when the final note had finished. I even shook Benton's sweaty hand, who seemed to have forgotten my earlier heckling. The setlist: Deicide/Dead by Dawn/Once Upon the Cross/Scars of the Crucifix Death to Jesus Desecration When Satan Rules His World Serpents of the Light Bastards of Christ They Are the Children of the Underworld Holy Deception Oblivious to Evil Homage for Satan Kill the Christian Sacrificial Suicide Surprisingly, there were no songs off the new album Till Death Do Us Part. Outside the venue, I spoke with and met with each band that performed, finding it very easy to talk to Tim Yeung, Tony Lazaro, and Jack Owen. Steve Asheim was also accomodating, even if he did look a little hurried. When Benton came out, however, he beat a hasty exit without any smiles or stopping to take pictures or sign autographs with the fans outside. Fortunately for me, I got to take a pic with Benton before the show! He's much shorter and not as scary as he looks and tries to appear in public. I won't lie, but that ruins it for me now. Deicide has become a band of old and tired men!
Overall Show Grade: B
Friday, May 22, 2009
Mayhem w/ Cephalic Carnage, Withered, Lair of the Minotaur @ Irving Plaza @ 5/21/09
The first show of the Blackenedfest tour kicked off last night at Irving Plaza and already there is problems with two bands not showing up: Marduk and Cattle Decapitation. Marduk, apparently, were still on the plane coming over from their piece-of-shit country while the rest of the bands were onstage performing. You would think that you'd get here a day early for the start of a tour. No doubt it probably had something to do with visas and immigration type crap, but at least Mayhem didn't run into any troubles. And what's the deal with vegan wussbags Cattle Decapitation? Simply that they are on the last date on tour with GWAR. Maybe it would help if you fuckfaces would at least plan out when and where you're going to be and coordinate a better timeframe if you're going to be on two separate tours running right after the other. That said, the night wasn't a complete loss - anchored by two really good performances by headliners, the legendary black metal masters in Mayhem, and Colorado natives and deathgrind upstarts in Cephalic Carnage. Still, I expected a lot for the $37 that I paid, and with two out of five bands not showing up, this night really wasn't as good as many had hoped. But, at least I saw Mayhem! Small victory, I guess.
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR - Good band. Don't remember much else. Set Rating: B-
WITHERED - Good band. Still don't remember much else. Set Rating: B-
CEPHALIC CARNAGE - Cephalic Carnage's weed-tech-grind followed, along with dedications to cheetos, masturbation, and glass pipes (that they also sold at the merch table!), and props like a horse mask. It was well-executed and entertaining, but somewhat of a mild comedown following the energetic and pummeling assault of Withered. Set Rating: B
MAYHEM - Finally, the night belonged to the black metal pioneers. Mayhem took the stage a little before 10:30, playing a set that lasted until before midnight, when they retired sans encore. The core duo of Hellhammer and Necrobutcher with live members Morfeus and Silmaeth banged out rapid-fire blasts of black metal fury, spanning their entire discography. For all of their impressive technical prowess and energy, the highlight of their live set is the infinitely watchable Attila Csihar. Attila's formidable on-stage presence can only be described as dictatorial; he towers over his bandmates, gives the thumbs down as if he is deciding the fate of a man's life, punctuates lyrics with a clenched fist, and barks at his devoted minions with his thick Hungarian accent. In between a pair of impaled "heads", Attila sang from behind a "tree stump" podium which doubled as an area to hide both effects triggers and various gross-out props. Attila made sure to fondle and rub his face against those heads and an IV cart with dangling arm for further nauseating effect. Kitschy? a little. Fun/ny? Definitely. Besides being visually arresting, Attila is one of the most versatile vocalists in all of heavy music. Barks, pitch perfect viking vocals, Celtic Frost grunts, screams that last longer than it seemed humanly possible, and what I like to call "squeaking elf"... a low end screech that was part Gollum and part creaking door, were all present and impressive. What is a bit off, though it is part of the band's repertoire, is that while Csihar is doing his spooky-man routine, you look over and see bassist and original member, Necrobutcher, looking so old and plain in a black T-shirt and playing on what seems to be two separate planes of existence. Still, the music is in sync and what you hear on tape is what you hear live. The buzzsaw sound of the guitar, mixed with the dirty sludge from the bass, and drummer supreme (and very friendly) Hellhammer is masterful when providing the fast, heavy boomage with each song. My first Mayhem concert experience and a very good set, despite cancellations and a certain feeling of disappointment. Set Rating: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I had a chance to meet Attila, who was polite enough, but seemed to be content in smoking his little Hungarian peace pipe and macking on some ugly groupies in his presence. Still, he was nice enough to comment on the announcement Varg Vikernes's release from prison after murdering fellow Mayhem band member Euronymous back in the 90s. When I asked him about how he felt, he said in his thick accent:
"I think it's good. He did his sentence."
I asked him if there was a place for him in Mayhem and he said:
"Maybe not. I don't know. We'll see."
A man of so few words! To me, especially when you look at my photograph with him, he looks a little bit like WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels, at least from his profile. Also, when I asked him about his feelings about fans who download, he said:
"I don't care really. Fortunately, Mayhem are in a place where we have fans who like are music and will come to see the shows. But for other bands just starting out, it isn't good, no."
Later on, as I waited by the nearby restaurant, Hellhammer finally showed up and was actually very friendly. Unfortunately, my goddamn cellphone's camera was acting up and I couldn't take the usually DIY shot of me and the other person and ended up having to get someone to take the pic for us. It came out well, but doesn't fit in with my other pics with band members. I mentioned that he was friendly, and certainly the very surprisingly short Jan Axel Blomberg (his real name) was very patient and gracious, until I wanted to leave and he seemed to not want to let go of my arm. At first, I thought he was going to hug me, but he grabbed my hand as if to do a "bro-hug" and grabbed my shoulder and arm while holding onto my hand. In other words, he wouldn't stop touching me! And while I think he was just being friendly and I don't think he's gay, I found it rather weird and uncomfortable. I guess that's how they roll in Norway.
Show Grade: B-
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR - Good band. Don't remember much else. Set Rating: B-
WITHERED - Good band. Still don't remember much else. Set Rating: B-
CEPHALIC CARNAGE - Cephalic Carnage's weed-tech-grind followed, along with dedications to cheetos, masturbation, and glass pipes (that they also sold at the merch table!), and props like a horse mask. It was well-executed and entertaining, but somewhat of a mild comedown following the energetic and pummeling assault of Withered. Set Rating: B
MAYHEM - Finally, the night belonged to the black metal pioneers. Mayhem took the stage a little before 10:30, playing a set that lasted until before midnight, when they retired sans encore. The core duo of Hellhammer and Necrobutcher with live members Morfeus and Silmaeth banged out rapid-fire blasts of black metal fury, spanning their entire discography. For all of their impressive technical prowess and energy, the highlight of their live set is the infinitely watchable Attila Csihar. Attila's formidable on-stage presence can only be described as dictatorial; he towers over his bandmates, gives the thumbs down as if he is deciding the fate of a man's life, punctuates lyrics with a clenched fist, and barks at his devoted minions with his thick Hungarian accent. In between a pair of impaled "heads", Attila sang from behind a "tree stump" podium which doubled as an area to hide both effects triggers and various gross-out props. Attila made sure to fondle and rub his face against those heads and an IV cart with dangling arm for further nauseating effect. Kitschy? a little. Fun/ny? Definitely. Besides being visually arresting, Attila is one of the most versatile vocalists in all of heavy music. Barks, pitch perfect viking vocals, Celtic Frost grunts, screams that last longer than it seemed humanly possible, and what I like to call "squeaking elf"... a low end screech that was part Gollum and part creaking door, were all present and impressive. What is a bit off, though it is part of the band's repertoire, is that while Csihar is doing his spooky-man routine, you look over and see bassist and original member, Necrobutcher, looking so old and plain in a black T-shirt and playing on what seems to be two separate planes of existence. Still, the music is in sync and what you hear on tape is what you hear live. The buzzsaw sound of the guitar, mixed with the dirty sludge from the bass, and drummer supreme (and very friendly) Hellhammer is masterful when providing the fast, heavy boomage with each song. My first Mayhem concert experience and a very good set, despite cancellations and a certain feeling of disappointment. Set Rating: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I had a chance to meet Attila, who was polite enough, but seemed to be content in smoking his little Hungarian peace pipe and macking on some ugly groupies in his presence. Still, he was nice enough to comment on the announcement Varg Vikernes's release from prison after murdering fellow Mayhem band member Euronymous back in the 90s. When I asked him about how he felt, he said in his thick accent:
"I think it's good. He did his sentence."
