Prolouge:
I never even heard of buckethead til a couple of years ago. My brother and I are aspiring guitarists. ( I use the word aspiring as we do know how to play, but there's always room to grow and become better player. It's never ending.. )
Well one time over at his place, he had buckethead on the TV ( DVD ) and was noodling to him on his guitar. First time I saw him I said to myself "WoW! This cat can play!" I liked him so much, that I received 2 concert DVD's of him. I have been watching them off and on since that time. I like his music, his guitaring, his style ( even if he is an oddity ). But who is Buckethead anyways?
Background:
The Buckethead backstory begins with a kid named Brian Carroll growing up in a Southern California suburb not far from Disneyland. He's a shy kid and spends a lot of time in his room, which is filled with comic books, video games, martial-artsmovie memorabilia, slasher-flick stuff, all the usual youth-culture detritus. He also spends a whole lot of time at Disneyland.
As a teenager, Brian takes up the guitar, plonking away under the sway of such metal masters as Angus Young of AC/DC; the late Randy Rhoads, of the Ozzy Osbourne band; and Swedish overdrive virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen. Like the latter two, Carroll incorporates a considerable amount of classical-music consciousness into his burgeoning style. He reads a lot of music theory. He starts getting really, really good.
Unlike his idols, however, Carroll is anything but flamboyant. Mane-tossing guitar-god moves are not something he'll ever be comfortable attempting. In fact, in an ideal world, there'd be somebody else he could one day take up onstage with him and hide behind. Some sort of alter ego.
Everybody liked the 1988 frightnight flick "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers." After 10 years, this slasher franchise was pretty much played out. (Even though it's still with us today!) But Brian Carroll was inspired by the film. He went right out after seeing it and bought a Michael Myers-like white mask. Then, that night, as he was eating from a bucketful of take-out fried chicken, another inspiration struck. He described it in a 1996 interview with Guitar Player magazine: "I was eating it, and I put the mask on and then the bucket on my head. I went to the mirror. I just said, "Buckethead" That's Buckethead right there.' It was just one of those things. After that, I wanted to be that thing all the time."
Unlike the editors of Guitar Player (for which Bucket once wrote a column called "Psychobuddy"), you needn't be conversant with minor 9th intervals or quadratonal arpeggios to be knocked sideways by Buckethead's war-of-the-worlds guitar eruptions. His star-burst chord clusters and eye-frazzling eight-finger solos aren't like much else you'll be hearing on this planet anytime soon.
Of course there are all kinds of aspiring guitar wizards out there (although probably none within pick-flicking distance of this guy). But what sets Carroll decisively apart from the pack is the outré "Buckethead" persona he's so painstakingly created. This character, with its vaguely sinister mask, soberly upended KFC bucket, and absurdly detailed chicken fetish, is pure Canadian surrealism. Buckethead is a star of a strange new kind: not the projection of a preening personality, as is usually the case, but a mirror, a screen, a somehow lovable cipher. As a musical presence, he seems almost (one of Carroll's favorite words) disembodied.
Although most people are probably experiencing Buckethead for the first time in his current stint with the new Guns N' Roses, the man has been putting out solo albums for the last 10 years. Some, like the 1999 Monsters and Robots, are pure "post-metal psycho-shred," as one writer put it. Others, like the just-released Electric Tears, are serenely ambient. Buckethead also records under the name Death Cube K (an anagram); the 1994 Dreamatorium is a good one.
In addition to this solo output, Buckethead has also recorded and performed with a wild array of other musicians, from P-Funk all-stars Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell to Iggy Pop, Primus, avant-fusion bassist Bill Laswell and the late Miles Davis Quintet drummer Tony Williams. He's played on three albums by "The Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen, one by the painter Julian Schnabel, and some movie soundtracks and scores, too ("The Last Action Hero," "Mortal Kombat," "Beverly Hills Ninja"). He longs to do an all-Disney album. ("When You Wish Upon a Star" is one of his favorite tunes.)
Musical Stylings:An accomplished multi-instrumentalist best known for his virtuosic command of the electric guitar, Buckethead is one of the instrument's most recognizable contemporary innovators, his rapid-fire riffing, near-robotic fretwork, and idiosyncratic lead lines combining elements of Yngwie Malmsteen, Adrian Belew, Slayer's Kerry King, P-Funk's Eddie Hazel, and avant-improv artist John Zorn's Scud-attack sax abuse.
But who is Buckethead?
