Probably one of the more interesting shows I have had the privilege to attend this year has to be Corey Taylor, best known as the front-man for both Slipknot and Stone Sour, solo and acoustic in an intimate theater setting. I was not sure what to expect, but was certainly geared up for an entertaining evening. Corey Taylor is a man of great charisma, whether he is growling out lyrics with Slipknot or quietly reciting excerpts from his NY Times best-selling book “Seven Deadly Sins”, he has a way of captivating the audience and always leaving us wanting more.
The evening started off with the promise of a different kind of performance as Taylor took to the intimate stage at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia to the rousing applause and cheers from the audience. Taylor started things out with a bit of stand-up comedy discussing his book sales, addressing backlash from previous commentary on Scott Weiland, and revealing the evenings theme which was “vanity”. Corey Taylor is a man who is naturally funny and he was able to engage the crowd without even trying, I think he must have hundreds and hundreds of stories in his arsenal each one more absurd and off-the-wall than the previous, all he has to do is open his mouth and immediately we are hooked. After the glimpse into his wit and wisdom, Taylor then grabbed a copy of his book “Seven Deadly Sins” and shared with us a reading from one of the chapters complete with just the right amount of inflection and expression. If you have not had a chance to pick up a copy of the book, which was released July 2011, I can definitely say it is a thoroughly entertaining and informative read, certainly one worth checking out this holiday season.
Once the book reading concluded Taylor launched into an interactive Q & A with members of the audience. To witness an artist that is as high caliber as Corey Taylor take on such as familiar and down-to-earth approach with fans was incredible, proving that Taylor can truly relate to his fans and is not afraid to take on such a personal approach. The questions tackled a wide range of subjects such as Taylor’s vocal preparations before going on on stage with Slipknot, favorite memories of the late Paul Grey,ghostly stories from the Houdini Mansion recordings sessions, and what he was like as a child. Taylor’s answers revealed some humorous, as well as, touching moments and stories from his life. After a short break, the music took over and Taylor donned with his acoustic guitar played an impressive set that included Stone Sour songs “Bother”, “Hesitate”, and the not often played “Zzyzx Road”, as well as, Slipknot songs “Spit It Out” and “Snuff” before branching into a foray of covers that featured “Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails, “With Or Without You” by U2, “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd, and “Nutshell” by Alice In Chains. Taylor closed out the evening with the irreverent “X-M@$” the perfect ending to a great evening.
To sum it up: Corey Mother F**king Taylor is mother f**king hilarious, and if you have a chance to get out and see one of his rare intimate solo performances it will certainly be an evening to remember, as Taylor’s lacerating wit and unwavering view of the world shed insight into the artists psyche and maybe some that of the audience as well!
