Founded back in 1994, Limp Bizkit sold more than 40 million albums all over the globe, and have been three times Grammy-nominated. Their rise was marked by a period of platinum albums and criticism brought by the Floridians’ unapologetically adolescent content infused with redneck references. Limp Bizkit’s tailing popularity throughout the 2000s, along with age, has seen them mellow, but they are still going strong. This time, they come without DJ Lethal who left the band under a cloud right after the release of Gold Cobra. Their next album, Stampede of the Disco Elephants, will be released next year to coincide with their 20th anniversary. What’s On talks to Limp Bizkit, also known as their Eastern European publicist, about their journey from Jacksonville, Florida to global domination.
How has the band changed since 1994? And how has the message you send to your audience changed since that time?
At that time we were younger, we had had more fans, and we had platinum albums in America. We were the coolest band, but we did not compete to be first. We just do what we like, what comes from inside.
What is the story behind the departure of DJ Lethal? People say he left because of a fight with Fred Durst, and labelled him a “dictator” – how much truth is there in that rumour?
Musicians often have disagreements. We have a very respectful attitude to the talent of DJ Lethal. However, our views are very different. We do not like to discuss personal relationships. He has to deal with himself and we wish him all the best. There were no fights between us.
What other gossip have you heard about your band?
We don’t listen to gossip. In our lives there were lots of ups and downs. We express it in music. We know what people say about us, but we usually don`t worry about baseless gossip.
Tell us about your relationship with other band members – are they friends, family or just colleagues?
Within the members of the band we have perfect and professional relationships. We completely understand each other and work for a mutual purpose. People can say whatever they want, but it is fact – within the group there is a great atmosphere. Each of us has our own friends and family, but we would not have been together for so long if we did not respect and appreciate each other.
You’ve done many concerts. Has there been one most memorable for you?
Oh, that`s difficult. There have been so many concerts. We are inspired by the energy of people. We feel every scream and movement. We give our energy to the people. Some people say it is aggressive, but we don’t think so. It’s like our message to people is expressed by the music. Everywhere there’s a different audience. Even between concerts in Russia and Ukraine there is huge difference in how you perceive the audience. Therefore it is impossible to say which was the most memorable.
And what more can you say about Ukraine?
We like Ukraine. We love Ukrainian food and traditions. Here we get an audience that has good taste.
How do you think your music will evolve in future?
Music and attitudes change every minute. I can’t predict anything in music or in life in general.
Limp Bizkit (US, rap, hardcore)
1 December at 19.00
Tickets: 450 –1,400hrv
Stereo Plaza (Chervonozoryaniy 119)
222-0022
You can’t talk about Limp BIzkit without giving a nod to Wesley Louden Borland, guitarist and most outrageous member of the band. While frontman Fred Durst gets the crowds on their feet with his inciting lyrics, the number 37 guitarist in Total Guitar magazine’s Top 100 Guitarists of All Time, Borland keeps them entertained with a myriad of looks that run the gamut from face and body paint to masks and uniforms.
by Vadym Mishkoriz
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