The veteran guitarist shares some classic touring stories with Testament, updates fans on new tunes, and recalls how the former Slipknot drummer was a fan of Vio-lence.
Host Josh Toomey welcomed former Machine Head, current Vio-lence axeman Phil Demmel as the featured guest for the latest edition of the Talk Toomey Podcast.
The conversation with the veteran guitarist touched on a broad spectrum of talking points that varied from the intricacies of Dad life to the seemingly endless succession of quarantine jam sessions Demmel participated in over the course of lockdown.
In fact, Mr. Quarantine himself managed to put out a collection of covers in 2020 with Overkill vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, bassist Mark Menghi and drummer Mike Portnoy under the BPMD moniker. The ever-active Demmel also talked about how he was slated to join Devin Townsend for his recent Bloodstock set but was forced to change plans due to Covid restrictions.
Demmel dug into the progress he is making with new music with the guys in Vio-lence. Especially enthusiastic about the level of professionalism and musicianship packaged with the current personnel, Demmel referred to the five songs the band has written and recored recently as “perfect” and a collection of work that he is very proud to associate his name with.
Given his veteran status among metal’s most proven guitarists, Demmel had at least a few classic touring stories to share – revisiting some memorable times while out on the road with Testament. Demmel also recalled his time with former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison who recently passed at the all too young age of 46. Phil recalled Joey being a fan of Vio-lence – a memory that to this day sticks with Demmel.
He also spoke about the idea of memorializing Jordison and keeping his memory in focus with a proper tribute at the bar he owns in California’s Bay Area, The Back Lounge.
Stream the latest episode with songwriter, shredder, and dad Phil Demmel on the Talk Toomey Podcast below.
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