I asked him if there was a place for him in Mayhem and he said:
"Maybe not. I don't know. We'll see."
A man of so few words! To me, especially when you look at my photograph with him, he looks a little bit like WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels, at least from his profile. Also, when I asked him about his feelings about fans who download, he said:
"I don't care really. Fortunately, Mayhem are in a place where we have fans who like are music and will come to see the shows. But for other bands just starting out, it isn't good, no."
Later on, as I waited by the nearby restaurant, Hellhammer finally showed up and was actually very friendly. Unfortunately, my goddamn cellphone's camera was acting up and I couldn't take the usually DIY shot of me and the other person and ended up having to get someone to take the pic for us. It came out well, but doesn't fit in with my other pics with band members. I mentioned that he was friendly, and certainly the very surprisingly short Jan Axel Blomberg (his real name) was very patient and gracious, until I wanted to leave and he seemed to not want to let go of my arm. At first, I thought he was going to hug me, but he grabbed my hand as if to do a "bro-hug" and grabbed my shoulder and arm while holding onto my hand. In other words, he wouldn't stop touching me! And while I think he was just being friendly and I don't think he's gay, I found it rather weird and uncomfortable. I guess that's how they roll in Norway.
Show Grade: B-
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Metal and Rock Greatest Fights and Feuds
Here are the biggest rock and metal feuds in living memory that I have compiled. Hope you enjoy the squabbles and bitch fights as I do!
Mark Morton vs Randy Blythe
2004: To celebrate their sold-out show in Glasgow, Scotland, the Lamb of God bandmates drink 12-year-old scotch and get very drunk and violent with each other. Morton and Blythe fight like two bitches until Morton gets the upper-hand on the drunk, kilt-wearing Blythe and leaves him on the pavement. All this can be seen on their 2005 DVD Killadelphia. See it here now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdr7B93q7vE
Robb Flynn (Machine Head) vs Kerry King (Slayer)
2001: King labeled Machine Head as “sell-outs” after the release of their 2001 album ‘Supercharger’, saying “They’re responsible for rap-metal”.
2002: Robert Flynn says Kerry King looks like a member of Right Said Fred…
2002: Kerry King: “I don’t remember us having bad blood… If somebody asks me if I like their last record, I say, ‘No, I don’t like the record.’ But that’s not slamming anybody. It’s my opinion. If he’s so fragile that that was painful, sorry dude, you’re in the wrong business.”
2004: Comment on MetalUnderground.com: “If Rob and Kerry King can just put their shit behind them and do another rousing rendition of Venom’s ‘Witching Hour’, life would be grand.”
2005: Flynn: “I am issuing an apology to Kerry for the role I’ve played in our ongoing ‘feud.’ I can’t even remember why it started. With every barb we trade, I feel like I’m losing a part of my youth, and with it, a part of who I used to be, before Machine Head came into existence.”
2007: The guys bury the hatchet at Metal Hammer’s own Golden Gods. Asked ‘What do you really think of Kerry King, Robb?’ Mr Flynn replied: “He’s alright man, we’re cool again. The beef is squashed. It got out of hand but we’re all good now.” 2009: So, about that Venom cover…
Tommy Cummings vs Dino Cazares
2008: At an April 26th performance in Poughkeepsie, Cummings cites major technical problems in order to end the show. He and Cazares get into a tussle, causing the latter to trip and fall. Cummings is fired that evening. Months later, the two men get into another fight at the Rockstar Engery Drink Mayhem Festival, but this time Dino's wife, Jennifer, gets dragged into the fracas and leaves her battered and bruised.
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) vs James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
1983: Dave Mustaine is kicked out of Metallica for ‘alcohol and substance abuse’. At some point in the next 20 years Lars says – amongst other things – that Dave Mustaine keeps up the Metallica-hating to promote his own band.
2004: ‘Metallica: Some Kind of Monster’ comes out. Mustaine berates Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich for kicking him out of the band instead of trying to help him deal with his addiction.
2004: Mustaine hates them for making him look like a crybaby.
2007: Mustaine says to Canadian Press: “After the documentary I hated them, but it took some time for this whole thing to kind of reveal itself. There are certain things that I miss in James, certain things that I’m glad are gone with Lars and just there’s no more sour grapes.” But does add: “I was the only guitar player and James just sang.” 2008: Ulrich told musicradar.com: “I don’t have a problem with him as much as I think he has a problem with me. I’ve always quite liked the guy. It has a tendency to depend on which mood he’s in. “If he’s in happy-go-lucky mood, then it’s ‘Lars is OK, ha ha, the little Danish guy, we used to dig holes in the earth and smoke bongs’ or whatever, and if he’s in a particular type of mood then it’s, ‘Lars is a fuckin’ asshole.’ I can’t control that. “I keep coming back to the statistics, which are interesting: he’s never played on a Metallica record, he was in the band for 10 months, 25 years ago! That’s an amazing statistic when you think about it, and still Metallica is such a prominent part of his existence. That’s just mind-blowing, because he has made some of the best heavy metal records of all time. It blows my mind.”
Dave Mustaine vs Kirk Hammett
Mustaine's replacement within Metallica by Kirk Hammett resulted in bad feelings towards Hammett on Mustaine's part. Even though he has stated he "[doesn't] care Kirk took my job," he also noted that "at least I got to bang his girlfriend before he took my job — how do I taste, Kirk?". He has also claimed that he wrote many of the solos on Kill 'Em All, which were then emulated note for note by Hammett. In "The Art of Kirk Hammett," Kirk states that he was told to use Mustaine's existing solos as a guideline. In the Megadeth edition of Behind the Music, Mustaine stated that "now he sees how [Hammett] tries really hard" and "thinks he makes really good use of what talent he has" after stating earlier in that interview "I hear how much time James and Lars allowed him to solo, and said to myself 'God, he's horrible...'" He has also stated "I don't really mind [Kirk] too bad these days. Like if he was drowning, I'd save him. But I'd wait a bit first." This feud has dropped off considerably in recent years.
