In a candid and poignant interview on The Garza Podcast, hosted by SUICIDE SILENCE guitarist Chris Garza, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY (C.O.C.) guitarist and vocalist Pepper Keenan delved into the profound impact of the 2020 passing of the band’s co-founding drummer, Reed Mullin. Mullin, a foundational figure in the Southern rock and crossover thrash scenes, co-established CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1982 alongside bassist Mike Dean and guitarist Woody Weatherman, initially as a hardcore punk outfit that would later pioneer the genre’s fusion with heavy metal. His absence has left an indelible mark on the band’s trajectory and their creative output.
Keenan’s reflections offered a deeply personal glimpse into the final years of Mullin’s life and the uncertainty that permeated the band’s creative process leading up to their 2018 album, "No Cross No Crown." This album, which garnered critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, now stands as Mullin’s final studio contribution with the band. The conversation touched upon Mullin’s recurring health issues, which had led to him missing numerous shows in the four years preceding his death, most notably an alcohol-related seizure in June 2016, a stark indicator of the escalating health challenges he faced.
The Shadow of Illness and Unforeseen Endings
When questioned about his awareness of "No Cross No Crown" potentially being Mullin’s final album, Keenan expressed a profound sense of not knowing. "No. Well, his health was not well," Keenan stated, highlighting the band’s efforts to support Mullin through his struggles. "And we tried everything. [We] didn’t know. He just couldn’t get it together, man. And we tried everything." The guitarist revealed the extent of the concern and support Mullin received, even from prominent figures in the music industry. "And [former NIRVANA drummer and FOO FIGHTERS frontman] Dave Grohl offered help – Dave Grohl had helped him with rehab, paid for it out of his own pocket, which was very kind. [I’ll] never forget that. And, yeah, I didn’t know." This revelation underscores the deep-seated concern and the lengths to which friends and peers would go to aid Mullin, illustrating the respect and affection he commanded within the music community.
The unpredictable nature of Mullin’s health meant that the band operated in a state of flux, unable to definitively plan for the future with him. This period was marked by a dedication to continuing their musical endeavors while grappling with the personal challenges faced by their bandmate. The uncertainty surrounding Mullin’s ability to participate fully in touring and recording undoubtedly cast a shadow over the band’s operations, forcing them to adapt and persevere.
A Legacy of Raw Creativity and Crossover Innovation
Despite the somber circumstances surrounding Mullin’s later years, Keenan emphasized the enduring positive memories and the immense respect he holds for his fallen bandmate. "Now me and Woody look back at things and we have nothing but wonderful stories about Reed," Keenan shared. He painted a vivid picture of Mullin’s drumming prowess during his peak, describing him as "a fucking animal on the drums." Keenan elaborated on Mullin’s unique contribution to music: "You couldn’t touch him in terms of creativity and moving that type of music forward. He’s one of the O.G.s of the crossover shit back in the day, so he truly had helped invent something."
This sentiment is echoed by the historical significance of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s early work. Emerging in the early 1980s, the band was at the forefront of the crossover thrash movement, a genre that seamlessly blended the aggression and speed of hardcore punk with the riff-laden power of heavy metal. Mullin’s drumming was integral to this sound, providing a relentless and innovative rhythmic foundation that set C.O.C. apart. His contributions helped to forge a blueprint for countless bands that followed, solidifying his status as a pioneer.
The Unpredictability of Life and Music
Keenan’s reflections also touched upon the inherent unpredictability of life, particularly within the demanding world of touring and creative pursuits. "Yeah. It’s just weird shit. You can’t plan anything. You can’t map it out. You’d be crazy to even try. You never fucking know what’s gonna happen," he mused. This statement encapsulates the raw reality that even the most seasoned musicians must confront: the inherent fragility of life and the inability to control external circumstances. The band’s journey, like many in the music industry, has been punctuated by unforeseen challenges that have tested their resilience and adaptability.
Mullin’s Awareness and the Path Not Taken
Garza’s inquiry into whether Mullin was fully aware of the severity of his deteriorating health elicited a thoughtful response from Keenan. "It’s a hard thing to get a grip on things like that if you’re not in it. It’s hard to say… I do think if he’d had gotten through all this stuff and could’ve cleaned everything up, and sometimes it takes that," Keenan explained, acknowledging the complexities of addiction and recovery. He then painted a hypothetical but hopeful picture of what might have been: "And then if he was here right now, I think the band would be tearing shit up. I think he would come full circle and he would’ve been one of the people not scared to go backwards either, get back into it. But who knows? You can’t go there." This contemplation of the "what ifs" speaks to the potential that was lost and the enduring belief in Mullin’s creative spirit.
