We’ve been overwhelmed by the volume of emails flooding in with questions for Machine Head’s drummer Dave McClain in our Ask The Artist section recently. In fact, it’s got to be a record… or very damn close. Usually we pick about 10 questions and post up the answers… sometimes a few more, rarely a few less. This time, we sat poor ol’ Dave down for a good hour, and watched him pore over your questions trying his best to answer them. Ten questions and answers are now posted in the ASK THE ARTIST section. A few more questions and answers will be posted over the course of this week…. we didn’t let him off that lightly.

Roadrunner says: “When you can’t find Adam or Phil in the Portmouth Pyramids- look in the pool! An absolutely astounding set followed by an impromptu swim by the guys (until they got thrown out!) and some DJ’ing at the local hotspot for almost 3 hours til 2am by Robb! Much vodka and cran and fun was had by all!” And here’s what you had to say…. Expendable Man says: “I just got back from the Portsmouth gig, fucking amazing night. Opening with ‘Imperium’ and ‘Take My Scars’ just sent the entire place berzerk and the whole set was killer, though they didn’t do the QOTSA cover you guys have been talking about doon there. During ‘Davidian,’ I saw a kid who couldn’t have been more than eleven years old spinning round the mosh pit and screaming the lyrics. Respect to that lad’s parents. They also got a huge circle pit going during ‘Block’ at the end which took up nearly the entire venue, that was beyond any shadow of a doubt an astounding gig, the only thing that let it down was no ‘Bite the bullet’ and the fact that Sikth were there.” Steveuk666 says: “OH MY FUCKING GOD!!! Portsmouth was my first Machine Head gig and it was fucking immense!! My ears are still ringing!! Yeah you could tell they were lovin it up there on stage. I knew I was. I was in the mosh pit at the front to the right, jumpin, kickin, headbanging and devil’s saluting, … and just goin fucking crazy!! Great fun. MACHINE FUCKING HEAD. eattheafterbirth says “Holy shit! That was one of the best gigs ever. And I fuckin well mean ever. Went to London on the 27th as well and last nite kicked London’s ass (and London was fuckin excellent). Fuckin “head case” crowd. Fuckin Machine Head were awesome and you could tell they were fuckin loving it…Overall a fuckin quality week.” Phil Graves says: “As for the show….OH MY GOD! Best fucking show I’ve seen in a long long time. Robb certainly knows how to get a crowd going. Loved every second of it and can’t wait to see them again but most of all….thanks for getting us into the after show party. Never been to one of those before and it was really cool to hang out with the guys and get drunk…” Charlie says: “Fuck yeah! That was the first gig i’ve ever been to and it was crazy! MACHINE FUCKING HEAD! MACHINE FUCKING HEAD! MACHINE FUCKING HEAD! I had the best time ever! So gonna see them again! The band were excellent The crowd were excellent That whole thing was fucking excellent!” Machine Head play Bristol tonight.

Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger recently talked to AOL.com about his favourite top 10 albums in their Guest Editor feature slot. From Kylie to Meshuggah, Pink Floyd to Metallica, you can read all about his choices, and the reasons behind them, HERE.