Buckethead is the masked, inverted KFC bucket wearing, "mutant guitar virtuoso" that stunned audiences during Primus's set at OzzFest '99, toured the world with Praxis and GR2, and graced many a movie soundtrack/score. His major label debut as a member of the avant-funk outfit Praxis in 1992 opened ears and minds to his unique character and musical stylings. He has since released several solo albums (under his name and Death Cube K) and participated in many group settings (most notably the Deli Creeps, Praxis, Zillatron, Giant Robot, Giant Robot 2 and Cobra Strike) and performed/recorded numerous collaborations with other adventurous musicians and artists.
There has been much speculation as to the identity of Buckethead. We do know that he was raised in a chicken coop by chickens. And possibly due to the unusual circumstances surrounding his upbringing, he is a very private person. He doesn't grant many interviews, and shuns most conventional means of contact. The mask and bucket add an eerie air of mystery to his activities and serve as a harbinger for his otherworldly musical stylings and sensibilities. He would prefer that his fans accept his eccentricities, focus on his art and enjoy the wonderland of joy that is Bucketheadland.
He draws inspiration from science-fiction and horror movies, musicians, artists, writers, athletes and has bizarre fixation on Disneyland. His dream is to complete his own park--Bucketheadland, "Where all your dreams and nightmares can come true." This theme runs through many of his recordings and was first introduced to the public through his Psychobuddy columns in Guitar Player magazine back in 1991
What albums has Buckethead released?
Solo:
Bucketheadland (1992 Avant)
Giant Robot (1994 Sony Japan)
Day of the Robot (1996 Sub Meta)
Colma (1998 Cyber Octave)
Monsters and Robots (1999 Cyber Octave/Higher Octave Music/Virgin)As Death Cube K:
Dreamatorium (1994 Strata)
Disembodied (1997 Ion)
Tunnel (tba)With Praxis:
Transmutation (Mutatis Mutandis) (1992 Axiom)
Sacrifist (1994 Subharmonic)
Metatron (1995 Subharmonic)
Transmutation Live (1998 Douglas)
Collection (1998 Douglas)
Warzsawa (1999? InnerRhythmic)With Giant Robot:
s/t (1996 NTT Records)
With Zillatron:
Lord of the Harvest (1994 Black Arc/Rykodisc)
With Cobra Strike:
13th Scroll (1999 Ion)
With Arcana (Tony Williams):
Arc of the Testimony (1997 Axiom)
With El Stew:
s/t (1999 OM)
What does Buckethead sound like?
Buckethead's musical stylings range from raw-power riffing and hyper-speed metal licks to idyllic, yet edgy chordal passages and heartrending melodic lines. His music is very difficult to categorize because each release tends to have its own flavor and context. Heavy Metal and Funk styles figure formidably in the mix, but he's not limited to the cliches of either genre. He's equally at home chicken pickin' country or re-creating the sound of a roller coaster with his guitar.
Compositionally speaking, many of his tunes are initially conceived to be soundtracks for rides at his imaginary theme-park--Bucketheadland. Brutal, grinding rhythms suddenly give way to serene floating passages, like you're inside a video game or experiencing an out of this world thrill ride.
What are Buckethead's influences?
Buckethead has cited Michael Jackson, Paul Gilbert, Shawn Lane, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bootsy Collins and Angus Young (AC/DC) as major inspirations as well as the experience of playing with Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrell, John Zorn, the Invisibl Skratch Picklz and other artists he has played and collaborated with. He also finds inspiration in books, sci-fi/horror movies and athletes, most notably Michael Jordan.
What videos have been released?
The video for "The Ballad of Buckethead," directed by Dave McKean, will be released in conjunction with the forthcoming Monsters and Robots album due out in September '99 on Cyber Octave.
The "Animal Behavior" video from Praxis Transmutation (Mutatis Mutandis) was aired on MTV Amp #113. It is also included on Binge Clips Vol. 2.
The "If 6 was 9" video from Axiom Funk (featuring Bootsy Collins) is rumored to have been played domestically on BET and has a Buckethead appearance.
The Binge Clips series available from Buckethead's Toystore features Buckethead and his pals in his different projects in performance and at play.
Does Buckethead have any hobbies?
Taxidermy, Sports, Martial Arts (Nunchukas), break dancing (robot-style), and visiting Disneyland. He has been there over 500 times. "I like Disneyland. I want to be buried there--parts of me in It's a Small World, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean, plus parts in Tokyo Disneyland, Euro Disneyland, and Florida Disney World. There are enough bones to go around."
Where is Buckethead from?
Some say outer space, others say southern California. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay area.
How old is Buckethead?
By most accounts he is in his late 20s.
Has Buckethead won any awards?
He regularly placed in the top three in the "Best Experimental Guitarist" category when Guitar Player magazine held its annual readers poll and was named one of the "Top 30 Trailblazers" by the same magazine in the January 1997 issue.
