Mudvayne drummer Matt McDonough has reflected on the unexpected and massive resurgence of nu-metal, a phenomenon that has left him feeling both surprised and grateful. In a new interview on the “Talk Toomey” podcast, he likened the genre’s current status to a bygone era, stating: “The strange renaissance of that time period, it’s almost like we’re the classic rock now.”
McDonough admitted that when the band first discussed reuniting around 2019, he was deeply skeptical that an audience for their music still existed.
“I was, like, ‘No one’s even gonna remember us. Who’s actually gonna come out?'” he recalled thinking. He said the fan response at their first festival shows back was “just absolutely surreal and overwhelming.”
That passionate response has continued on their current tour, with a surprisingly diverse, multi-generational audience. “The strange renaissance of that time period, it’s almost like we’re the classic rock now. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration — we see four generations of people,” he said. “People in their early sixties, late fifties that were late ’90s fans, and then their grandkids. There was an 8-year-old right in front last night in San Antonio.”
He pointed to the success of their peers as further evidence that the entire genre is experiencing a second wind.
“It seems to be happening for everybody. Obviously, Deftones have blown up. It’s crazy — they’re bigger than they’ve ever been,” he observed. “So I don’t know. Maybe the world just is ready to come to a nu-metal show, I guess.”
That passionate fan response has also greeted the band’s first new music in 16 years, the singles “Hurt People Hurt People” and “Sticks And Stones.” McDonough admitted he had the usual anxiety before releasing the new material. “You can’t help but be concerned about the reception and how it’s gonna be perceived… You’re curious how it’s gonna be received. So far it’s been overwhelming and it’s really flattering. I mean, I’m still grateful for all of the attention we get.”
The interview comes as Mudvayne is in the final stretch of their “L.D. 50” 25th-anniversary tour.
Mudvayne “L.D. 50 25th Anniversary” Tour Dates:
- Oct. 16 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
- Oct. 18 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
- Oct. 19 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
- Oct. 21 – Raleigh, NC – The Red Hat Amphitheater
- Oct. 22 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
- Oct. 24 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
- Oct. 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
- Oct. 26 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
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