Dave Mustaine vs David Ellefson
Mustaine's decision to break up Megadeth in 2002 left all band members miffed and holding grudges, especially David Ellefson, who hinted during an interview with Metal Sludge magazine that Mustaine faked the injury as an excuse to disband Megadeth. Ellefson had been, after Mustaine, the longest-serving member of Megadeth. Subsequently, the rift between them exploded, with the two camps exchanging lawsuits. Ellefson's suit alleged that co-founding guitarist Mustaine breached their long-running partnership agreement. He claimed Mustaine wrongfully took the lion's share of the band's income (estimated at more than $200 million since 1984) for himself and cut Ellefson out of the band's music publishing and merchandise revenues. Ellefson also said that Mustaine libeled him in an online posting, and he sought at least $18.5 million in damages. Mustaine's counterclaim alleged that Ellefson executed a settlement agreement in which he gave up his 20% interest in Megadeth. Mustaine maintains that the settlement — which Ellefson alleges was signed under pressure and ultimately withdrawn — released Mustaine from all claims. Ellefson eventually lost the case.
On Blabbermouth.net, Mustaine claims to have had dinner with Ellefson at Christmas in 2005 to talk things through; they are on good terms today as Mustaine states they have spoken on the phone numerous times. It should also be noted that as of late, Ellefson has stated (also on Blabbermouth.net) that if Mustaine were to call him tomorrow and ask him to rejoin the band, he would say yes.
Dave Mustaine vs Chris Poland
Former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, featured on the albums Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! and Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? had been the target of sour comments from Mustaine concerning Poland's former habit of pawning band gear to purchase heroin. After Poland was dismissed from the band and replaced with Jeff Young in 1987, Mustaine's bitterness towards Poland was the subject of the track 'Liar' on Megadeth's 1988 album So Far, So Good... So What! In a 1992 interview, Mustaine was quoted as saying: "Chris Poland - you know what? - he could die tomorrow and it wouldn't affect me... Chris has never made amends to me for stealing all my gear. I had a collector's item Echoplex, which just disappeared, all sorts of guitars, which were all stolen to cash in for heroin. I'm willing to forgive and forget, but until he comes and makes amends with me then I'm not willing to give in."
The amends seemed to have been made by 2004 when Mustaine hired Poland to perform guitar solos on a number of tracks for The System Has Failed (he also recorded solos for Rust In Peace preproduction demos), after Poland had appeared to tell this side of the Megadeth story for the Behind the Music episode. Unfortunately, soon after the album's release, Mustaine was contacted by Poland's lawyers, who claimed Poland was due royalties beyond that of his session fees. In late 2006, Poland began posting on the official Megadeth message board, apparently having resolved his problems with Mustaine.
Dave Mustaine vs Kerry King (Slayer)
Mustaine has a long-standing feud with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. King had previously been a temporary member of Megadeth in 1984. Even though Mustaine tried to convince him to focus on Megadeth rather than the "lame spikes" and "eyeliner" with the "posers" in Slayer, Kerry refused to quit his main band. After a falling out during the 1991 "Clash of the Titans" tour, Kerry and Mustaine made public jabs at one another throughout the 1990s. Mustaine cited Slayer's poor record sales compared to Megadeth, and Kerry mentioned Mustaine's inability to get along with band members and tour with major acts. Mustaine tried to reach out to Kerry after the murder of Dimebag Darrell. King has said that he thinks Mustaine is a "cocksucker", has said that "everybody hates him", and that he is a "dictator". He also called David Ellefson a "great dude" and voiced his support for Ellefson's attempt to sue Mustaine in 2002, stating that he and Ellefson had "been friends for years." Mustaine, for his part, has stated that, in his opinion, "Kerry has a problem, because he hates everybody." In a recent 2007 interview in Metalhammer magazine, Mustaine states that he doesn't care anymore and wants to end his arguments, mainly with Metallica and Slayer. King stated in a 2007 issue of Revolver magazine that he is a "Mustaine fan", but that he doesn't "really care for the guy." Recently in GuitarWorld.com's Dear Guitar Hero, King stated that he "admires [Mustaine] to this day" as a guitarist, even though he considers Mustaine a "hypocrite" and an "asshole". Kerry King was the guest for episode 31 in Marty Friedman's Rock Fujiyama Show on Japanese TV, After playing The main riff of Jump In The Fire from Metallica, He made some compliments for Dave Mustaine. Megadeth and Slayer will be co-headlining a small Canadian tour together, which may mean that this feud has been resolved.
Dave Mustaine vs Tom Araya (Slayer)
Mustaine's feuds with King have sparked animosities between fans of Slayer and Megadeth, but the only other member of Slayer who seems to be involved in the feud with Mustaine is bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Like the feud with King (although much smaller-scale), this feud mostly began at the "Clash of the Titans" tour when Mustaine told him that he liked it when Araya "sucked his dick." Araya proceeded to call him a "homo" onstage. Megadeth and Slayer will be co-headlining a small Canadian tour together, which may mean that this feud has been resolved.
Dave Mustaine vs Pantera
Mustaine at one time had a continuing feud with the band Pantera, who opened for Megadeth's 1992 'Countdown to Extinction' tour. Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo was known for saying "Fuck Megadeth" and "Fuck Dave" through the PA during Pantera's set minutes before Megadeth took the stage. In 1994, in an interview on MTV, Mustaine told an interviewer that he felt his music had been ripped off. He continued, "I'm not gonna name anybody 'cause I'm not gonna promote them. OK, we'll say 'panther' in Spanish. You're welcome guys. We might as well be cooking their dinner for them or pushing their little wheelbarrow to the bank for them." After the murder of former Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell (who had once been invited to join Megadeth), Mustaine downplayed this comment on a 2004 Headbanger's Ball memorial to Dimebag as an "off-camera, off-record" event and said he felt flattered by Pantera. However, the video of the interview is available at the MTV website. However, Mustaine and the members of Pantera seem to have put these differences to rest, as Mustaine has posthumously expressed his admiration for "Dimebag. In 2007, Mustaine toured with Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown's band Down, further indicating that he has apparently made peace with the former members of Pantera.
Dave Mustaine vs Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies)
Yet another brief feud that was sparked on the "Clash of the Titans" tour was between Mustaine and Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. Muir was upset that Mustaine apparently tried to throw his band off the bill and responded by attacking Mustaine's alcohol addictions and joking that he "lived at the Betty Ford Clinic." The feud nearly became violent on the Clash of the Titans tour when he challenged Mustaine to an onstage fist-fight. Muir claimed that "There are a lot of people who would like to see Dave get his butt kicked, and the Lord knows Mike Muir ain't goin' down. I'll fuck him up... I'd dazzle him, left'n'right. I wanna see a little blood, y'know what I'm sayin'?" Mustaine responded to Muir verbally, claiming that Muir was stupid for trying to intimidate him (Mustaine holds black belts in Karate and Tae Kwon Do according to megadeth.com's FAQ section), and claiming to be a Suicidal fan as well. This feud did not carry on past the end of the tour. Suicidal even opened for Megadeth on their 1992 Countdown to Extinction tour (and ex-Suicidal drummer Jimmy DeGrasso worked in Megadeth as well as MD.45 earlier). Muir and Mustaine are now on good terms, with Mustaine claiming that he and Muir are "good friends today."
Terrorvision vs Queens of the Stone Age
1999: From Terrorvision’s MySpace: “Terrovision headlined a stage at the ‘Big Day Out’ at the Milton Keynes Bowl, and got into a dressing room brawl with Queens Of The Stone Age.” NME.com mention in a QOTSA review, that: “Nick Oliveri was in Seattle’s evil porno punks the Dwarves until he got thrown out for bad behaviour and was arrested at last year’s Big Day Out for attacking Terrorvision.”
