Some Of The Most Bad-ass Musicians Ever.
By Edtrader Oct. 7th, 2022
There are articles on Cracked.com about the most bad ass popes, nuns, and soldiers ever. Musicians, too, have been badasses. Wither it's fighting 400-pound bench pressing kung fu artist. Being physically tortured, but keep on playing their music. Standing face-to-face against an indicative government. Or just outright facing the odds that would turn 99.9% of people away.
There are articles on Cracked.com about the most bad ass popes, nuns, and soldiers ever. Musicians, too, have been badasses. Wither it's fighting 400-pound bench pressing kung fu artist. Being physically tortured, but keep on playing their music. Standing face-to-face against an indicative government. Or just outright facing the odds that would turn 99.9% of people away.
#7. Danny Marianino.
Glenn Danzig started his music career with the legendary punk band the Misfits. Before going on to solo success with tunes like Mother. But he is also a master of Jeet Kune Do. Trained by one of the top martial art trainers in the world, Jerry Poteet. Now Jerry was handpicked by Bruce Lee as one out of five guys to teach this style he created. Glenn got so good, in fact, that he was given the highest honor in the discipline. Glenn would later form his own martial arts school. But he can also punch-press 400 pounds. Having been a lifelong fan and participant in bodybuilding. You'd think Glenn was the bad ass of this entry. It was in 2004 when his band DANZIG was playing in Arizona. And the band North Side Kings was supposed to be the opening act. However, there were problems, and that band didn't get to play. Glenn didn't want to perform at the time he was scheduled.
So, he went on early. While the Kings would close the show. Once Glenn finished, the lights went up, and the crews began to shut down the stage. So, their singer, Danny Marianino, confronted Glenn backstage. Now with his competitive fighting background, Danny was no match. Glenn pushed Danny and nailed him to the wall. Danny, in just one punch, knocked out the 400-pound bench press martial artist. Danny walked off, and Glenn got back to his feet. Now all of this was caught on a home video camera. The video clearly shows that Glenn stepped forward and started the physical altercation.
Glenn Danzig started his music career with the legendary punk band the Misfits. Before going on to solo success with tunes like Mother. But he is also a master of Jeet Kune Do. Trained by one of the top martial art trainers in the world, Jerry Poteet. Now Jerry was handpicked by Bruce Lee as one out of five guys to teach this style he created. Glenn got so good, in fact, that he was given the highest honor in the discipline. Glenn would later form his own martial arts school. But he can also punch-press 400 pounds. Having been a lifelong fan and participant in bodybuilding. You'd think Glenn was the bad ass of this entry. It was in 2004 when his band DANZIG was playing in Arizona. And the band North Side Kings was supposed to be the opening act. However, there were problems, and that band didn't get to play. Glenn didn't want to perform at the time he was scheduled.
So, he went on early. While the Kings would close the show. Once Glenn finished, the lights went up, and the crews began to shut down the stage. So, their singer, Danny Marianino, confronted Glenn backstage. Now with his competitive fighting background, Danny was no match. Glenn pushed Danny and nailed him to the wall. Danny, in just one punch, knocked out the 400-pound bench press martial artist. Danny walked off, and Glenn got back to his feet. Now all of this was caught on a home video camera. The video clearly shows that Glenn stepped forward and started the physical altercation.
#6. Fela Kuti.
Fela Kuti was a Nigerian music that was a master of afrobeat style music. But he is a survivor of the Rambo style life. Fela was born of semi-wealthy family and studied music in London and the United States. While in the U.S. He saw the rise of liberties and empowerment of American black people.
Nigeria had just come out from under oppressive British rule. Forging its own independence. So, it seemed like the right time for the free performing of his funk and African infused jazz music. However, the independent and black ran new government of Nigeria was just as oppressive as the previous rulers.
His lyrical content was very political heavy. And he sang about the abusive ways of the British. And standing up against strict government. When the new regime ruled with an iron fist his music was going against them now.
He was told to stop his music or else. Other artist has been threatened about their music. Most end up being just spent breath. But in Fela's case it was true. First the Nigerian army burnt down his home and musical compound. His own mother was thrown out a high window and killed.
That didn't stop him, he continued to play his music. But it didn't stop the military either - Fela was arrested then tortured on a daily basis. Fortunately, the regime changed, and Fela saw his freedom. He also continued to play music until his death of AIDS some years later.
Fela Kuti was a Nigerian music that was a master of afrobeat style music. But he is a survivor of the Rambo style life. Fela was born of semi-wealthy family and studied music in London and the United States. While in the U.S. He saw the rise of liberties and empowerment of American black people.
Nigeria had just come out from under oppressive British rule. Forging its own independence. So, it seemed like the right time for the free performing of his funk and African infused jazz music. However, the independent and black ran new government of Nigeria was just as oppressive as the previous rulers.
His lyrical content was very political heavy. And he sang about the abusive ways of the British. And standing up against strict government. When the new regime ruled with an iron fist his music was going against them now.
He was told to stop his music or else. Other artist has been threatened about their music. Most end up being just spent breath. But in Fela's case it was true. First the Nigerian army burnt down his home and musical compound. His own mother was thrown out a high window and killed.
That didn't stop him, he continued to play his music. But it didn't stop the military either - Fela was arrested then tortured on a daily basis. Fortunately, the regime changed, and Fela saw his freedom. He also continued to play music until his death of AIDS some years later.
#5. The Police vs The Police.
It's 1983, and The Police were playing concerts in Argentina. Guitarist Andy Summers was growing more and more angry about how a military police officer was mistreating a girl in the front row. Striking her each time she started to move and sing. Just having a good time like you are supposed to at a concert. Things got out of hand, and Andy Kung Fu kicked the officer in the back of the head. This was back when Argentina was under dictatorship, and actions like this meant the death penalty. A few moments later, Sting's (singer/bass player) roadie told him that the police were waiting for Andy after the show. The band finished the show and went back to their dressing room. Sure enough, the officer with backup came knocking on their door. Andy could have tried to run or hide, like most people would. But instead, he was brave about the whole thing. He went straight to the officer and shook his hand. responding, 'wow wasn't it crazy out there'. Finally, the officer let out a small grin and told him that you can't do stuff like this here.
Sting himself had a moment of standing up to the military police. The Police grew in popularity in 1980–1981 to a point that they toured the world. Capturing it in a video titled Around The World. With a fateful stop in Egypt During the concert, a plain-clothes officer pulled a small kid down off another fan's shoulders. Sting told this guy to piss off. And told the audience to get him. Sting didn't know that he had said this about the chief of the real police. Miles Copeland talked the police out of charging him. As long as Sting would apologize to the cop. Backstage, it's Sting, Miles, and the cops. But Sting made things unsettling by refusing to apologize. He stared at the officer, then took off.
It's 1983, and The Police were playing concerts in Argentina. Guitarist Andy Summers was growing more and more angry about how a military police officer was mistreating a girl in the front row. Striking her each time she started to move and sing. Just having a good time like you are supposed to at a concert. Things got out of hand, and Andy Kung Fu kicked the officer in the back of the head. This was back when Argentina was under dictatorship, and actions like this meant the death penalty. A few moments later, Sting's (singer/bass player) roadie told him that the police were waiting for Andy after the show. The band finished the show and went back to their dressing room. Sure enough, the officer with backup came knocking on their door. Andy could have tried to run or hide, like most people would. But instead, he was brave about the whole thing. He went straight to the officer and shook his hand. responding, 'wow wasn't it crazy out there'. Finally, the officer let out a small grin and told him that you can't do stuff like this here.
Sting himself had a moment of standing up to the military police. The Police grew in popularity in 1980–1981 to a point that they toured the world. Capturing it in a video titled Around The World. With a fateful stop in Egypt During the concert, a plain-clothes officer pulled a small kid down off another fan's shoulders. Sting told this guy to piss off. And told the audience to get him. Sting didn't know that he had said this about the chief of the real police. Miles Copeland talked the police out of charging him. As long as Sting would apologize to the cop. Backstage, it's Sting, Miles, and the cops. But Sting made things unsettling by refusing to apologize. He stared at the officer, then took off.
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#4. Deep Purple.
Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and solo fame almost went to prison for murder. Deep Purple was the first major rock band to play in Jakarta, Indonesia. On December 4th, 150,000 Indonesians were entertained at two shows at the Senyan Sports Stadium. Deep Purple had a contract to play only one concert. With a certain number of tickets sold for that concert. But the promoters oversold the first show. Cutting the band out of their rightful payment. But they also sold a second night. For which the band would receive no compensation. This caused a ruckus between the local promoters and Deep Purple. Patsy Collins was a well-trained security officer working for Deep Purple. He was killed as he fell from a six-story tall elevator shaft at the band's hotel. Was he pushed, or did he fall down the shaft? Collins was actually able to get on his own two feet and make his way to the hotel lobby. Then he went out to a parked van and was taken to the hospital. Where he died a few hours later from internal injuries. At first, Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes, manager Rob Cooksey, and two crew members were arrested as being the last known persons to see Patsy alive. |
But the members of Deep Purple have said Patsy had gotten into a fight with some of the Indonesian crew. Patsy was pushed down the elevator shaft. Mind you, all this was after the first concert. And the police told the band they would still go on. Glenn was let out of jail long enough to play the show. Then back into the clank he went. The fans were even victimized as a brigade of attack dogs were let loose on the crowd as they were deemed too rowdy. To top it all off, the band's airplane wheels were sliced. All the money they made had to be given back so they could get the tires and gear to even leave the country.