Did Buckethead audition for the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
Yes. One journalists account reported that the lead singer picked Buckethead up at the airport and found out that Buckethead had not heard any of their tunes. The audition proceeded anyway, and Buckethead played in his inimitable fashion (i.e., robot dance, hyper-metal licks etc...) and when he finished the band applauded raucously. Flea confirmed that they auditioned BH saying that he was "sweet and normal" but they wanted someone "...who could also kick a groove."
What articles/information is available?
The most authoritative article appeared in the November 1996 issue of Guitar Player magazine. It is a ten page feature written by James Rotondi, which also includes an in depth lesson which unmasks elements of Buckethead's guitar style, written by Rotondi and Jesse Gress.
What bands or artists has Buckethead recorded/performed with?
This ever increasing list includes Deli Creeps, Henry Kaiser, Bill Laswell, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Praxis, Jonas Hellborg, Michael Shrieve, MCM and the Monster, Tony Williams (w/ Arcana), Giant Robot, Giant Robot 2, Primus, Zillatron, Painkiller, John Zorn, Company Week '91, Anton Fier, Julian Schnabel, Insvisibl Skratch Piklz, Michael Kamen, George S. Clinton, Pieces (Buckethead and Brain), Cobra Strike, Viggo Mortensen, El Stew, Ben Wa, Mike Keneally, Iggy Pop, Banyan, phonosychographDISK, DJ QBERT, William Ackerman, Jon Hassell and Bluescreen... There are several discographies available at Bucketheadland.com.
Who are the Deli Creeps?
The Deli Creeps are Buckethead's first band that gained notoriety in the SF Bay area. Mike Patton (Faith No More/Mr. Bungle) was once quoted as saying, "They're so good they make me want to puke." Patton later went on to co-found Ipecac Records.
Buckethead-Guitars
Pinchface-Drums
Tony-Bass
They reformed briefly in 1996 and then broke up and moved on.
Does Buckethead use any nonstandard guitar tunings?
Buckethead primarily relies on the standard tuning, and variations thereof (i.e., down one half step). Some of the Deli Creeps stuff may be tuned down even lower to accommodate vocals. Some of what you may think of as a detuned guitar may actually be a distorted bass guitar.
What songs does Buckethead cover?
Theme from Giant Robot. Theme from Godzilla. Various Disney themes including "A Pirate's Life for Me," "It's a Small World" and "When You Wish Upon A Star." "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka. "Michael Myers Theme" from Halloween. Themes from Star Wars. "Close to You" by the Carpenters.
What musical equipment does Buckethead use?
Guitars: Jackson Flying V, Steinberger GS, ESP MII, Gibson Chet Atkins, Ibanez X-Series Flying V, Takamine Acoustic, '59 Les Paul Custom (used on some Laswell-related projects), Gibson SG. '69 Gibson Les Paul Custom (used on the Cobra Strike and Viggo Mortensen projects recorded at Travis Dickerson Recording Studio).
Amplifiers: Peavey Reknown, misc. Marshall & Mesa Boogie heads, a Matt Wells head, Harry Kolbe Cabinets.
Effects: Roland SE 50, Rocktron Intellifex, Rockman, a Zoom multi effects unit, Alesis Midiverb II, A wah wah, Lexicon JamMan, Electro Harmonix Micro Synthesizer, Pro Co Rat, Digitech Whammy Pedal, Misc Toys.
Who is Death Cube K?
The story goes that Death Cube K is an anagram for Buckethead coined by Tom "Doc" Darter. Buckethead assumed this identity so he could release a solo record ("Dreamatorium" on Strata) while his contract with Sony was in dispute. It has since stuck and become an alias for Buckethead to release his edgy ambient albums.
Many believe, however, that Death Cube K is a separate entity that looks like a photographic negative version of Buckethead with a "black chrome mask, like Darth Vader." This apparition haunts Buckethead and appears in his nightmares.
Writer William Gibson also borrowed the name in his novel Idoru (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1996). He entitled the first chapter of the book Death Cube K, which, in the book, is a bar in Japan with a theme based on Franz Kafka's In the Penal Colony. Nice place to visit, but you shouldn't get drunk there.
Does Buckethead have any formal musical training?
Buckethead has cited lessons with Paul Gilbert, classical guitar lessons, Nicolas Slonimsky's book Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns, instructional books and videos (by Steve Trovato, Danny Gatton and Albert Lee), and the writings and works of Glenn Gould as major points of his musical studies.
When is Buckethead Plays Disney going to be released?
This highly anticipated release has yet to be completed. Buckethead wants it to be a special project, and is taking his time to complete it.
Watch a little buckethead on YouTube. Here's a link that liked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pytlmRmxZkA also http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=4500811