So, not only did Machine Head slay London at the Astoria on Thursday night, but they blew the roof off on Friday night too! Even played a slightly longer set too… throwing in an extra cover or two… and different ones at that. Thursday’s crowd witnessed Number Of The Beast. Friday’s crowd rocked out to Queens Of The Stone Age’s Feel Good Hit Of The Summer, and Metallica’s Creeping Death. “Die, Die, Die, Die,” chanted everyone back at the stage. The guys totally on top form again, Phil stage-diving again… even playing in the photo pit down with the security guys before shoulder rolling back onto the stage, guitar in hand, and standing straight up into a shred. m/ Machine Head fan Jordy posted this up online earlier at the official Machine Head site, www.MachineHead1.com…. “Well last night I went to my first ever machine head gig. I first got into them in september 2001 when I heard ‘Bulldozer’ and I went and bought ‘Supercharger’. After falling in love with this album I bought ‘Burn My Eyes’ and when first hearing the riff of Davidian I was transfixed. I then bought TMTC and ‘The Burning Red’ and from then on they have been my favourite band. I listen to them everyday. Unfortunately the time I realised my love for The mighty Head, it was literally in the middle of their december UK tour 2001! And being 14 at the time there was noway I was able to go. So when I heard about the ten ton hammer show at the garage I was so happy! However I heard it was only for 18+ so I didnt get tickets. The day before the Ten Ton Hammer show I found out that the age restriction was 14 and I was majorly pissed! So last night i was so excited. Got in the queue at 2.15 so I could be at the front and in hope of meeting the band. I met Ian who is ‘Iamthedamnation’ on this forum. He was a really nice guy and a complete machine head fanatic! What a legend! In the end I only managed to met Phil, who is a top guy. Got my TTAOE album sleave and my ticket signed. But I didn’t get to meet Robb which was a bit of a disappointment but I am determined to one day! When we got in I ran to the front and got on the barrier pretty much in the middle, a bit to the right. The TTAOE album cover backdrop was awesome and the two ginormous machine head logos on either side of the stage were the things that really hit me and made me think “Fuck me, this is it, I’m actually going to see Machine Head.” Breed 77 were ok. Quite entertaining, with some badass riffs, however not really my cup of tea. The it was sikth, a band who I have a close following for. Ironically it was my sixth time seeing sikth! they were not as good as normal though, with a rather strange setlist wich was cut short, however they were still great! Pin (bald guitarist) gave me and my mate a guitar pick each which was rather nice of him! The wait for machine head was agonising! I was so excited thinking “Fuck me this is it!” And when the lights went out I couldhave cried cos I was so happy. The first note of imperium brought the band to the stage and fuck me there was Robb Flynn standing right in front of me! And Adam Duce, Phil Demmel and Dave McClain. When Robb shouted hear me now the whole place went fucking mental! The whole set i was being crushed and at times struggling to breathe but I refused to move for anything! Take my scars was awesome. In the first verse I was singing my heart out and I made eye contact with Robb and he pointed at me, which as pathetic as it sounds was the fucking greatest moment of my life! The Blood the Sweat the Tears was phenomenal and then came None But My Own. This may well be my favourite song of all time! That riff is enough to make anyone nod their head to the music and the end part was the best! Fuck me, I spazd out and went fucking mental (to the annoyance of my mate next to me who I elbowed in the face a load of times!) Left Unfinished was great and you could really see the emotion in Robb’s eyes when singing the lyrics, I have such a great admiration for him and the way he goes about life and Left Unfinished added to this. Then Trephination sent the whole place mad! Most probably the best song off Supercharger, once again with some very emotional lyrics, AWESOME!!!!! Ten Ton Hammer was great, especially where they begin the song and then stop before going into the badass riff! Then ‘The Burning Red’, another one of my all time favourite songs! This song makes me cry cos I’m a big softy and live it did bring a tear to my eye! Amazing! ‘In the Presence of my Enemies’ was probably the stand out track of the evening as it semmed to have a new life live. Don’t get me wrong, on CD its amazing too but better live! Especially at the end with all the crowd shouting along with Robb, “On Your Grave I Will Stand!!!!” And the final song before the encore, “Blood for blood”, was absolutely insane. That riff is heavenly and makes me headbang till i can headbang nomore! Then the encore beginning with ‘Descend the Shades of Night’ which is a beutifully crafted song, played to perfection live with the amazing sounds of the acoustic guitars. Loved it. Then oh my fucking god ‘DAVIDIAN!!!!! ‘. I think this completely lost me my voice! And broke my neck! Thats metal how it should be! And next the two covers, ‘Feel Good Hit of The Summer’, by QOTSA which i thought was a million times better than the original! ‘Creeping Death’ made the crowd go mad! I was in hysterics when Robb/Phil randomly added a ‘sweet child of mine’ riff in half way through the song! Great stuff! And Robb got the whole crowd shouting, “DIE DIE DIE DIE”, which was incredible, and Phil coming down the front at the end, letting us play his guitar was also incredible! Finally ‘BLOCK!!!!’ which was the best song I have ever seen live! FUCK IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best concert of my life! My ribs are bruised from being crushed against the barrier but i dont give a shit because last night i saw Machine Head, the best band on the planet and it was the best!!!!! I cannot wait for them to come back to the UK and when they do i will be able to drive so I will be going to every show! And I will hopefully meet Robb. I wanna say a big thank you to Robb, Phil, Dave and Adam for making my life so fucking great and for creating the best music on the planet. I hope the rest of the tour goes well guys! Take care and thanx again.” Jordy xx

