Paul Gray (Author: Gene Smirnov - http://www.genesmirnov.com)
After a seven month hiatus from my website, I am not sure how to pick-up where I left off. The reason for this post is because last Monday brought sad news to the music world, the Midwest and myself. Paul Gray has passed away, for reasons unknown at this time. Paul was one of the original founders of Slipknot. He had been Slipknot’s only bass player since their inception in 1995. On Monday morning, Paul was found dead in his hotel room in Urbandale, IA. He is survived by his wife Brenna who was expecting their first child at the time of his death. I realize their music is not for everyone, but that doesn’t take away from their talent. Many consider Slipknot the pioneers for new age heavy metal (or nu metal). Really, there is not many other bands that have a 9 person member list, which makes their sound pretty unique.
Paul Gray's Guitar Pick from Council Bluffs, Iowa 01.25.2009
On top of that, their lyrics are powerful, full of emotion and touch on the darker side of some topics that can effect us all. Slipknot’s stage presence is amazing and extremely energetic. Although they have received negative press as using their masks and image to sell records, their intention is actually to draw attention away from themselves so listeners can focus on the music. Everyone deals with life’s difficult times in different ways and Slipknot’s music has been like medication for some of those tough times in my life. Paul will be greatly missed.
Since I got a pingback on my last post, I figured I would post some videos I found of the band. The first video is U2′s Bloody Sunday and the second video is Metallica’s One (courtesy of YouTube). They didn’t have the cello player for One when we say them though. You can find them on MySpace. They have a few more songs on their profile, including Greensleeves and Whiskey in the Jar.
While checking out the local venues last night I found some more shows that sparked some interest. The most amusing part is not too long ago there was a conversation about Green Jello (Jelly) and oddly enough, they’re coming to Lincoln. The must might suck but honestly, it sounds fun. Hopefully they bring all the costumes! Here’s the list:
Tuesday April 1 at Knickerbockers (9:00)
Hurt, Down Sumner, Leo
Tuesday April 29th at Sokol Ungerground (7:00)
Sick Puppies with Tickle ME Pink
$12 ADV/$14 DOS
Tuesday May 1 at Knickerbockers (9:00)
Pomeroy
Wednesday Jun 4 at Knickerbockers (9:00)
Green Jello, Mensrea
Saturday June 14th at Sokil Auditorium (8:00)
Hatebreed with 3 Inches of Blood
$17.50 ADV/$20 DOS
Monday October 3rd at Sokol Auditorium (7:00)
Badfish (A Tribute to Sublime) with Scotty Don’t