Axl vs the world (GNR members, Motley Crue, Nirvana, Tommy Hilfiger) 1987: Axl announces onstage that “Bon Jovi can suck my dick”. In 2006 Jon Bon Jovi said: “You know what pisses me off? …a story about Axl Rose and the $13m Guns N’ Roses record that was never made. That motherfucker hasn’t made a record in 13 years and he gets all that attention. You know what I’ve done in 13 years? A lot. But they have continued to write about the freak show aspect of him.” Poor old Jon, suffering, un-appreciated in the shadows.
1989: Vince Neil punched Izzy Stradlin over a girl. Axl wades in.
1992: Phew, real car crash this one. Kirk says Guns N’ Roses are “so obviously pathetic and untalented”. It all rolls along for years until now apparently the (ex)-GN’R crew are now pals again.
2006: Axl’s lawyers release some statement about stuff Slash told him. It’s all denied. Axl hates Velvet Revolver. Simple.
2006: Tommy Hilfiger swings at Axl for moving a drink or something. Wikipedia states that “Hilfiger - wearing a GN’R shirt – and Axl were seen “hugging” and “burying the hatchet” backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards” later.
2006: Rose refers to opening act the Eagles of Death Metal as the “Pigeons of Shit Metal. I’m sorry to say that this will be their last night with us.” And it was.
Murderdolls vs Dani Filth
2003: Cradle Of Filth’s Dani Filth keeps walking into the Murderdolls area at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. He was ejected from the area, and then the party and only left when security punched him on the sternum, knocking him over. (Dani Filth famously trashed a rock magazines offices after a bad review).
Fred Durst vs Dino Cazares
2002: Limp Bizkit attempted to offer former Fear Factory guitarist, Dino Cazares, for an audition to fill the band’s vacant guitarist role following last year’s departure of Wes Borland. Dino immediately turned down the offer saying joining Limp Bizkit would be “career suicide.” Ta.
Iron Maiden vs Sharon Osbourne Here’s what ‘apparently’ happened at the 2005 Ozzfest: Bruce cussed Ozzy, something about being an old duffer. Sharon calls him a prick and on the last day instigates an onstage egging of Maiden during their set and fucks with their sound. In the aftermath Sharon shoots her mouth off dissing Maiden further, Maiden stay sctum. Ish. If you really want to know, there are about ten million ‘eye witness accounts.
Dillinger Escape Plan vs Disturbed
2008: Dillinger guitarist Ben Weinman told Australian magazine Beat that he saw the guys choreographing every one of their moves during a soundcheck, saying “[they were] practicing where they were going to walk and when they were going to put their leg up on the monitor and pose… That was weird for us. There are times [during live shows] where I don’t even know where I am.” Disturbed frontman David Draiman responded: “Let me give you a little bit of education: This is what the big boys do who play stadium shows”.
Brent Hinds (Mastodon) vs Shavo Odadjian (System Of A Down) and others
2007: An inebriated Hinds left the Mandalay Bay after the MTV VMAs around 3am and met Shavo and musician William Hudson at the hotel’s west valet area. Hinds took his shirt off and hit Shavo with it before hitting Hudson in both the face and then chest. The police report says both Shavo and Hudson punched Hinds in the face, knocking him to the ground.
2008: There was an alleged altercation between garage rocker King Khan and Hinds: “He said ‘Do you know who I am? I am the greatest guitar player around,’ and punched me in the face.” There are also reports that the band got into a fight while on tour in the northern UK.
Vivian Campbell vs Ronnie James Dio
2003: Vivian Campbell: “[Playing in Dio] never mattered to me — and still doesn’t… He’s an incredible talent, but he’s an awful businessman and way more importantly, one of the vilest people in the industry.”
2007: Ronnie James Dio says: “I hope he fucking dies. He’s a fucking asshole. He’s got two fucking chances. He’s a piece of shit. He called me the most despicable human being that ever lived. I went, ‘I thought I gave you a chance and made you somebody. And now you’re playing with who? Def fucking who?’ There’s a fucking rock band for you to fucking have diarrhoea with.” He later said: “OK, I get the point — you really don’t like me at all! Well, tell me what the problem is, Vivian. Tell everybody what the problem is, because at the moment everyone is kind of scratching their heads over this one.”
David Coverdale vs The Quireboys
2004: www.chroniclelive.co.uk reported: Spike: “We were 45 seconds late going on stage one night and a minute-and-a-half late coming off another night.” “On both occasions we were given a dressing-down - one for getting the crowd out of their seats! I asked whether this was a rock’n’roll tour or a bingo night?” Then Spike discovered The Quireboys’ merchandise had gone missing. Then the final blow: “They told us we were off the tour but it was hardly a surprise.” So the ‘Boys didn’t get to play their hometown gig in Newcastle: “It was going to be a very special night for everyone,” admitted Spike. “And we want to stress that we haven’t pulled out. We were told we weren’t wanted and that’s that.”
James Gill vs Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy)
2005: Gill quotes Angela as saying: “People think that because you bought a ticket to the show that they own you. No, you see the show and go home, I don’t owe you anything.” Angela says she’s been misquoted.
2006: Angela says in a MH Spanish Inquisition: “If I ever see that little cunt Gill again I am going to kick his teeth so far down his throat that he can never do another interview ever again.” Gill shits himself.
2006: Angela confronts Gill at the MH Golden God Awards. Angela opens up and they agree to do another interview to straighten things out.
2007: They do. She admitted that: “I thought I’ve got to meet that cunt again and knock the shit out of him.”
Gaahl (Gorgoroth) and King ov Hell vs Infernus (Gorgoroth)
2008: Who has the rights to the name Gorgoroth? The legal battle continues. Probably in a forest near Oslo.
David Lee Roth vs Sammy Hagar vs Eddie Van Halen
The two Van Halen singers have been at it since 1985.
Sammy Hagar: All he cares about is going out there with his Jack Daniels bottle. Nothing has changed. That’s kind of sad. If David was doing better than he used to be, then that would be different. But it was a joke and he made it that way.
DLR: I left and I said “I really want to make music and I’ll take a cut if that’s necessary to be an artist”. But listen to this. The last album sold a million and a half, theirs sold a little more than that, but I don’t break it up five ways.
Sammy Hagar: Dave was great in Van Halen. No question about it. He was one of the best at being Mr. Rock Star. But it’s sickening to see a guy still trying to be that with a wig on 20 years later. everything that comes out of his mouth is word-barf. It’s the lowest common denominator. It’s meant for children. Jimi Hendrix never made music for children. Children may have loved it, but he never made music like “Hey, the 14-year-olds will love this”. The guys in Led Zeppelin and the Beatles never said “I’m gonna aim this at the 12-year-olds”.
Sammy Hagar: Everything that Eddie has said about me is the total opposite of what really happened. Eddie says I wanted to be a solo artist. No, Eddie wanted to be a solo artist.
DLR: [Sammy’s] my bitch, and when he says my name we just sell that many more records.
Sammy Hagar: If I would go up on a high note, Eddie would want a low one. That’s how petty the situation had become.
DLR: Sammy is a mindless little bridge-troll drone.
Sammy Hagar: It’s a good thing I don’t read everything Eddie says, or I’d be up in arms and not enjoying my life.
DLR: he was a complete failure till he got with the Van Halen bunch.
Sammy Hagar: It’s hard to say this about a guy like Eddie Van Halen, one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived, but he’s really limited to a style and they’re locked into it.
DLR: You’ve got someone who’s enfeebled himself with dope and alcohol who’s gonna go along with the situation.