40 Below Summer’s ‘Self-Medicate’ video is now added to the ‘New Skids On The Block’ section on Scuzz TV and can be requested between 5 – 6 p.m. every day!

There’s nothing quite like a Machine Head show. As we’re about to leave the office to take in the second Machine Head show in London tonight (utterly sold out we might add), we leave you for the weekend with a few photos from last night to mull over. Machine Head, live at the London Astoria, November 27th, HERE. Your writeups of last night, viewable in the TOUR section now… more to come… Do note, brand new competition launched today in FREE SHIT to win a signed Machine Head guitar*…

The end is nigh. This is indeed the very last ‘Asks’ piece from this year’s Roadrage tour. However, we have saved a good ‘un for last. Rob Garcia of Spineshank, got the chance to ask questions of Mark Hunter, Chimaira’s singer. 1. How’d you feel when you found out that Chaka was your twin brother? [web ed’s note: for those not in the know, Chaka is a longstanding member of Ill Nino’s crew] “It was ok with me, luckily I can speak English and I am not overweight.” 2. What makes your band the most ominous nu-metal band on this tour? “The fact that we kick the piss out of Spineshank every show we play with them. Even since before we were signed.” [Mark hastens to point out later, that of course he is in fact joking, and not being a egotistical bastard.] 3. Do you dream of me when you sleep? “Yes, I draw a Sarkisyan on you though. It is more magical.” [At this point, Mark insists we scan the handwritten interrogation paperwork, and post it as photographic evidence for all to see. The reason for this is simple. Drawing a Sarkisyan on someone consists of precise placement of a black permanent marker pen dot, in order to resemble the face of Mike Sarkisyan, Spineshank’s guitarist, more accurately. Mark has kindly illustrated by means of a small sketch, the exact location for said dot, and offers it as a teaching guide for all budding Sarkisyanists out there. Mark is actually quite skilled in Sarkisyanism, and was seen chasing potential victims around the bar in the London Astoria on the Roadrage tour, marker pen in hand. More than one member of the Roadrunner UK staff had been Sarkisyaned by the end of the night.] HOW TO DRAW A SARKISYAN (and above handwritten interrogation)

