Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher appeared on Guitar World and talked about the worst gear mishap that he can recall in his touring history while baking sweet potato hash. Bill mentioned that it happened more frequently in the past and shared how he felt back then:
“They don’t quite happen as much as they used to back in the day because now we have a crew of very qualified people helping us with all of our gear at all times. I mean, I’ve had guys hand me guitars where I start the song. I’m out there in front of fifty thousand people, and it’s not plugged in or whatever, my wireless is not turned on, or it’s not in tune, and it’s embarrassing honestly. I’m not the kind of boss that ever screams and yells at people, but I wanted to that day.”
The rhythm guitarist explained how technical issues usually occur, and how tries to react towards them in front of the audience:
“The terror of being on stage and trying to find a problem right that second when you’re either about to go on and there are fifty thousand people out there, or you’re on stage already and your stuff stopped working and no one knows what it is. The terror then… My brain just frizzle-fries and I can’t think straight. You always start with the simplest thing: ‘Is everything plugged in?’ I do have guys looking out for that, but no one knows it like you know it.”
Accidents, mishaps, and technical issues can occur but it doesn’t stop Mastodon. They are currently on tour with Gojira and Lorna Shore. You can find the tickets and information here. Below, you can watch the rest of the video.