About This Footage
The raw, unbridled energy of early 2000s rock is on full display in this footage from 2001, a pivotal moment for Puddle of Mudd's career. "Control" is more than just another music video - it's a snapshot of the band's frenetic live performances and their ability to craft infectious hooks.
Puddle of Mudd was riding high at this point, having just released their breakthrough album Come Clean to critical acclaim. The album's lead single, "Blurry", had already begun its ascent up the Billboard charts, eventually peaking at number 5 on the Hot 100. This success was no fluke - Puddle of Mudd's unique blend of post-grunge and alternative rock resonated with a generation of music fans.
The band's energetic live shows were a key factor in their rapid rise to fame. With lead vocalist Wes Scantlin's signature snarl and the guitar work of Paul Wilson, Puddle of Mudd was able to translate their studio magic onto the stage. This footage captures that energy perfectly - the camera cuts between close-ups of the band members' faces contorted in concentration, interspersed with shots of the crowd surging forward.
What makes this clip rare is its raw, unpolished quality. Unlike many music videos from the time, "Control" doesn't rely on elaborate special effects or over-the-top production values. Instead, it's a straightforward document of Puddle of Mudd's live performance, with all the attendant chaos and unpredictability that comes with it.
Watching this footage, one can't help but be struck by the band's sheer enthusiasm. They're not just playing their instruments - they're living and breathing every moment on stage. This is rock music as a physical, visceral experience, rather than some polished, studio-concocted product.
The fact that Puddle of Mudd has continued to produce music over the years only adds to the significance of this footage. Despite the band's commercial success, they've never been afraid to experiment and push boundaries - a trait that's evident even in their early work. The fact that they're still releasing new albums today is a testament to their enduring appeal.
One thing that becomes clear watching "Control" is just how much Puddle of Mudd was a product of its time. Their sound was influenced by the likes of Foo Fighters and Soundgarden, but they also brought their own unique perspective to the table. This footage captures that moment when alternative rock was still a relatively new and exciting genre - before it became watered down and overplayed.
The final shot of Wes Scantlin's face contorted in a snarl as he belts out the chorus is an image that stays with you long after the video ends. It's a reminder of just how much raw energy and passion went into creating this music, and why Puddle of Mudd remains one of the most beloved bands of their generation.
Curated from public records and music databases.
