Corrosion of Conformity

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Reflects on the Legacy of Reed Mullin in Heartfelt Interview

By Jason •
Pepper Keenan opens up about the band's lost brother and the indelible mark left by their legendary drummer.

In a raw and poignant discussion on The Garza Podcast, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's Pepper Keenan took a deep dive into the memories of their late co-founding drummer, Reed Mullin, who sadly passed away in 2020. Mullin, a cornerstone of the band since its inception in 1982, faced a tough battle with health issues that ultimately kept him from the stage in the years leading up to his death. Despite a resilient spirit, Mullin’s struggles, including a severe alcohol-related seizure in June 2016, cast a long shadow over the band’s dynamic.

Reflecting on the bittersweet legacy of their last album with Mullin, 2018's 'No Cross No Crown', Keenan admitted, "We didn’t know it would be our last album together. Reed's health was an ongoing battle, and despite our efforts to help him, we were all painfully aware that things were slipping away. The kindness of Dave Grohl, who stepped in to support Reed, is a testament to the brotherhood within the metal community, but it wasn't enough to save him."

Keenan shared a treasure trove of memories, showcasing Mullin's unparalleled drumming prowess and creativity, stating, "When he was on his game, he was a force of nature. Reed was a pioneer in that crossover scene, contributing to a sound that changed the landscape of music forever. Looking back, we cherish the incredible moments we had with him, even amid the turmoil."

As the conversation turned to the inevitable unpredictability of life, Keenan expressed a haunting realization: "You can’t plan for these things. Life throws curveballs, and you have to roll with them. If Reed had managed to overcome his demons, I believe we would have been making waves again together. But that’s a road we can’t travel down anymore."

Woody Weatherman, Mullin’s lifelong friend and bandmate, echoed these sentiments. Speaking about the emotional weight of losing someone so integral to their journey, he recalled Mullin fondly as they recorded their latest album, 'Good God / Baad Man', stating, "There were moments in the studio where Stanton Moore’s drumming would remind us of Reed. It felt like he was still there with us, guiding our hands. Whether he was laughing or giving us the middle finger, his spirit was undeniably present."

In a bold step forward, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY recently announced the addition of drummer Nick Shabatura to the lineup, a move that signifies both continuity and evolution within the band. As they honor Mullin's legacy, the band is ready to forge ahead with new energy and a passion that Reed would undoubtedly applaud.