Woody Weatherman’s Perspective: A Brother’s Loss and Lingering Presence
Woody Weatherman, the other original guitarist and a lifelong friend of Mullin, shared his own deeply personal account of his bandmate’s passing in an earlier interview with Chris Akin of The Classic Metal Show. "Reed and I went to high school together and all that kind of stuff. And that was around the time we started the band with Mike. So it’s heavy, losing a brother like that," Weatherman stated, underscoring the profound bond forged over decades.
Weatherman acknowledged that Mullin’s passing, while devastating, was not entirely unforeseen given his persistent health issues. "The one thing about losing Reed, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. He had health issues and stuff, but it’s still really tough." He also provided context for the circumstances of Mullin’s death, noting that the band was in Australia at the time, a fact that intensified the shock and grief. "And he wasn’t actually traveling with us. The band was in Australia at the time of his passing, and it hit us heavy. ‘Cause we were over there playing shows."
The Echo of Mullin’s Spirit in New Music
A particularly touching aspect of Weatherman’s interview was his observation of Mullin’s presence in the band’s latest musical output, "Good God / Baad Man," released in April. While this album features drummer Stanton Moore, Weatherman found echoes of Mullin’s distinctive style in Moore’s playing. "One thing about Reed I’ll mention was making this record [CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s recently released album ‘Good God / Baad Man’] with [drummer] Stanton [Moore], there was just so many times where when we were recording the drums, we were in the studio, we were looking at each other, and it was, like, ‘Man, that little lick that Stanton just did, it sounds like something just like what Reed would do.’" Weatherman mused, "I don’t know whether it was Stanton giving his nod to Mullin, ’cause Stanton is fantastic in his own right, but it just sort of felt like Reed was there with us, even though he wasn’t physically there. So he’s hanging around. I don’t know if he’s laughing at us, giving us the middle finger or the thumbs up, but he’s hanging around." This sentiment suggests that Mullin’s influence continues to permeate the band’s creative process, a testament to his enduring legacy.
"Good God / Baad Man": A New Chapter and a Tribute
The release of "Good God / Baad Man" marks a significant milestone for CORROSION OF CONFORMITY. The 14-track double album, produced by Grammy Award winner Warren Riker (known for his work with FUGEES, DOWN, and CATHEDRAL), boasts a rich sonic tapestry. The album’s cover art, crafted by famed New Orleans artist Scott Guion, further enhances its artistic depth. Recording sessions took place across multiple prestigious studios, including Blak Shak Studios in Riffissippi, USA; Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana; and even Barry Gibb’s home studio in Miami, Florida, indicating a considerable investment of time and resources into this ambitious project.
The album’s release also coincides with a significant change in the band’s lineup. In March, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY officially welcomed drummer Nick Shabatura to their ranks. Shabatura, a seasoned musician who previously played with DESECRATE THE HOUR and the NIRVANA tribute band SMELLS LIKE NIRVANA, joined the band on the recommendation of ANTHRAX and PANTERA drummer Charlie Benante. This addition signals a new era for C.O.C., one that will undoubtedly be shaped by their past while forging ahead into the future.
The Enduring Impact of Reed Mullin
Reed Mullin’s passing in 2020 was a significant loss to the music world, particularly to the genres he helped to define. His contributions to CORROSION OF CONFORMITY are immeasurable, shaping their sound and establishing them as pioneers of crossover thrash. His innovative drumming, creative spirit, and unwavering dedication to his craft left an indelible mark on the band and influenced a generation of musicians. While the band continues to move forward, the echoes of Mullin’s presence are palpable, both in the memories shared by his bandmates and in the enduring spirit of their music. The narrative of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY is now intertwined with the legacy of Reed Mullin, a testament to a life lived with passion and a profound impact on the landscape of heavy music. The band’s recent output and the introduction of new talent suggest a commitment to honoring that legacy while embracing the future, a path that Mullin himself, in his prime, would likely have navigated with his characteristic energy and innovation.
