Your friendly neighborhood Nightcrawler recently caught up with Staind singer Aaron Lewis just prior to the golden-throated, multi-platinum-selling artist's annual solo show at the Mohegan Sun. Per usual, the famous Bay State baritone did not disappoint. He was more than eager to share his views on everything from popularity versus anonymity to why he prefers hilltowns to Hollywood, and the semantic choices that can get one ejected from commercial aircraft.
Nightcrawler: Aaron, how are you, man? It's been a while and… I can't believe I just said that.
Aaron Lewis: (laughing) Yeah, you did. ["It's Been A While" also happens to be his band's biggest hit.]
Well, you know what? It has been a while. And I remember writing about Staind going down to see Fred Durst in the beginning, then, wow—Rolling Stone, MTV and so on. Now people are talking about calling Staind one of the top alt-rock acts of the decade, and you've released a greatest hits disc. Sure feels like we have stopped chronicling your ascent and are now watching you settle into a throne as a rock elder statesman, doesn't it?
Well, I appreciate that, and rely on people like you to point that out to me, because really, it's all just been a crazy blur for me. And I live in a bubble of hotel rooms, busses, studios, and all the while [I'm] trying to be a father and keep a roof over my family's head.
I hear that. But in the old days, whereas your contemporaries would say, "I listen to Staind," you must now have new bands saying, "I grew up on Staind." In fact, they'll probably start asking you to introduce them at awards shows and such.
And no offense, but we'll probably say no to those shows just like we do now. I have zero desire to walk a red carpet or end up on E! Entertainment News. I live in the sticks in New England for a reason. There are 1,200 people in my town, and I like it that way.
Do you get hassled a lot on the road, or can you, say, just walk into a mall in Cleveland?
It all depends, of course. But for the most part, I do have the luxury of having sold upwards of 15 million records without my face being plastered everywhere, so I can get around. Hey, I even got kicked off an airplane last week, and I never played the "Do you know who I am?" card.
What was that all about?
The long story short is, I was getting hassled over this carry-on bag I have brought on at least 500 flights. They eventually let us on, and I turned to my manager and said to him, "Why was that lady being such a—" well, feminine hygiene product. A flight attendant heard that, and next thing you know, she's talking to the captain. This is followed by not one but two police officers, and I am ushered off the plane, although never charged with anything. So I guess the one thing I learned from that is that you should never, under any circumstances, say "douche" on an airplane.
And all this time we all thought it was "bomb." Stay tuned for part two of the Aaron interview, in which Lewis talks about when his long-anticipated solo efforts will drop, and offers back stories behind his biggest hits and more.
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In other news, Roger Salloom (rogersalloom.com), fresh off of his first entry into the Americana Music Association Top 40 charts with his latest disc Last Call, hosts a Valentine's Day party at the Look Park Garden House Feb. 13. On a decidedly heavier note, procrastinating Casanovas can also treat their beloveds to an impressive amalgam of metal faves including Once Beloved and Sanity is Chaos this Friday, Feb. 12 at East Longmeadow's Club Meadows for a special last minute no-cover show.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 698-9373 or e-mail Garycarra@aol.com.
