The frontman revealed how Henry Rollins inspired him, how he’s written his best music at both ends of the emotional spectrum and how CMF2 is a throwback to when rock music was less linear.

Making his return to the Wild Ride, accomplished frontman Corey Taylor sat opposite actor, comedian and podcast vet Steve-O for a lengthy discussion on the long form conversation show on wheels.

In summarizing the last couple of years, Taylor shared that since his last visit, his work schedule has been constant. Hitting the road in support of his debut solo album, Taylor then got right back to it touring full steam with Slipknot, all while working on the band’s 2022 album, The End, So Far… only to again get back to his solo endeavor with the announcement of his sophomore solo album due this September, CMF2. The working pace for Taylor has been relentless.

Given that kind of whirlwind schedule, the guys asked Taylor an honest question in how he is able to stay organized, transitioning between his many roles and how he remembers all the details – and the songs – of such a stacked catalog. Taylor explained that with Slipknot in particular, sporting the battle armor of the mask really does take him to a unique, all-consuming place – one that allows him to rarely if ever lose focus.

Taylor did confide though that there has been the occasional flub, where he has drawn a blank onstage. He explained that in those rare circumstances, honesty is always the best policy and it’s usually best to hit reset and start the song again, rather play it off hoping the audience doesn’t notice.

Taylor went onto the share how he values the spontaneity of a truly live set that way. Rough edges and tempo shifts are, as Taylor frames it, the “push and pull” that define what a live show is all about and the nuance that makes a performance a shared moment between the band and the fans. Taylor also did not hold back in expressing his distaste for doing it any other way.

As for who executes live best, Taylor offered high praise of Alice in Chains. He said band’s ability to work in lockstep and manipulate their sound is so good, it’s “criminal”. Taylor also spoke highly of bands like Tool, explaining that their brand is one of such precision that their live set sounds identical to the record – less Taylor’s speed but undeniably powerful nonetheless.

In dissecting the greatest live bands of all-time, naturally Metallica became the topic of discussion. The guys revisited the band’s accolades including their historic 1991 Monsters of Moscow show and their outside the box thinking, evidenced by their 1987 EP, Garage Days Re-Revisited. The guys would take a deep dive into the legacy and longevity of Metallica – speaking to the kind of obvious fandom and reverence everyone has for Metallica.

Staying on the topic of great bands and musical influences, Taylor cited Black Flag, specifically Henry Rollins as one of the people he modeled his approach to heavy music after. Taylor heaved praise on both Greg Ginn and Rollins, again referring to the kind of ferocity and catharsis the permeated in their music. Taylor said of Rollins, “You could hear the blood in his throat.”

Never one to hold back, Taylor also spoke candidly when the conversation veered towards his personal life. He confided about his turbulent past relationships and the unhealthy place he found himself in. He talked about approaching 50 and how he works to stave of father time by taking care of himself. He also spoke about the quality of life and the genuine happiness he enjoys now, having connected with his wife Alicia.

An important question was then framed, asking Taylor if the best music is written when you are depressed or happy. For the frontman, the reality is more about sourcing from both ends of the emotional spectrum. Taylor explained that his experience with music has been about capturing a moment and with that, preserving the accompanying emotions at that time. He went onto share that while he finds poignant moments in especially dark places, he has also made some memorable music when he was happy – flouting the idea that you have to be fucked up to make lasting art.

Taylor would go onto talk detail the kind of healthy headspace he has been in throughout the process of making his sophomore solo album, CMF2. Citing bands like Led Zeppelin, he talked about how the rock music he grew up on used to showcase a variety of styles on the same album. Given that kind of foundation, Taylor said he wanted to get back to that and explore as much creative terrain as possible in his songwriting. Rather than playing it safe, Taylor’s creative ambition finds reward in risk – whether you love it or hate it, it is undoubtedly CMFT.