Sammy Hagar: Overall, we had about 50 meetings where the brothers would say that I couldn’t do any solo records, I couldn’t write for other people, I couldn’t do this and I couldn’t do that. These guys were trying to nail my feet to the ground.
DLR: Sammy would sell the property rights to his butthole to get fame.
Sammy Hagar: When they brought Roth back into the picture, obviously I didn’t go along with that too well.
DLR: Sammy Hagar, who at best is a mediocre talent…
Sammy Hagar: When we were on the road, I found out that my greatest hits album went Gold. They freaked out. Things really came to a head when we started arguing about a Van Halen greatest hits package.
DLR: I left and I said “I really want to make music and I’ll take a cut if that’s necessary to be an artist”. But listen to this. The last album sold a million and a half, theirs sold a little more than that, but I don’t break it up five ways.
Lynyrd Skynyrd vs Neil Young
Neil Young’s ‘Southern Man’ is a biting rant about Confederate racism that drew the ire of proud rednecks Lynyrd Skynyrd and prompted their musical response in the track ‘Sweet Home Alabama “Well I hope Neil Young will remember/ A southern man don’t need him around anyhow”
Marilyn Manson vs My Chemical Romance
2007: Manson wrote ‘Mutilation Is The Most Sincere Form Of about Gerard Way’s outfit, and features the lyrics, “Fuck you, fuck you”. He said: “I’m embarrassed to be me because these people are doing a really sad, pitiful, shallow version of what I’ve done.” My Chemical Romance’s Frank Ieror said “The funny thing is that he seems to have lashed out at us about the make-up. That’s weird to me, because I had heard of Alice Cooper before I heard of Marilyn Manson. I don’t know how he could be mad at us. We never came out and said we were going to call ourselves by a girl’s name and then a serial killer’s name. I’m really sorry if he feels we ripped him off. Maybe he’s doing it for the press.” Gerard Way added: “If Elvis Costello said we sucked we would think about it a bit… We still haven’t found someone that has knocked us down that we need to take seriously.”
Euronymous (Mayhem) vs Varg Vikernes (Burzum)
E: “I invented black metal.” VV: “You’ve gone soft.” [stab stab stab] “See?” The end.
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs Mr. Bungle
Spinner.com reported that Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn said Chilis were: “That stupid white band that do horrible cover versions of black musicians.” RHCP’s Anthony Kiedis took exception to Mike Patton’s stage presence in Faith No More, which he thought ripped off his own. When Patton later fronted Mr. Bungle, the bands were set to release albums (’California’ and ‘Californication’) on the same day and label. Bungle’s was pushed back. Kiedis insisted that they be removed from Chilis-headlined festivals. A miffed Patton said, “We are not even a speck of dust on this guy’s ass!” Bungle later put on a Peppers parody, mocking several songs.
Kid Rock vs Tommy Lee
2007: Ok, so they’re all at the VMAs (fave fight venue) Tommy Lee says something to/about Kid Rock as he walks towards P Diddy. Kid Rock then slaps the drummer. Tommy tries to fight back but before he can twat him, Rock chins him. Kid Rock was heard saying the following triple negative clusterfuck: “I never hit nobody for nothing before.” Sooo… he did or he didn’t?
Glenn Danzig vs Northside Kings
Glenn Danzig gets in an argument with North Side Kings singer and frequent Soulfly collaborator Danny Marianinho after a Danzig show. Danny said: “He threw me pretty hard and I reacted like anyone on this site would have. The guy is out of control. The video shows it all — and it was very uncalled for on his end. He caught me off guard when he attacked me — but I caught him with a good jab. That’s it in a nutshell. To this day he has not tried to contact me to apologize for being a mental case…” I wouldn’t hold your breath, mate.
Avenged Sevenfold vs Atreyu
2005: A7X’s M Shadows: “Atreyu are leading the scene that we want to get out of. I wouldn’t say we are fucking friends.” He adds that they ripped off a song intro too. Atreyu’s Alex Varkatzas said: “I guess if you’re not down with Atreyu, you can go fuck yourself.” At the time of the feud Atreyu had sold over 410,000 albums while Avenged Sevenfold had only sold 231,421.
Marilyn Manson vs Trent Reznor vs Courtney Love vs Tori Amos
1996: Trent executive produces Manson’s amazing ‘Anti-Christ Superstar’ album. They do tons of blow. 90s (at some point): Trent dates Courtney Love.
1996: Tori Amos allegedly writes ‘Professional Widow’ about Love.
1997-ish: Tori and Trent are allegedly dating.
1998-ish: Trent later said of his falling out with Manson: “. He and I are two strong personalities that could coexist for a while, but things changed. I think fame and power distort people’s personalities.” And Manson later said: “If I were the kind of person to be insulted by petty things, I would be insulted by the way Trent Reznor has acted since I moved from Nothing Records [Reznor's label] on to Interscope.”
1999: Trent allegedly writes ‘Starfuckers Inc’ about Love and Manson.
1999: Trent and Manson make friends. 00s: Courtney still blogs about Trent.
Mark Morton vs Randy Blythe
2004: To celebrate their sold-out show in Glasgow, Scotland, the Lamb of God bandmates drink 12-year-old scotch and get very drunk and violent with each other. Morton and Blythe fight like two bitches until Morton gets the upper-hand on the drunk, kilt-wearing Blythe and leaves him on the pavement. All this can be seen on their 2005 DVD Killadelphia. See it here now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdr7B93q7vE
Robb Flynn (Machine Head) vs Kerry King (Slayer)
2001: King labeled Machine Head as “sell-outs” after the release of their 2001 album ‘Supercharger’, saying “They’re responsible for rap-metal”.
2002: Robert Flynn says Kerry King looks like a member of Right Said Fred…
2002: Kerry King: “I don’t remember us having bad blood… If somebody asks me if I like their last record, I say, ‘No, I don’t like the record.’ But that’s not slamming anybody. It’s my opinion. If he’s so fragile that that was painful, sorry dude, you’re in the wrong business.”
2004: Comment on MetalUnderground.com: “If Rob and Kerry King can just put their shit behind them and do another rousing rendition of Venom’s ‘Witching Hour’, life would be grand.”
2005: Flynn: “I am issuing an apology to Kerry for the role I’ve played in our ongoing ‘feud.’ I can’t even remember why it started. With every barb we trade, I feel like I’m losing a part of my youth, and with it, a part of who I used to be, before Machine Head came into existence.”
2007: The guys bury the hatchet at Metal Hammer’s own Golden Gods. Asked ‘What do you really think of Kerry King, Robb?’ Mr Flynn replied: “He’s alright man, we’re cool again. The beef is squashed. It got out of hand but we’re all good now.” 2009: So, about that Venom cover…
Tommy Cummings vs Dino Cazares
2008: At an April 26th performance in Poughkeepsie, Cummings cites major technical problems in order to end the show. He and Cazares get into a tussle, causing the latter to trip and fall. Cummings is fired that evening. Months later, the two men get into another fight at the Rockstar Engery Drink Mayhem Festival, but this time Dino's wife, Jennifer, gets dragged into the fracas and leaves her battered and bruised.
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) vs James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
1983: Dave Mustaine is kicked out of Metallica for ‘alcohol and substance abuse’. At some point in the next 20 years Lars says – amongst other things – that Dave Mustaine keeps up the Metallica-hating to promote his own band.
2004: ‘Metallica: Some Kind of Monster’ comes out. Mustaine berates Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich for kicking him out of the band instead of trying to help him deal with his addiction.
2004: Mustaine hates them for making him look like a crybaby.
2007: Mustaine says to Canadian Press: “After the documentary I hated them, but it took some time for this whole thing to kind of reveal itself. There are certain things that I miss in James, certain things that I’m glad are gone with Lars and just there’s no more sour grapes.” But does add: “I was the only guitar player and James just sang.” 2008: Ulrich told musicradar.com: “I don’t have a problem with him as much as I think he has a problem with me. I’ve always quite liked the guy. It has a tendency to depend on which mood he’s in. “If he’s in happy-go-lucky mood, then it’s ‘Lars is OK, ha ha, the little Danish guy, we used to dig holes in the earth and smoke bongs’ or whatever, and if he’s in a particular type of mood then it’s, ‘Lars is a fuckin’ asshole.’ I can’t control that. “I keep coming back to the statistics, which are interesting: he’s never played on a Metallica record, he was in the band for 10 months, 25 years ago! That’s an amazing statistic when you think about it, and still Metallica is such a prominent part of his existence. That’s just mind-blowing, because he has made some of the best heavy metal records of all time. It blows my mind.”
Dave Mustaine vs Kirk Hammett
Mustaine's replacement within Metallica by Kirk Hammett resulted in bad feelings towards Hammett on Mustaine's part. Even though he has stated he "[doesn't] care Kirk took my job," he also noted that "at least I got to bang his girlfriend before he took my job — how do I taste, Kirk?". He has also claimed that he wrote many of the solos on Kill 'Em All, which were then emulated note for note by Hammett. In "The Art of Kirk Hammett," Kirk states that he was told to use Mustaine's existing solos as a guideline. In the Megadeth edition of Behind the Music, Mustaine stated that "now he sees how [Hammett] tries really hard" and "thinks he makes really good use of what talent he has" after stating earlier in that interview "I hear how much time James and Lars allowed him to solo, and said to myself 'God, he's horrible...'" He has also stated "I don't really mind [Kirk] too bad these days. Like if he was drowning, I'd save him. But I'd wait a bit first." This feud has dropped off considerably in recent years.
Dave Mustaine vs David Ellefson
Mustaine's decision to break up Megadeth in 2002 left all band members miffed and holding grudges, especially David Ellefson, who hinted during an interview with Metal Sludge magazine that Mustaine faked the injury as an excuse to disband Megadeth. Ellefson had been, after Mustaine, the longest-serving member of Megadeth. Subsequently, the rift between them exploded, with the two camps exchanging lawsuits. Ellefson's suit alleged that co-founding guitarist Mustaine breached their long-running partnership agreement. He claimed Mustaine wrongfully took the lion's share of the band's income (estimated at more than $200 million since 1984) for himself and cut Ellefson out of the band's music publishing and merchandise revenues. Ellefson also said that Mustaine libeled him in an online posting, and he sought at least $18.5 million in damages. Mustaine's counterclaim alleged that Ellefson executed a settlement agreement in which he gave up his 20% interest in Megadeth. Mustaine maintains that the settlement — which Ellefson alleges was signed under pressure and ultimately withdrawn — released Mustaine from all claims. Ellefson eventually lost the case.
On Blabbermouth.net, Mustaine claims to have had dinner with Ellefson at Christmas in 2005 to talk things through; they are on good terms today as Mustaine states they have spoken on the phone numerous times. It should also be noted that as of late, Ellefson has stated (also on Blabbermouth.net) that if Mustaine were to call him tomorrow and ask him to rejoin the band, he would say yes.
Dave Mustaine vs Chris Poland
Former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, featured on the albums Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! and Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? had been the target of sour comments from Mustaine concerning Poland's former habit of pawning band gear to purchase heroin. After Poland was dismissed from the band and replaced with Jeff Young in 1987, Mustaine's bitterness towards Poland was the subject of the track 'Liar' on Megadeth's 1988 album So Far, So Good... So What! In a 1992 interview, Mustaine was quoted as saying: "Chris Poland - you know what? - he could die tomorrow and it wouldn't affect me... Chris has never made amends to me for stealing all my gear. I had a collector's item Echoplex, which just disappeared, all sorts of guitars, which were all stolen to cash in for heroin. I'm willing to forgive and forget, but until he comes and makes amends with me then I'm not willing to give in."
The amends seemed to have been made by 2004 when Mustaine hired Poland to perform guitar solos on a number of tracks for The System Has Failed (he also recorded solos for Rust In Peace preproduction demos), after Poland had appeared to tell this side of the Megadeth story for the Behind the Music episode. Unfortunately, soon after the album's release, Mustaine was contacted by Poland's lawyers, who claimed Poland was due royalties beyond that of his session fees. In late 2006, Poland began posting on the official Megadeth message board, apparently having resolved his problems with Mustaine.
Dave Mustaine vs Kerry King (Slayer)
Mustaine has a long-standing feud with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. King had previously been a temporary member of Megadeth in 1984. Even though Mustaine tried to convince him to focus on Megadeth rather than the "lame spikes" and "eyeliner" with the "posers" in Slayer, Kerry refused to quit his main band. After a falling out during the 1991 "Clash of the Titans" tour, Kerry and Mustaine made public jabs at one another throughout the 1990s. Mustaine cited Slayer's poor record sales compared to Megadeth, and Kerry mentioned Mustaine's inability to get along with band members and tour with major acts. Mustaine tried to reach out to Kerry after the murder of Dimebag Darrell. King has said that he thinks Mustaine is a "cocksucker", has said that "everybody hates him", and that he is a "dictator". He also called David Ellefson a "great dude" and voiced his support for Ellefson's attempt to sue Mustaine in 2002, stating that he and Ellefson had "been friends for years." Mustaine, for his part, has stated that, in his opinion, "Kerry has a problem, because he hates everybody." In a recent 2007 interview in Metalhammer magazine, Mustaine states that he doesn't care anymore and wants to end his arguments, mainly with Metallica and Slayer. King stated in a 2007 issue of Revolver magazine that he is a "Mustaine fan", but that he doesn't "really care for the guy." Recently in GuitarWorld.com's Dear Guitar Hero, King stated that he "admires [Mustaine] to this day" as a guitarist, even though he considers Mustaine a "hypocrite" and an "asshole". Kerry King was the guest for episode 31 in Marty Friedman's Rock Fujiyama Show on Japanese TV, After playing The main riff of Jump In The Fire from Metallica, He made some compliments for Dave Mustaine. Megadeth and Slayer will be co-headlining a small Canadian tour together, which may mean that this feud has been resolved.
Dave Mustaine vs Tom Araya (Slayer)
Mustaine's feuds with King have sparked animosities between fans of Slayer and Megadeth, but the only other member of Slayer who seems to be involved in the feud with Mustaine is bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Like the feud with King (although much smaller-scale), this feud mostly began at the "Clash of the Titans" tour when Mustaine told him that he liked it when Araya "sucked his dick." Araya proceeded to call him a "homo" onstage. Megadeth and Slayer will be co-headlining a small Canadian tour together, which may mean that this feud has been resolved.
