David Silvera

Memorable Live Performances: Korn at Woodstock 99

7 Woodstock '99 Details I Want To See In The Netflix Docuseries -  CINEMABLEND

Woodstock 99 is a story all on its own. There’s a new documentary about it but, it’s such a biased and bullshit take on it, that it glosses over the positive aspects of the weekend. Yes, there were many many issues but, that is for another time. What I’d rather focus on are the performances that took place. One of those that has always stood out is Korn’s performance during night one. The sheer intensity from the stage to the crowd is astonishing. The waves of thousands of people all in unison during this set is legendary. The band was at an all time high and just about to release their fourth album, Issues. They played “Falling Away From Me” and “Beg For Me” that evening. The version of “Beg For Me” is a totally different version than what’s on the album. You can see it in the band as they rip through their set that they are all in awe of what’s happening. The energy that permeated during this hour is absolutely one of those moments that will always live on in live music history. Watching the people in the crowd singing along to every song and feel it all too, that had to be an out of body experience. Even Jonathan Davis said he had an out of body experience at the end of the night as he gave that performance his all. Soon, I’ll get into a whole thing about Woodstock 99 but, until that time, just enjoy this badass performance Korn left us all with!

Korn- Live At Woodstock 99:

Korn Setlist For Woodstock 99:

01) Blind
02) Twist
03) Chi
04) Got The Life
05) Good God
06) A.D.I.D.A.S
07) Porno Creep
08) Shoots And Ladders (with Snip of Justin)
09) Beg For Me (Alt. Lyrics)
10) Freak On A Leash
11) Falling Away From Me (Alt. Lyrics)
12) Faget
13) My Gift To You (with Snip of Seasons In The Abyss)

Alternate Versions: Korn- Beg For Me & Falling Away From Me

Korn Blind Woodstock'99 [HD] 720P - YouTube

Woodstock 1999 has a very interesting history. Despite the riots, fires, rapes, price gouging and the other atrocities that happened, there were quite a few outstanding performances. One of those that I remember being a stand out was Korn’s set. This was before they were finished with their fourth album (and my second favorite album of their’s) Issues. Their set that night included 2 songs from Issues, “Falling Away From Me” and “Beg For Me” both with different lyrics than what is on the final versions. Both of these versions are quite different and give a bit of a different vibe than you’ve heard. I’d personally love for this set to be released officially. If you haven’t heard these before you are in for a treat and if you have, well now you can enjoy them again!


Korn- Beg For Me (Live at Woodstock 99):

Korn- Falling Away From Me (Live at Woodstock 99):

Great Music Videos: Korn- Freak On A Leash

Freak on a Leash (1999) – MUBI

The other day, I was talking with a friend of mine about how music videos these days just don’t have the allure and luster of the days before. Yes, we all know about the industry changing and all that but, there was something really cool about the way so many music videos had an effect not just on the song or band but, how it shaped filmmaking in general. One of th videos we were talking about was Korn’s “Freak On A Leash.” This video was directed by Todd McFarlane (of Spawn fame) and assisted by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (who would go on to make the Californication video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers). The “Freak On A Leash” video is over 20 years old now and it’s still one hell of a cool video. The way the animation and real world footage comes together is quite intriguing. The whole following the bullet aspect was pretty cool too. It’s not a surprise that the video would go on to win multiple awards.

Korn- Freak On A Leash:


B-Sides: Korn

korn_logo_black-svg

 

Korn will be celebrating their 25th year as a band this year (2019). On top of that, they are releasing their 13th studio album, The Nothing, in September. This band has been going non-stop for so many years. Throughout that time, they’ve amassed quite the catalog of songs. So many songs, that a lot of them didn’t make it to the albums and got used in other ways, whether it was soundtracks, b-sides, etc. I thought why not delve into some of Korn’s b-sides.
Sean Olson (from The Crow City of Angels Soundtrack):

 

 
Proud (from I Know What You Did Last Summer Soundtrack):

 

 
This Broken Soul (from Debut Album):

 

 
Kick The PA (from Spawn Soundtrack):

 

I Can Remember (from Follow The Leader):

 

Layla (from Debut Album):

 

 

Camel Song (From End Of Days Soundtrack):

 

 

Christmas Song (From Debut Album):

 

 
Haze (From “Untitled”):

 

 

Out Of You (from The Serenity Of Suffering):

 

 

Baby (From The Serenity Of Suffering):

 

 
Calling Me Too Soon (From The Serenity Of Suffering):

 

Video Rank: Korn

korn_logo_black-svg

Korn is one of the most recognizable bands of the last 25 years. Not only are they cemented in the rock n roll history folklore but they continue to be one of the most consistent and hard working bands out there. One thing they were always keen on was putting out quality music videos. So here are Korn’s top ten videos.

 

10) Clown:

 

09) A.D.I.D.A.S.:

 

08) Got The Life:

 

07) Black Is The Soul:

 

06) Here To Stay:

 

05) Rotting In Vain:

 

04) Falling Away From Me:

 

03) Blind:

 

02) Make Me Bad:

 

01) Freak On A Leash:

 

 

Unsung Masterpieces: Korn- Issues

ecf93232d2248b5c7415436027860f9f.jpg

Lets travel back to 1999. The peak of the nu-metal genre was riding high and Korn was on top of the mountain. Fresh off their success of their mainstream breakthrough of Follow The Leader, Korn followed that up with a more melodic simplified album, Issues. Issues saw Korn maintaining their signature heaviness while incorporating a slew of guitar hooks, vocal melodies that enhanced the lyrics, a dash of electronics, and production that really made their sound bombastic. Korn was also able to go back to its bare essentials, dropping their hip hop flair and rapping. Working with Brendan O’Brien allowed them to stay on track, and make an album that sonically sounds great and cohesive. Granted all of Korn’s albums have the same themes throughout, Issues was the absolute pinnacle of what became their signature. “Falling Away From Me,” “Trash,” “Beg For Me,” “Make Me Bad,” “Somebody Someone,” “No Way,” and “Dirty,” are absolute standouts on the album. The short interludes in between songs like “Dead,” “4U,”and “It’s Gonna Go Away,” add to the already dark lyric tones, but actually provide a nice bridge to carry on the flow of the album. I can remember buying this album and being absolutely enthralled by it. There was something about this record that really hit home with me. During this time in music, it wasn’t hard to write angry lyrics and such, but to do it with conviction and actually mean it was something Korn did perfectly. Yes, they have repeated the same thing for years, but they really know how to do it.

I’m bringing all this up because Korn are releasing a new album later this year that they promise will be more in the vain of their older efforts like Issues and Untouchables. They released a new song called “Rotting In Vain,” that really does have an old school Korn feel to it. Needless to say I’m actually intrigued to hear it. When I heard the new song, I felt compelled to go back and listen to a few of their albums. Issues was always the one besides their debut that stood out to me as a solid album. It’s quite strange to think that 22 years later, Korn is still releasing music and selling out venues, but they keep doing it and people keep listening. So take a trip down memory lane and listen to Issues.

 

Korn- Issues:

 

Korn- Rotting In Vain: