- advertisement -

Photo Credit: Chris Mortenson

It was a somber day in THE MELVINS' camp. Everyone was wearing the worry for drummer Dale Crover's emergency spinal surgery, which took place (successfully, thankfully) just a few hours before this interview. With so many unknowns for his outcome, or the future of the band, the concern had a heaviness that could be felt deeply.

MELVINS' singer Buzz Osborne graciously still took the time to sit down with me, despite his obvious presentiment. The call that Dale's surgery was a success came in minutes before we did the interview, which was a relief for everyone. Buzz joked that he had spoken to Dale, and while his back surgery was a success, he wasn't sure it would cure Dale's brain issues.

Filling in for Dale on the tour was monster drummer Coady Willis (BIG BUSINESS, HIGH ON FIRE), who played with THE MELVINS between 2006-2016. He was the obvious choice and thankfully his schedule allowed time to sit in for Dale so the tour could continue.

The tour, Twins of Evil, took place over the Summer along with the heavy Japanese band BORIS, and opener MR. PHYLZZZ. THE MELVINS dedicated the tour to Dale, and asked fans for "solidarity during this dark time". They felt they needed to support Dale and the other bands on the bill as well as ticket holders. Buzz Osborne, Steven McDonald (REDD KROSS, OFF!) and Coady Willis went on to play a massive, powerful set.

Thank you to Buzz and crew for the interview and a crushing show. Hoping beyond that a full recovery happens for Dale, and that we get to see him behind that kit again soon.