Dave Mustaine vs Pantera
Mustaine at one time had a continuing feud with the band Pantera, who opened for Megadeth's 1992 'Countdown to Extinction' tour. Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo was known for saying "Fuck Megadeth" and "Fuck Dave" through the PA during Pantera's set minutes before Megadeth took the stage. In 1994, in an interview on MTV, Mustaine told an interviewer that he felt his music had been ripped off. He continued, "I'm not gonna name anybody 'cause I'm not gonna promote them. OK, we'll say 'panther' in Spanish. You're welcome guys. We might as well be cooking their dinner for them or pushing their little wheelbarrow to the bank for them." After the murder of former Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell (who had once been invited to join Megadeth), Mustaine downplayed this comment on a 2004 Headbanger's Ball memorial to Dimebag as an "off-camera, off-record" event and said he felt flattered by Pantera. However, the video of the interview is available at the MTV website. However, Mustaine and the members of Pantera seem to have put these differences to rest, as Mustaine has posthumously expressed his admiration for "Dimebag. In 2007, Mustaine toured with Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown's band Down, further indicating that he has apparently made peace with the former members of Pantera.
Dave Mustaine vs Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies)
Yet another brief feud that was sparked on the "Clash of the Titans" tour was between Mustaine and Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. Muir was upset that Mustaine apparently tried to throw his band off the bill and responded by attacking Mustaine's alcohol addictions and joking that he "lived at the Betty Ford Clinic." The feud nearly became violent on the Clash of the Titans tour when he challenged Mustaine to an onstage fist-fight. Muir claimed that "There are a lot of people who would like to see Dave get his butt kicked, and the Lord knows Mike Muir ain't goin' down. I'll fuck him up... I'd dazzle him, left'n'right. I wanna see a little blood, y'know what I'm sayin'?" Mustaine responded to Muir verbally, claiming that Muir was stupid for trying to intimidate him (Mustaine holds black belts in Karate and Tae Kwon Do according to megadeth.com's FAQ section), and claiming to be a Suicidal fan as well. This feud did not carry on past the end of the tour. Suicidal even opened for Megadeth on their 1992 Countdown to Extinction tour (and ex-Suicidal drummer Jimmy DeGrasso worked in Megadeth as well as MD.45 earlier). Muir and Mustaine are now on good terms, with Mustaine claiming that he and Muir are "good friends today."
Terrorvision vs Queens of the Stone Age
1999: From Terrorvision’s MySpace: “Terrovision headlined a stage at the ‘Big Day Out’ at the Milton Keynes Bowl, and got into a dressing room brawl with Queens Of The Stone Age.” NME.com mention in a QOTSA review, that: “Nick Oliveri was in Seattle’s evil porno punks the Dwarves until he got thrown out for bad behaviour and was arrested at last year’s Big Day Out for attacking Terrorvision.”
Axl vs the world (GNR members, Motley Crue, Nirvana, Tommy Hilfiger) 1987: Axl announces onstage that “Bon Jovi can suck my dick”. In 2006 Jon Bon Jovi said: “You know what pisses me off? …a story about Axl Rose and the $13m Guns N’ Roses record that was never made. That motherfucker hasn’t made a record in 13 years and he gets all that attention. You know what I’ve done in 13 years? A lot. But they have continued to write about the freak show aspect of him.” Poor old Jon, suffering, un-appreciated in the shadows.
1989: Vince Neil punched Izzy Stradlin over a girl. Axl wades in.
1992: Phew, real car crash this one. Kirk says Guns N’ Roses are “so obviously pathetic and untalented”. It all rolls along for years until now apparently the (ex)-GN’R crew are now pals again.
2006: Axl’s lawyers release some statement about stuff Slash told him. It’s all denied. Axl hates Velvet Revolver. Simple.
2006: Tommy Hilfiger swings at Axl for moving a drink or something. Wikipedia states that “Hilfiger - wearing a GN’R shirt – and Axl were seen “hugging” and “burying the hatchet” backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards” later.
2006: Rose refers to opening act the Eagles of Death Metal as the “Pigeons of Shit Metal. I’m sorry to say that this will be their last night with us.” And it was.
Murderdolls vs Dani Filth
2003: Cradle Of Filth’s Dani Filth keeps walking into the Murderdolls area at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. He was ejected from the area, and then the party and only left when security punched him on the sternum, knocking him over. (Dani Filth famously trashed a rock magazines offices after a bad review).
Fred Durst vs Dino Cazares
2002: Limp Bizkit attempted to offer former Fear Factory guitarist, Dino Cazares, for an audition to fill the band’s vacant guitarist role following last year’s departure of Wes Borland. Dino immediately turned down the offer saying joining Limp Bizkit would be “career suicide.” Ta.
Iron Maiden vs Sharon Osbourne Here’s what ‘apparently’ happened at the 2005 Ozzfest: Bruce cussed Ozzy, something about being an old duffer. Sharon calls him a prick and on the last day instigates an onstage egging of Maiden during their set and fucks with their sound. In the aftermath Sharon shoots her mouth off dissing Maiden further, Maiden stay sctum. Ish. If you really want to know, there are about ten million ‘eye witness accounts.
Dillinger Escape Plan vs Disturbed
2008: Dillinger guitarist Ben Weinman told Australian magazine Beat that he saw the guys choreographing every one of their moves during a soundcheck, saying “[they were] practicing where they were going to walk and when they were going to put their leg up on the monitor and pose… That was weird for us. There are times [during live shows] where I don’t even know where I am.” Disturbed frontman David Draiman responded: “Let me give you a little bit of education: This is what the big boys do who play stadium shows”.
Brent Hinds (Mastodon) vs Shavo Odadjian (System Of A Down) and others
2007: An inebriated Hinds left the Mandalay Bay after the MTV VMAs around 3am and met Shavo and musician William Hudson at the hotel’s west valet area. Hinds took his shirt off and hit Shavo with it before hitting Hudson in both the face and then chest. The police report says both Shavo and Hudson punched Hinds in the face, knocking him to the ground.
2008: There was an alleged altercation between garage rocker King Khan and Hinds: “He said ‘Do you know who I am? I am the greatest guitar player around,’ and punched me in the face.” There are also reports that the band got into a fight while on tour in the northern UK.
Vivian Campbell vs Ronnie James Dio
2003: Vivian Campbell: “[Playing in Dio] never mattered to me — and still doesn’t… He’s an incredible talent, but he’s an awful businessman and way more importantly, one of the vilest people in the industry.”
2007: Ronnie James Dio says: “I hope he fucking dies. He’s a fucking asshole. He’s got two fucking chances. He’s a piece of shit. He called me the most despicable human being that ever lived. I went, ‘I thought I gave you a chance and made you somebody. And now you’re playing with who? Def fucking who?’ There’s a fucking rock band for you to fucking have diarrhoea with.” He later said: “OK, I get the point — you really don’t like me at all! Well, tell me what the problem is, Vivian. Tell everybody what the problem is, because at the moment everyone is kind of scratching their heads over this one.”
David Coverdale vs The Quireboys
2004: www.chroniclelive.co.uk reported: Spike: “We were 45 seconds late going on stage one night and a minute-and-a-half late coming off another night.” “On both occasions we were given a dressing-down - one for getting the crowd out of their seats! I asked whether this was a rock’n’roll tour or a bingo night?” Then Spike discovered The Quireboys’ merchandise had gone missing. Then the final blow: “They told us we were off the tour but it was hardly a surprise.” So the ‘Boys didn’t get to play their hometown gig in Newcastle: “It was going to be a very special night for everyone,” admitted Spike. “And we want to stress that we haven’t pulled out. We were told we weren’t wanted and that’s that.”
James Gill vs Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy)
2005: Gill quotes Angela as saying: “People think that because you bought a ticket to the show that they own you. No, you see the show and go home, I don’t owe you anything.” Angela says she’s been misquoted.
