Dave Mason, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and Traffic co-founder, has died at 79. No cause was given, though health issues forced him to cancel recent tours. Mason wrote several classic rock songs like “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole In My Shoe” while helping form Traffic in 1967 with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood. He also enjoyed solo hits including “We Just Disagree” in 1977 and collaborated extensively with artists like The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson. Traffic was inducted into the Rock Hall in 2004. Winwood posted a tribute to his late band-mate yesterday saying Mason’s “songwriting, musicianship, and distinctive spirit helped create music that has lasted far beyond its era” and “his presence endures.” Story URL
Dave Grohl revealed his unconventional method for preserving vocal health during decades of screaming performances. The Foo Fighters frontman told Dish Podcast that his pre-show routine involves beer, Advil, and whiskey. Eight years ago, a throat doctor examining Grohl’s vocal cords said they “look amazing” and allegedly told him: “Just don’t change what you’re doing. It’s working.” Grohl’s ritual begins an hour before shows with beer and Advil for joint pain, followed by whiskey shots. The band performs “band prayer” group shots before he consumes one final beer and whiskey shot. Grohl also said he performs no vocal warm-ups or cool-downs. Fans can see Grohl’s preserved vocals when Foo Fighters tour North American stadiums with Queens of the Stone Age this summer. Story URL
Former Korn bassist Fieldy disclosed that COVID-19 concerns prompted his 2021 departure from the band during a recent Shady Characters podcast appearance. “COVID happened. That’s it. I’m like, ‘I’m not going out there,'” Fieldy explained to former bandmate Richard Morrill. He refused vaccination and declined touring to Florida with the group. Fieldy reflected on nearly 30 years with Korn, calling it “a blast” and “everything everybody dreams of.” When asked about retirement, he stated: “I’m retired from Korn today, but we’ll see what the day brings tomorrow.” Ra Diaz currently handles bass duties for Korn. Fieldy confirmed he’s working on a new project with Sepultura drummer Greyson Nekrutman and ex-Fear Factory bassist Christian Olde Wolbers. He maintains no ill will toward his former bandmates, calling them “my homies, my brothers.” Story URL