The world of metal is a labyrinth of collaborations, surprises, and unexpected alliances. One such intriguing connection unfolds in the intersection of Mike Patton, the maestro of versatility, and Scott Ian, the renowned guitarist of Anthrax, within the enigmatic realm of Mr. Bungle.
Patton, celebrated for his pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of metal, made a mark when he joined Faith No More in 1988. However, a twist of fate had the potential to introduce Patton into the ranks of Anthrax, a notion that recently resurfaced in an interview with Mixdown.
Scott Ian, the guitarist known for his formidable presence in Anthrax, embarked on a unique journey by joining Mr. Bungle in 2019 as the second guitar player. His involvement extended to recording on “The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo,” a reimagining of the band’s early demo. In the Mixdown interview, Ian delved into his entrance into Mr. Bungle and revisited the past when the possibility of Patton joining Anthrax lingered in the air.
The conversation ignited when Ian was asked about his willingness to explore material from “Disco Volante,” to which he responded with unwavering enthusiasm:
“Of course. I would do anything. I have made it very clear to those guys that if they ever decide to do anything going forward, I would be thrilled to be a part of it. If they decided they were going to make a new record, if I could be a part of that, whether I was allowed to write or not. If it’s just their thing and they just need me on guitar.”
“I’m fing stoked. If they want me to be on anything, anything, I’d be happy to just be the guitar player and be a part of it, and if I could tour and play the old stuff with them, I’m a huge fan. It’s like fing the Make-A-Wish Foundation.”
Ian then recounted the moment when Patton approached him about joining Mr. Bungle, reflecting on a humorous exchange that took place years earlier:
“When Patton texted me and asked me if I wanted to do Mr. Bungle. I was like, ‘You’re f***ing kidding me?‘ He’s like, ‘I told you we would work together.‘”
“Because a million years ago, I had asked him just before Joey came back to Anthrax, I had said, ‘Hey, do you want to sing on the next Anthrax record?‘ We were drunk in a bar in Melbourne, Australia on a festival together. He was with Faith No More. He was like, ‘Oh, man. You don’t want me in your band. I’m a pain in the ass.‘ I was like, ‘No, no, no. I think we could deal with it.‘”
The revelation adds another layer to the intricate tapestry of metal collaborations, showcasing the interconnectedness of iconic figures within the genre. As Mr. Bungle continues to mesmerize audiences, the question lingers: Could there be more surprises on the horizon, bridging the gaps between Anthrax, Faith No More, and the ever-evolving world of metal? Only time will tell.