In the inaugural episode of the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, hosted by comedian Craig Gass and Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael, former Papa Roach drummer Dave Buckner shares an intense memory from his time at the famed Houdini Mansion with the iconic band Slipknot. This episode delves into Buckner?s incredible journey through the music industry, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

As an original member of Papa Roach, Buckner contributed to every album up until the 2006 release of The Paramour Sessions, before departing in 2007. His legacy is underscored by the recent milestone of the band’s breakout hit “Last Resort,” which has impressively surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. Our video clip below captures the essence of this discussion and showcases the depth of Buckner’s experience.

Reflecting on his early musical career, Gass initiates a conversation about Buckner’s significant transformations, particularly his journeys through weight loss and sobriety. Once weighing over 425 pounds, Buckner has successfully shed around 225-250 pounds. Kael responds in disbelief, stating, “You lost a me,” emphasizing the magnitude of Buckner’s accomplishment.

During the time of his departure from Papa Roach, Buckner faced the challenge of achieving sobriety. He candidly admits that he “hadn’t got the skills [and] the tools to process all the other things that come with getting sober, so I ate a lot of my feelings.” His vulnerability in discussing these issues highlights the real struggles many face in their journey towards recovery.

Gass probes further, asking Buckner if he encountered any health scares related to his weight. This inquiry leads to a captivating anecdote about his visit to Slipknot at the legendary Houdini Mansion. Buckner recounts, “Right around [the time] we were making our third record, Getting Away With Murder, the Slipknot guys were at the Houdini Mansion creating The Subliminal Verses.” This connection between the two bands during their peak creative phases adds an intriguing layer to Buckner’s narrative.

He elaborates, “I had gone there with my ex-wife to hang out ? me, her and some of the Papa Roach guys, I think Jacoby [Shaddix] and Tobin [Esperance] were probably there. They were playing us the new album. The mixing room was about as big as this studio and they had the speakers cranked to 11, and it felt like there was a ringing in my ears, a buzzing in my ears.” The story takes a serious turn when he recalls driving home the next day, only to wake up with half of his face unresponsive, fearing he had suffered a stroke. Fortunately, it was diagnosed as Bell’s palsy, a condition that can be triggered by exposure to loud noises.

Buckner continues to share how he managed to recover from this scare and the role that acupuncture played in his healing process. His journey underscores not only the physical toll of a musician?s lifestyle but also the importance of mental and emotional health.

To catch the full discussion and gain deeper insights into Buckner’s experiences, watch the complete clip below. For more exciting content from the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, continue exploring further down the page! If you want to view the entire episode, click here.

READ MORE: 10 Best God-Tier Rock Songs of the 2000s

Discover the Unique Insights of the Beardo and Weirdo Podcast

The Beardo and Weirdo podcast features comedian and die-hard rock and metal enthusiast Craig Gass alongside Chris Kael, the bassist from Five Finger Death Punch. Occasionally, they welcome special guests ranging from former NFL stars to beloved musicians, all at the intersection of pop culture and electrifying music.

Launching on Valentine?s Day, the Beardo and Weirdo podcast is set to release two additional episodes this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), followed by a consistent weekly schedule every Thursday. This podcast promises to offer engaging conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of rock and metal.

Stay Updated: Follow & Subscribe to the Beardo and Weirdo Podcast

Follow the Podcast:

Follow Craig Gass:

Follow Chris Kael: