FLASHBACK: Jonathan Davis Backstage at MMRBQ
Photo: Chorus Photography
Jonathan Davis of Korn has a birthday today (1/18) and in honor of our favorite freak on a leash, we’re flashing you back to his conversation with Brent Porche at the MMRBQ in 2018. At the time, Jonathan had taken his solo project on the road, which included Korn drummer Ray Luzier in his touring band. His album Black Labyrinth came out about a week after the show, and it spotlights a more eclectic side of Jonathan’s musicianship. He incorporated a wide variety of exotic instruments and world music influences like sitars, Indian flutes and a duduk, some of which were use in his live set. It felt like we were watching a nu-metal Peter Gabriel on stage. You can check out the setlist here.
Before his performance that day, Jonathan Davis took the time to sit down to talk about the solo album. Brent asked about the Ganzfeld experiment, a wild hallucinatory trip that involves zero drugs whatsoever. Jonathan explained his fascination with the experience and how it inspired his equally trippy solo material. They also debunked a few internet myths about the Korn frontman (the burning question: did he actually used to work at Toys R’ Us?) and discussed his early musical influences and his love of Jesus Christ Superstar, Duran Duran and Neil Diamond.
Listen to the interview in the player below.
Note: This interview originally aired in 2018.
In current Korn news, they’re coming up on the one year anniversary of their latest album Requiem, and have an international tour planned for this summer. They also partnered with Adidas for an official merch line. That long-overdue merch collab, named for their 1996 track “A.D.I.D.A.S.,” sold out almost immediately, but you can add your name to a waitlist for new and restocked items.
23 Albums That Turn 30 in 2024
Many of the albums that turn 30 in 2024 are considered classics. Honestly, it’s rather overwhelming to look back at all of the gold that came out in 1994.
To begin with, 1994 saw the release of Green Day’s mainstream breakthrough Dookie. The album has sold over 10 million copies in the United States along. Then again, when your album features hits like “Longview,” “Basket Case” “Welcome to Paradise” and “When I Come Around,” the success isn’t terribly shocking.
Alice in Chains had a major hit with their EP Jar of Flies. Released in January, Jar of Flies was the first EP to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The EP features classic tracks “No Excuses,” “Don’t Follow” and “I Stay Away.”
Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nail found themselves releasing future classics on the same date. March 8, 1994 saw the release of Superunknown and The Downward Spiral, respectively. As far as who ranked where on the Billboard 200 album chart, Superunknown debuted at No. 1, with The Downward Spiral coming in at No. 2.
The world met Weezer in 1994 with their self-titled debut album (aka: The Blue Album). That LP featured a number of gems including “Say It Ain’t So,” “Buddy Holly” and “Undone — The Sweater Song.” Also making their debut in 1994 was Oasis with their classic LP Definitely Maybe. The album is chock-full of hits including “Live Forever,” “Shakermaker,” “Supersonic” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.”
Believe it or not, we’re just scratching the surface with the above titles! Other acts to release major albums in 1994 include Nirvana, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Hole, Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, Beck, Pink Floyd, The Cranberries, Korn, Stone Temple Pilots, Pantera and more! Keep scrolling to see the other albums that turn 30 in 2024!
Catch Brent Porche on-air and online weekdays between 3PM – 7PM on WMMR. Brent loves to celebrate important musical anniversaries and milestones on my show, especially on Double Shot Tuesdays! He is honored to continue to the legacy of ‘MMR’s Local Shots Artist of the Month feature every Wednesday on-air at 6:30pm and via the Local Shots Headquarters page online, anytime at WMMR.com.