2006: Angela says in a MH Spanish Inquisition: “If I ever see that little cunt Gill again I am going to kick his teeth so far down his throat that he can never do another interview ever again.” Gill shits himself.
2006: Angela confronts Gill at the MH Golden God Awards. Angela opens up and they agree to do another interview to straighten things out.
2007: They do. She admitted that: “I thought I’ve got to meet that cunt again and knock the shit out of him.”
Gaahl (Gorgoroth) and King ov Hell vs Infernus (Gorgoroth)
2008: Who has the rights to the name Gorgoroth? The legal battle continues. Probably in a forest near Oslo.
David Lee Roth vs Sammy Hagar vs Eddie Van Halen
The two Van Halen singers have been at it since 1985.
Sammy Hagar: All he cares about is going out there with his Jack Daniels bottle. Nothing has changed. That’s kind of sad. If David was doing better than he used to be, then that would be different. But it was a joke and he made it that way.
DLR: I left and I said “I really want to make music and I’ll take a cut if that’s necessary to be an artist”. But listen to this. The last album sold a million and a half, theirs sold a little more than that, but I don’t break it up five ways.
Sammy Hagar: Dave was great in Van Halen. No question about it. He was one of the best at being Mr. Rock Star. But it’s sickening to see a guy still trying to be that with a wig on 20 years later. everything that comes out of his mouth is word-barf. It’s the lowest common denominator. It’s meant for children. Jimi Hendrix never made music for children. Children may have loved it, but he never made music like “Hey, the 14-year-olds will love this”. The guys in Led Zeppelin and the Beatles never said “I’m gonna aim this at the 12-year-olds”.
Sammy Hagar: Everything that Eddie has said about me is the total opposite of what really happened. Eddie says I wanted to be a solo artist. No, Eddie wanted to be a solo artist.
DLR: [Sammy’s] my bitch, and when he says my name we just sell that many more records.
Sammy Hagar: If I would go up on a high note, Eddie would want a low one. That’s how petty the situation had become.
DLR: Sammy is a mindless little bridge-troll drone.
Sammy Hagar: It’s a good thing I don’t read everything Eddie says, or I’d be up in arms and not enjoying my life.
DLR: he was a complete failure till he got with the Van Halen bunch.
Sammy Hagar: It’s hard to say this about a guy like Eddie Van Halen, one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived, but he’s really limited to a style and they’re locked into it.
DLR: You’ve got someone who’s enfeebled himself with dope and alcohol who’s gonna go along with the situation.
Sammy Hagar: Overall, we had about 50 meetings where the brothers would say that I couldn’t do any solo records, I couldn’t write for other people, I couldn’t do this and I couldn’t do that. These guys were trying to nail my feet to the ground.
DLR: Sammy would sell the property rights to his butthole to get fame.
Sammy Hagar: When they brought Roth back into the picture, obviously I didn’t go along with that too well.
DLR: Sammy Hagar, who at best is a mediocre talent…
Sammy Hagar: When we were on the road, I found out that my greatest hits album went Gold. They freaked out. Things really came to a head when we started arguing about a Van Halen greatest hits package.
DLR: I left and I said “I really want to make music and I’ll take a cut if that’s necessary to be an artist”. But listen to this. The last album sold a million and a half, theirs sold a little more than that, but I don’t break it up five ways.
Lynyrd Skynyrd vs Neil Young
Neil Young’s ‘Southern Man’ is a biting rant about Confederate racism that drew the ire of proud rednecks Lynyrd Skynyrd and prompted their musical response in the track ‘Sweet Home Alabama “Well I hope Neil Young will remember/ A southern man don’t need him around anyhow”
Marilyn Manson vs My Chemical Romance
2007: Manson wrote ‘Mutilation Is The Most Sincere Form Of about Gerard Way’s outfit, and features the lyrics, “Fuck you, fuck you”. He said: “I’m embarrassed to be me because these people are doing a really sad, pitiful, shallow version of what I’ve done.” My Chemical Romance’s Frank Ieror said “The funny thing is that he seems to have lashed out at us about the make-up. That’s weird to me, because I had heard of Alice Cooper before I heard of Marilyn Manson. I don’t know how he could be mad at us. We never came out and said we were going to call ourselves by a girl’s name and then a serial killer’s name. I’m really sorry if he feels we ripped him off. Maybe he’s doing it for the press.” Gerard Way added: “If Elvis Costello said we sucked we would think about it a bit… We still haven’t found someone that has knocked us down that we need to take seriously.”
Euronymous (Mayhem) vs Varg Vikernes (Burzum)
E: “I invented black metal.” VV: “You’ve gone soft.” [stab stab stab] “See?” The end.
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs Mr. Bungle
Spinner.com reported that Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn said Chilis were: “That stupid white band that do horrible cover versions of black musicians.” RHCP’s Anthony Kiedis took exception to Mike Patton’s stage presence in Faith No More, which he thought ripped off his own. When Patton later fronted Mr. Bungle, the bands were set to release albums (’California’ and ‘Californication’) on the same day and label. Bungle’s was pushed back. Kiedis insisted that they be removed from Chilis-headlined festivals. A miffed Patton said, “We are not even a speck of dust on this guy’s ass!” Bungle later put on a Peppers parody, mocking several songs.
Kid Rock vs Tommy Lee
2007: Ok, so they’re all at the VMAs (fave fight venue) Tommy Lee says something to/about Kid Rock as he walks towards P Diddy. Kid Rock then slaps the drummer. Tommy tries to fight back but before he can twat him, Rock chins him. Kid Rock was heard saying the following triple negative clusterfuck: “I never hit nobody for nothing before.” Sooo… he did or he didn’t?
Glenn Danzig vs Northside Kings
Glenn Danzig gets in an argument with North Side Kings singer and frequent Soulfly collaborator Danny Marianinho after a Danzig show. Danny said: “He threw me pretty hard and I reacted like anyone on this site would have. The guy is out of control. The video shows it all — and it was very uncalled for on his end. He caught me off guard when he attacked me — but I caught him with a good jab. That’s it in a nutshell. To this day he has not tried to contact me to apologize for being a mental case…” I wouldn’t hold your breath, mate.
Avenged Sevenfold vs Atreyu
2005: A7X’s M Shadows: “Atreyu are leading the scene that we want to get out of. I wouldn’t say we are fucking friends.” He adds that they ripped off a song intro too. Atreyu’s Alex Varkatzas said: “I guess if you’re not down with Atreyu, you can go fuck yourself.” At the time of the feud Atreyu had sold over 410,000 albums while Avenged Sevenfold had only sold 231,421.
Marilyn Manson vs Trent Reznor vs Courtney Love vs Tori Amos
1996: Trent executive produces Manson’s amazing ‘Anti-Christ Superstar’ album. They do tons of blow. 90s (at some point): Trent dates Courtney Love.
1996: Tori Amos allegedly writes ‘Professional Widow’ about Love.
1997-ish: Tori and Trent are allegedly dating.
1998-ish: Trent later said of his falling out with Manson: “. He and I are two strong personalities that could coexist for a while, but things changed. I think fame and power distort people’s personalities.” And Manson later said: “If I were the kind of person to be insulted by petty things, I would be insulted by the way Trent Reznor has acted since I moved from Nothing Records [Reznor's label] on to Interscope.”
1999: Trent allegedly writes ‘Starfuckers Inc’ about Love and Manson.
1999: Trent and Manson make friends. 00s: Courtney still blogs about Trent.
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