Loudwire - The Greatest Rock Collabs that Never Happened
The transcript covers several anecdotes from musicians about their experiences with famous bands. One story involves Dimebag Darrell almost joining Megadeth but declining because his brother couldn't join. Another recounts a musician's brief stint with Ozzy Osbourne, which was cut short due to an ATV accident. The musician also discusses recording with Velvet Revolver, but the tracks were never released. Additionally, there are stories about auditioning for Poison and collaborating with Led Zeppelin members, which didn't materialize into a project. These stories highlight the challenges and dynamics of band memberships and collaborations in the rock music industry.
Key Points:
- Dimebag Darrell declined to join Megadeth without his brother, showing the importance of family ties in band decisions.
- An ATV accident prevented a musician from recording an album with Ozzy Osbourne, illustrating how unforeseen events can impact music careers.
- Velvet Revolver recorded tracks with a musician, but they were never released, highlighting the uncertainty of music projects.
- A musician auditioned for Poison but didn't join due to a mismatch in style, emphasizing the role of image in band selection.
- Collaborations with Led Zeppelin members didn't lead to a project, showing that even promising collaborations can fall through.
Details:
1. 🎸 Playing with Mega Death: Early Days and Challenges
- Played in Mega's first five shows, indicating early involvement with the band.
- Willingness to play bass with the band again for short-term engagements, demonstrating flexibility and open collaboration.
- Not particularly interested in the band's dress code, suggesting a preference for personal style over imposed costumes.
- Faced challenges such as adapting to the band's dynamic and establishing a personal identity within the group.
- Shared anecdotes about initial rehearsals and the learning curve involved in performing with a new band.
- Mentioned the importance of creative freedom and mutual respect as key elements for successful collaboration in the music industry.
2. 🤘 Dimebag Darrell: A Near Miss in Mega Death's Lineup
- Dimebag Darrell, known for his fame with Pantera, nearly joined Mega Death, but it was contingent on bringing his brother, Vinnie Paul, along.
- Mega Death's existing drummer, Chuck Behler, prevented Vinnie Paul's inclusion, which was a deal-breaker for Dimebag Darrell.
- The timing of Nick Menza replacing Chuck Behler did not align with Dimebag's conditions, closing the opportunity.
- This near miss in collaboration could have created a powerhouse band, hypothetically named 'Panta Death' or 'Mega Tera', potentially reshaping the heavy metal scene significantly.
3. 🎤 Collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne: Opportunities and Obstacles
- In 2003, plans for a collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne were disrupted by an ATV accident, which prevented the artist from recording a planned album with Osbourne.
- Despite the setback, a deal was struck with Sharon Osbourne to open all European shows, resulting in an opportunity to perform 60 shows in 30 days, showcasing the artist's dedication and resilience.
- The artist demonstrated exceptional work ethic by performing in two bands each night, underscoring their adaptability and commitment to the collaboration.
- The rigorous schedule involved performing 40 different songs across various bands, highlighting the artist's versatility and ability to manage complex musical arrangements.
- The experience, although challenging, offered significant exposure and professional growth, exemplifying the artist's capacity to turn obstacles into opportunities.
4. 🎵 Velvet Revolver Sessions: Unseen Tracks and Creative Process
4.1. Development of Unreleased Tracks
4.2. Creative Process and Collaboration Dynamics
5. 👗 Poison Audition: Image Over Talent
- The audition for the band Poison emphasized image over musical talent, as shown by the focus on dress code rather than performance skills.
- The speaker performed well musically but was not chosen due to not adhering to the glam rock image that Poison embodied.
- The emphasis on image is highlighted by the fact that the person who got the position dressed in sequins, makeup, and styled hair, which aligned with the band's image.
- The speaker wore moccasins, which were deemed unsuitable for the glam rock image Poison sought.
6. 🎸 Solo Ventures and Notable Collaborations
6.1. Solo Ventures
6.2. Successful Collaborations
6.3. Unrealized Projects
7. 🎶 Velvet Revolver Revisited: Auditions and Sound Identity
- In 2002, the auditionee recorded five songs with Velvet Revolver but was turned down because, according to Slash, it sounded too much like Skid Roses, indicating the importance of unique sound identity in band dynamics.
- The individual believes that if they had been chosen instead of Scott Weiland, the band might still be together, suggesting their potential impact on the band's longevity.
- In 1984, the individual joined Megadeth and played five concerts but left due to the challenging environment, highlighting the difficulties faced in high-pressure band settings.
- They were one of the few to see Metallica with Dave Mustaine, providing them with rare and valuable industry insights.
- The decision to join Megadeth was seen as an opportunity for learning and gaining visibility, particularly hoping to connect back to Slayer's audience, reflecting strategic career moves in the music industry.
- The individual felt playing with Megadeth would also promote Slayer, as they were mostly known in the Bay Area at the time, illustrating the interconnected nature of band promotion and audience reach.
8. 🎸 The Ozzy Osbourne Experience: Trials and Triumphs
- Despite being listed as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist for only one year, the narrator's brief tenure in 1995 was marked by unique challenges and experiences.
- Rehearsals were unconventional; Ozzy would call out songs randomly without prior notice, testing the narrator's adaptability and skill.
- The unpredictability extended to show scheduling, with a particular show being repeatedly canceled and reinstated due to Ozzy's sore throat, illustrating the volatile nature of live performances.
- Post-show interactions were positive, with Ozzy personally hugging the narrator and indicating his satisfaction, an informal but clear sign of approval.
- While road crew feedback was supportive, internal band dynamics were complex, with subtle hints of disapproval from some quarters, suggesting underlying tensions.
- There was pressure to emulate Zack Wild's style, pointing to expectations of continuity in the band's image and sound.