While many might feel this article is a violent blast from the past, the intense theatrical and creative expression Limp Bizkit encompasses through their delivery, message, stage presence and theme remain unmatched by most. Of course, the music industry would still thrive without them and the presence of hundreds of other bands that also "kick holes in speakers" prove that the art remains alive, but no one quite does it like Limp Bizkit. Having established themselves as a trusted brand for the dark art lovers, their work also elicit an openly adventurous mind and some dynamic perception; their music (their best work at least) come as a reflection of a broken inner self themed around existentialism and individualism. LB's works usually capture the strife modern patterns of life puts the individual through, and how unforgiving the philistine mind state of many can cripple those of others with a different perception who willingly chose a different path; the misunderstood humans who prefer the spiritual side of life; those who've felt the crushing burden of marginalisation in one way or the other are likely connect to their work - even if only a few lines. As David Rodigan said while introducing Alborosie's
Soul Pirate (2008),"Music knows no boundaries. Music is an international force, an international language".
Limp Bizkit added weight to that claim throughout their journey, touching people all over the globe since the early 90s, an era arguably confused by the impact of rapidly evolving technology on everyday life; where the "Chuck Norris/Rambo/Clint Eastwood" culture was being made obsolete by the harsh awakening of a soon to be limitless technological reality. The escapism now available from the comfort of any PC was then a dream; those without much to live for needed something to fuel their spirit. That fuel came through a bunch of ruthless soldiers of reality, introspection and lyrical prolificacy (Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park, Nirvana, Incubus, Live, Pearl Jam to name a few). While the era was blessed with some of the most talented children of music, Limp Bizkit on the other hand had a combination of eclectic prodigies whose combined influence lead to a unique package - fusing sounds that had previously never been deeply experimented with. The band from Florida was born from ashes and last remaining fragments of "Generation X" (as Doug Coupland coined the accelerated culture). Limp Bizkit influenced a whole generation of misunderstood souls, those without a reason to believe and even adults looking for escape and spiritual relief. While their music is still being lived and discovered by a new generation of young listeners, the number of hearts theyve reached over the years has turned them into a cornerstone in contemporary music; selling over 35 million records worldwide and featuring on some of the biggest soundtracks in film (Mission Impossible 2) and entertainment (WWE) - not to mention, the countless number of artists from various fields of art whove been inspired by their work and energy. But what sparked this fusion? Where did all this artistically channelled creative anger and pot-pourri of old, current and new come from? While their music is known to be fairly exuberant and wild in nature, Fred Durst revealed
The Beatles as one of their influences.
"I love how the Beatles used to make records and satisfy their fans, like when they started gettin' all trippy and changed their name for a record Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club ," frontman Fred Durst told MTV Radio in 2000.
The secret to their success, respect and propulsion to the halls of Rock history started in 1994, when Florida based Durst forms the band with his friend Sam Rivers. Fred Durst also a tattoo artist made the acquaintance of
Korn's bassist, Fieldy, who previously had some skin art from the former. In 1995 when Korn were touring the Jacksonville area, they picked up Limp Bizkit's demo tape. What followed was an introduction to Korn's producer, Ross Robinson and a tour with other major acts such as House of Pain and Deftones. While their talent lead to a number of contracts, Flip/Interscope is the one who finally managed their signature. Their debut album
Three Dollar Bill Y'All was released and from there the adventure started. Stemming from the underground scene, Limp Bizkits music might be classified as controversial by many. However, others might argue the fact that Fred Durst generally sings about truth. A truth so raw and honest delivered with heart (at times on fire) and a moving low baritone fuelled by misunderstanding and scars. While one's list of all-time favourites might not welcome all of LB's work, some of Durst's tracks remain timeless, gripping and meaningful (until this day), and deserve their spot up there with the greats of music and spectacle. LB delivers a spiritual and emotional dimension brilliantly infused through microphone moments of pure passion, melancholia, honesty and heart. The guitarist, another household name, Wes Borland, blesses the whole proceeding with his poignantly vibrant presence. The front man of Black Light Burns has had stints with the likes of Marilyn Manson and is well known for his unique stage antics ranging from elaborate art work (painting, sculptures and drawings) to some of the most unique body painting music fans have seen. Besides playing guitar, Borland is also a monster of visual creativity who's always experimenting, fusing and reacting with art. (Wes Borland's art work can be found on his
Facebook page and his online gallery,
The Borland Gallery.