Machine Head. London Astoria. Last night. Crowd-surfing bins, Phil Demmel stage-diving, Brown Eyes, our ol’ buddy Jack D, a stormin’ cover of Number Of The Beast, rocking back to 1994, cheers fuckers, see-thru guitars, fuckin’ enormous speaker stacks, Mike P, the infamous post-gig bar, circle pits, whiplash, respectable broadsheet journalists letting their hair down, The Omen, getting to bed at 4:30am this morning…. Here’s a few snippets from various messageboards about last night’s show…. “Just got back from Machine Head! What a great gig, possibly the best one I’ve been to in my life, and I’ve seen MH at least four times!!! I met Robb Flynn, wohoooooo! If Thursday was this good, Friday will be immense. Phil Demmel jumped into the crowd and landed on my head, which was interesting!” “HELL YEAH! Only 3 days till I see them again! HELL YEAH!” “I have been to loads of gigs and this one was just fuckin perfect! Woohooooo!” “It was an absolutely fantastic gig!!” “The set was a carbon copy of the European dates, but I think they may change it tomorrow! I warn you, its going to be effing violent. It was just the right length methinks, but they couldn’t come back for a second encore cos of Gareth Gates at G.A.Y. Ugh. The set in a somewhat hapahazard order, correct me peeps who were there: Imperium None But My Own Take My Scars Left Unfinished Blood, Sweat, Tears Burning Red Trephination In the Presence of My Enemies Blood for Blood Ten Ton Hammer Descend the Shades of Night Number of the Beast Davidian Block (Circle Pit!!!!!) I’m sure that list is in the wrong order, but thats all the songs. Apologies, my ears are still ringing!!!” “It was fucking amazing. MH are always brilliant but I was just like WOW. Stood at the front when they played the intro (music from The Omen) I nearly wet myself I was that excited! I’m soooo gutted I can’t go again tonight. If it wasn’t sold out I’d buy a ticket cos I got paid.” “If you don’t want to get covered in blood, sweat and beers don’t go downstairs.” “After 3 songs I fainted god dammit.” “machine fuckin head!!! machine fuckin head!!! machine fuckin head!!!” “Hats off to Dave for his legs of steel, the double kick stole the show!! Phil, ya made me proud to be a ‘Head fan tonight my man. Everytime I looked at ya I got a big ol’ metal grin on my face. Adam your stage presence was incredible. Those magic fingers of yours were on lightning form. And Robb, god damn!! How can one man be such an axe-meister AND vocal king?? Personally I think it’s greedy to be so fuckin amazin at both!! You guys are tighter than my sisters push-up bra!!!! METAL AS FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Machine Head. London Astoria. Tonight. Sold Out.

Mike from Spineshank, Mark from Chimaira, and Laz from Ill Nino each contributed three songs to the following list… we asked the guys to come up with the soundtrack of the Roadrage tour. Mike 1. Home Sweet Home – Motley Crue 2. Fat Bottomed Girls – Queen 3. Dehumanising Process – Chimaira (the funnest part of the whole show) Mark 1. The Beginning Of The End – Spineshank 2. Mandatory Suicide – Slayer 3. No Love Lost – Carcass Laz 1. R.Kelly – Ignition Remix 2. Transplant – Diamonds & Guns 3. God Save Us – Ill Nino

EAR FACTORY guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers has posted the following message to the band’s official web site: “Today [Friday, November 21]í¢ä‰åŒ_ I had one of the most amazing experiences in my life, I must admit!… “I got the opportunity to jam with some of the most influential people in the Metal business today! I got to play ‘I Don’t Wanna Change The World’, ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Paranoid’ with OZZY, ZAKK WYLDE AND MIKE BORDIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “It was amazing!!!… Zakk, Mike and Ozzy are some of the coolest, most down to earth people I ever met.. Not to mention, some of the sickest shredders I will ever get to play a note with!!!!! “Zakk is a monster!!!! Man… what a sick player!!! I think I got a new guitar hero! I can’t even explain to u what it feels like when you’re jamming with Zakk Wylde and he starts playing a lead in front of u!!!??? I felt like hot blood was rushing thru my veins!!.. The same feeling I had when I played a song with [ex-GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist] Slash last year.. The juices just start flowing…. These guys will give u that feeling! “Mike Bordin was already one of my all-time favorite drummers next to Raymond (FF) and Stewart Copeland! So that was another dream fulfilled! “I played Zakk some of the new FF shit in the car and he was like ‘Fuck yeah!!!! …Thas some fucking heavy shit,’ and after hearing ‘Cyberwaste’, he was like ‘Dawwwm that must be some of the heaviest shit I’ve heard from FF!’ …And then he asked me if I was doing any leads at all? I told him I would never attempt such a foolish thing, not after hearing Zakk Wylde and Dimebag Darrell tearing it up in the metal world… It’s pointless…. Why even try!!! Hahaha He was laughing!!! When he drove off in his Monstertruck, he shouted… ‘BLACK LABEL, FEAR FACTORY and DAMAGEPLANí¢ä‰åŒ_ Let’s do a tour!! And if u need a lead over one of them FEAR FACTORY songs, give me a call!’ ….I was thinking, ‘What a cool motherfucker!!’ “Well, I can mark this day down on my calendar as being one of the greater moments in life! I got to jam with Ozzy! …! Not something u do everyday…”