Did a pre-release listen to an album really inflict facial paralysis on a musician? The claim, as outlandish as it sounds, centers around former Papa Roach drummer Dave Buckner and the impact of hearing Slipknot's brutal Iowa album prior to its release. It's a tale that's both shocking and laced with the chaotic energy that often surrounds the world of heavy music.
The story, as recounted by Slipknot's Sid Wilson in a Revolver interview, paints a vivid picture. Wilson alleged that Buckner, upon an early listen to the Iowa album, suffered facial paralysis. While the details are scarce and the claims have yet to be independently verified, the narrative adds a layer of mystique to the already intense atmosphere surrounding both bands and their music. This incident supposedly happened during a tour they shared, making the story even more intriguing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dave Buckner |
| Known For | Former drummer of the American rock band Papa Roach |
| Birthplace | Vacaville, California, USA |
| Associated Acts | Papa Roach |
| Musical Style | Rock, Nu Metal |
| Years Active | 1993-2008 (with Papa Roach, with breaks) |
| Notable Achievements | Co-founded Papa Roach, Drummer on the breakthrough album 'Infest', Partner in various Papa Roach Companies |
| Departure from Papa Roach | 2008, due to substance abuse issues |
| Replaced By | Tony Palermo |
| Other Activities | Studied art in Seattle (briefly), Involved in Infest In Conversation event, appeared on the Joel Martin Mastery podcast to talk about 'Infest' |
| Reference: Papa Roach - Wikipedia | |
The narrative surrounding Buckner's tenure with Papa Roach is complex, marked by both significant successes and personal struggles. He was a founding member of the band, formed in Vacaville, California, back in 1993. Alongside lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix and guitarist Jerry Horton, Buckner helped shape the sound and identity of Papa Roach during their formative years. The band, initially comprising Shaddix, Horton, Buckner, bassist Will James, and trombonist Ben Luther, navigated the local music scene, releasing two EPs before James' departure and replacement by Tobin Esperance. This era was characterized by relentless touring and the development of a distinctive sound that would eventually capture the attention of a wider audience. Buckner’s dedication to the band was evident, and he was a core part of the line-up that would go on to achieve global recognition.
The band's breakthrough came with the release of their album Infest, which went on to sell over 4.5 million copies. Buckner played a pivotal role in the recording and touring cycles of Infest. His drumming provided the rhythmic backbone to the band's high-energy performances and helped to propel the album to such heights of popularity. He later also participated in a live event called “Infest in Conversation”, demonstrating the enduring impact of the record.
However, the path of a rock musician, particularly one experiencing the pressures of fame and constant touring, can be a difficult one. Buckner's personal life took a turn that led to his eventual departure from the band. Substance abuse became a challenge, and he entered a rehabilitation center in 2007. It was a difficult period that ultimately resulted in his replacement by Tony Palermo in 2008. Buckner's departure marked a significant shift for Papa Roach, though he remained a partner in the various companies the group had formed over the years.
Adding a layer of intrigue to Buckner's life is his alleged involvement with the paranormal. During the recording of a Papa Roach album, the band spent three months at LA's Paramour Mansion, a historic location also known for being used in the Rock Star reality series. This mansion has a long and rumored history of being haunted, and Buckner admitted to having firsthand experiences with the other side during his time there. Stories like these offer a glimpse into the off-stage world of rock musicians, where the lines between reality and the supernatural can sometimes blur.
Before the fame, before the tours, and before the challenges, Buckner was also known to practice meditation before going on stage. This approach reveals a contemplative side of the drummer, a practice seemingly at odds with the high-octane performances that came to define his career. His brief hiatus to study art in Seattle also shows his interests outside of music. This period of artistic exploration highlights a desire for personal growth beyond the confines of a band, and represents a different aspect of Dave Buckner’s journey.
The story of Dave Buckner is a reminder that the lives of musicians are often filled with dramatic twists and turns. While the claim of facial paralysis from listening to an album is a sensational one, it underscores the impact that the music and the environment surrounding the bands has on the lives of those in it. From the early days in Vacaville to the peaks of success with Infest and the struggles of substance abuse, Dave Buckner's journey is a testament to the complex realities of the music industry.
The interview with Sid Wilson adds another layer of mystique. Whether the claim of facial paralysis is entirely true or a wild embellishment, it's a reflection of the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of the rock and metal music scene. The story of Dave Buckner serves as a microcosm of a larger narrative: the story of rock and roll, its triumphs, its pitfalls, and the enduring power of music to influence those who create it and those who listen.