Limp Bizkit tears venues, moves hearts, shakes souls, releases tension and slaps the conscience of most with an extreme level of honest insight. But, their style however has been scrutinized by many (who find them insulting), leading to the act being judged in the negative light by many critics and journalists alike.
But with the way society is evolving, it might be fair to think about the possibly hard and ugly facts behind minds when artistic honesty hurts. Could it mean that we're all hypocrites? Could it mean that we all simply like to stay away from the truth? Are we all selectively blind? Or maybe we simply fail to appreciate or give a chance to the artistic expression of pain and truth? From a fair and honest perspective, they're artists reflecting their exposure to civilization whist clearly labelling their work as one for an open minded and a mature audience. In the field of psychology, researchers have found how reality is best depicted by those who are depressed (or abnormal). While others call people who chose a different path (from the majority - statistical infrequency) abnormal, psychology has once again proven its inaccuracy in defining who is abnormal and who normal. After all, from the simplest to the most complex, we all have choices. Yet, the hard part has never been about making them, but dealing with the consequences. Some people chose to follow a lifestyle that emphasises on the individual's honest deliberations and choices - like Kantians. Others never question much and find their happiness by adopting the "normal" way of life. Ideally, both should be entitled to the same amount of respect, but it somehow rarely happens. No one likes changing. But it is time to give it all a thought? Can we as a people move forward while still accepting the models of a past looking more distant day after day as society moves forward with such alarming pace? Should groups be defined by states of mind or meaningless differences were stuck with at birth? As the Austrian-British social psychologist, Marie Jahoda defined the normal mental health she stated the importance of autonomy and an accurate perception of reality. Most normal people who are believed to have an adequate psychological functioning are said to require
an element of self-delusion according to Taylor and Brown (1988). So, could Jahoda have meant that a perfectly functioning person should be accepting depression (reality)? Or simply that being happy entails keeping an eye shut to some of truth (keep a blind eye) and adopting a deluded esteem of self? Similarly to some affluent members of certain societies who take photos with African children for their portfolios, and spend the rest of their lives stuffing their bowels with restaurant food and smiling with an air of pity to those who are below socially? The sounds of reality might be depressing to most, but to others the sounds of Limp Bizkit brings joy, relief, escape, fuel and uplift. We all know life is not all
gangnam style, but can at times (probably most of it - unless youre Fonzie of course) be mundane and draining; which brings Hunter Thompsons words from
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail to mind:
With the truth so dull and depressing, the only working alternative is wild bursts of madness and filigree.
Maybe we should all just let go every once in a while and listen to Thompson, or maybe not? But one thing that ends up as strongly conclusive is the fun we get out of these memorable acts of madness. When for a few hours every once in a while, we say goodbye to all our fears and inhibitions and enjoy a moment with the child inside: the frivolous. Embrace the
id as Sigmund Freud would probably say; not to the point of psychosis, but just enough to remember that a pumping heart, warm blood and (maybe) the ability to "feel" is what makes us human and not pre-programmed organic life-forms (who placed their happiness in society, which from a different perspective, is a group of other organic life-forms constantly dealing with the balance of chemicals in their own body while fighting demons for the sake of credibility and social identity themselves). Limp Bizkit can take you down, up, or carry you slow on a flying carpet over deserts and mountains; all it might require is your willingness to "let go"... just for a bit, and enjoy the gritty yet appealing world of Limp Bizkit through the eyes of some of the most talented live artists on Earth.
Fred Durst (Lead Singer), Wes Borland (Guitarist), Sam Rivers (Bassist), John Otto (drums) and the turntabling genius, Leor Dimant (known to most as DJ Lethal - who worked with House of Pain, La Coka Nostra and Soul Assassins) have proven how they hold the perfect recipe for powerful entertainment whenever their combined spiritual energy is released on stage. Nearly 2 decades have passed since their formation in 1994, and we bring to you 10 selected pieces from the depth of the Bizkit abyss.
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