Buzz Osborne (Melvins) Fan First: Kurt Cobain's First Show, The Who, Tool's Support & Much More
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Buzz Osborne (Melvins) explores his long history of fandom, from The Who through to The Stooges, Sex Pistols through to introducing his band and Nirvana's Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic to underground music (and Kurt's first live show, Black Flag), that time Tool backed his band on Ozzfest (and why all of nu-metal sounds like Helmet), his catalyst for making music, why Judas Priest made the best heavy metal record ever, misremembered rock myths, why the only grunge band he still listens to is Soundgarden, the movies he and Mike Patton obsess over and much more. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2TzldGO Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x0vxFH Subscribe to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/revolver?sub_confirmation=1 Buzz Osborne Content Guide: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 The new Melvins acoustic record sounds like a Sixties death cult 01:15 Born in the Sixties, Hunter S. Thompson & the Manson murders 03:19 When Buzz got into rock and roll via Alice Cooper and The Stooges 04:26 The Who’s dramatic nature & gear smashing ways 07:34 Ron Ashton from the Stooges, Pete Townsend & subversion 08:17 What was the catalyst for playing music? 09:44 What was missing from music that the Melvins could bring 10:39 Kurt Cobain of Nirvana’s first show (Black Flag) & discovering weird music 15:33 Did Nirvana getting big change everything? 18:37 Carving out a space and a sonic palette 20:22 Why Priest created the best heavy metal album ever made 22:43 The dissonance of loving punk rock and heavy metal at once 24:29 Tool’s Aenima 25th anniversary, their Ozzfest love & Buzz’s take on nu-metal 29:57 The 180 degree gap between Melvins and Pearl Jam 31:44 The most mistold rock myth: Nirvana jealousy 33:08 My theories were right - more than metal but still aggressive 33:25 The trappings of fame: groupies, divorce, etc 35:21 Have you ever taken acid? What robots share with trippers 37:52 Is everything in music relative? 40:02 Watching movies on mute while writing tunes & David Lynch 41:47 George Orwell & individualism 45:30 Grunge, sludge, doom & High on Fire 47:00 What do you fangirl out on with Mike Patton? 48:51 A secret hunch about death? And never getting over Cobain 50:15 What do you miss the most about Kurt? How he got into music 53:06 The rock and roll history line from Jerry Lee Lewis to Johnny Rotten (and Tina Turner) 59:02 Music has meant something since the dawn of time 1:00:25 Being heartbroken by music itself & 5 Life Changing Songs 1:02:38 Chris Cornell’s exceptional James Bond theme 1:03:50 The early years of Soundgarden & why they made the 2 best albums from that era 1:07:05 The greatest female rock star & Bikini Kill 1:09:47 Zines and the early underground scene in Olympia & San Francisco 1:13:57 Buzz’s best decision ever: Marrying Mackie Osborne 1:17:16 Dolly Parton and the Buzz Osborne theme park 1:18:14 The story of the Melvins quadruple acoustic record --- Revolver on the web: Revolver on Shopify: https://revolvermagazine.myshopify.com Revolver on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revolvermag/ Revolver on Twitter: https://twitter.com/revolvermag Revolver on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolvermag/ Subscribe to the Revolver Newsletter: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1853466/1801978/
Melvins are an American rock band formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington. Their early work was key to the development of both grunge and sludge metal. Primarily a trio, they have also performed as a quartet, with either two drummers or two bassists. Since 1984, vocalist and guitarist Buzz Osborne and drummer Dale Crover have been constant members.
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Buzz Osborne's rambling monologue is a treasure trove of insight into the mind of one of alternative rock's most influential figures. The Melvins' guitarist and vocalist has always been known for his eclectic tastes, but this clip offers a fascinating glimpse into his formative years and the catalysts that shaped his musical worldview.
Recorded in 2022, the footage captures Osborne at an age where he can reflect on a lifetime of experiences, from his early days as a fan of The Who to his current status as a respected elder statesman of underground rock. As he meanders through his thoughts on everything from Judas Priest's "British Steel" to the merits of Soundgarden, it becomes clear that Osborne is not just reminiscing – he's distilling the essence of his artistic philosophy.
One of the most striking aspects of this clip is its rarity as a straightforward interview. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Osborne doesn't shy away from controversy or challenge the dominant narratives of rock history. Instead, he tackles topics like the "nu-metal" phenomenon with characteristic candor, dismissing it as little more than Helmet-wannabes and Tool-aping poseurs.
This clip is also significant because it offers a unique perspective on the grunge movement's most influential figures. Osborne's take on Nirvana's early days – particularly Kurt Cobain's first live show with Black Flag – provides a fascinating counterpoint to the more sanitized versions of history that have become ingrained in popular culture. His assertion that Soundgarden is the only grunge band he still listens to today is also telling, highlighting the enduring influence of Chris Cornell's voice and songwriting.
Throughout this clip, Osborne's conversational style is both engaging and illuminating. He effortlessly segues from discussing the merits of The Stooges' "Raw Power" to dissecting the nuances of Tool's "Aenima," revealing a deep understanding of rock history that's both impressive and humbling. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom – whether it's his dismissal of Pearl Jam or his assertion that Judas Priest created the best heavy metal album ever made – is refreshing, if not always persuasive.
Watching this clip, one can't help but feel that Osborne is speaking directly to those who have been inspired by his music over the years. His words are a testament to the enduring power of rock 'n' roll as a catalyst for creativity and self-expression. As he rambles on about everything from acid trips to movie soundtracks, it's clear that Osborne remains as passionate and engaged as ever – a true original in an industry often dominated by formulaic thinking.
Ultimately, this clip is more than just a fascinating insight into the mind of Buzz Osborne; it's a time capsule of alternative rock's most formative years. As such, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the genre's history and evolution. With its meandering pace and conversational tone, it may not be the most polished or slickly produced interview – but its unvarnished honesty and intellectual curiosity make it an unforgettable experience that will leave viewers eager to explore more of Osborne's music and ideas.
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