But the members of Deep Purple have said Patsy had gotten into a fight with some of the Indonesian crew. Patsy was pushed down the elevator shaft. Mind you, all this was after the first concert. And the police told the band they would still go on. Glenn was let out of jail long enough to play the show. Then back into the clank he went. The fans were even victimized as a brigade of attack dogs were let loose on the crowd as they were deemed too rowdy. To top it all off, the band's airplane wheels were sliced. All the money they made had to be given back so they could get the tires and gear to even leave the country.
#3. Dillinger Escape Plan.
Part of the punk/hard rock concert experience is a mosh pit. Using anger and spirited fun, fans get into a circle and just throw each other around. And if you don't come out without bruises and blood, it isn't a successful mosh. Venues designate an area for this with disclaimers against lawsuits and things of such. When a music artist goes out among the crowd, it's on a flying contraption. Such as KISS and P!nk use. Or there is an extended platform like Garth Brook's. But the band Dillinger Escape Plan doesn't use any of that stuff. Nor do they go out into the calmer areas of the crowd. No, they take their guitars and microphones and get right in the middle of the mosh pit. 80 percent of their show time, they perform within the audience. Coming away with cuts and bruises themselves. Needless to say, their instruments often get trashed beyond repair.
#2. Metallica.
On tour for the Black album, Metallica and Guns N Roses did a monster tour. Unfortunately for Metallica's James Hetfield, he was badly burned by a pyrotechnic mishap and had to be rushed to the hospital. There were bursts of flames as part of the show. James mistimed when he was to step out onto the outermost platform. Picking the first guitar lines of the next song when FLASH. The fire burst out, and the guitar feedbacked and died out. Bassist Jason Newstead said he could see the skin on James just boiling and bubbling. James is rushed to the hospital and lives. Just a few mere weeks later, James wants to play the show that he didn't finish. Here he is still in an arm cast as it was burned the worst. With all of the medical questions surrounding his health, he had just one response. His arm and hand are in a cast. But he can still sing. So, one of the roadies happened to know the guitar parts. So, he filled in on guitar while James, for the first time ever, just sang.
#1. Randy Blythe.
Lamb Of God were touring in the Czech Republic when singer Randy Blythe was charged with Manslaughter. A concert in Prague, 19-year-old Daniel Nosek died after receiving head injuries. The fan was trying to climb on stage when Randy pushed him back. Thinking that the crowd would catch him. Unfortunately, he hit the back of his head and died a few weeks later. The Czech police conducted an investigation after the kid's death. And even asked the U.S. Government for help. Which they turned down that request. And Randy's attorney states that neither he nor the band were told of the investigation.
Two years later, when the band returned, Randy was arrested, citing that he was morally responsible for the death. Facing 5-10 years for the Czech equivalent to manslaughter. Randy was held on a bail amount of 200,000 US dollars. However, nine days later, Randy was still in jail. As the State Attorney could challenge the bail. He had three working days in which to do this. Which it just so happened that a holiday came in the middle and gave him nine. Randy was finally free on bail. On November 20th, 2013, Randy Blythe was officially charged.
His trial was set for February 4th, 2013. The U.S. State Department denied Randy's request to have him arrested and forced to stand trial. And advised him that he shouldn't go. As it could be a fixed trial with a staked jury. That, and he could be imprisoned for life or given the death penalty, whether he was found innocent or not. So he didn't have to go or worry about anything. 99.9 percent of people wouldn't have gone. But he decides he has to stand up and face these charges. So he faced a possible life in prison in Prague. Randy appeared in person in order to clear his name. He testified that the venue was small, with very little room between the stage and the fan area. And that the security did such a poor job.
Randy's defense team showed live videos shot at the show. Trying to show that metal concerts are energetic and that fans climbing on stage and throwing themselves into the crowd is normal Randy was found not to be criminally responsible for the death. But conceded that he did in fact throw the fan offstage. That he was morally responsible. He was set free, and his bail money was returned.