Why Phil Demmel Left Machine Head

[@YesYouCANPlayGuitar]

Leaving a band and still staying to honour a tour says A LOT about someone's sense of professionalism and responsibility. Phil has always been a class act!

[@Swampster70]

It does and it's something that you'd hope that other folks would do too. He seems like a down to earth guy. He speaks of self esteem issues but he should listen to the fans. Going back on tour with a band you have quit is an amazing act of professionalism, something that many would not do. That he could do this and then days later learn dozens of Slayer songs and go play live - that's the stuff of legends. A great guy and a great musician.

[@deadspeak1126]

He's a very cool dude.

[@Swampster70]

@@demo3456 I've only met Phil twice but know folks around the Bay Area that know him and the consensus is that he IS a man to his word. He made an agreement to go out and he went out. I had the pleasure of being 'one of the kids' that went into Sharkbite Studio's to help with the shouting section on Clenching. If you'd seen Robb's beat up Honda Civic outside that he sat in for many a day writing lyrics, the idea of 'doing it for riches' goes completely out of the window. You overestimate the amount of money these guys were getting.

[@eternity8811]

@johnsonknoxville4908 yeah, he changed tack as he was answering that first question. I guess his employment contract probably expired AFTER the scheduled end of the tour, or contracted him for the album cycle including the tour. Robb would have probably sued him if he didn't do it. I wonder why Adam Duce has been silent since being ejected... An NDA?

[@SirGingerOfKnight]

@@eternity8811 Adam began to sue and it was settled for $1.8m

[@shinumadegamesoficial]

Phil is a nice guy. He gave me a selfie when they came to Japan.. The Security guys said "Do not approach him, and put the cell phone away." And Phill said "Hey, Of course he can, he's a fan" And I said "Thank you so much" very ashamed, but too happy. I have a selfie with Rob and Jared too :)

[@BirdOfHermes83]

Isnt a selfie just one person? 🤔

[@leeoslayer3190]

Met him at gatwick airport stopped and chatted and took photos...

[@megaduck7965]

Met him Adam and Rob in London , Phil and Adam where super cool , Rob less so

[@BirdOfHermes83]

Shut up dude. I was just asking a question.

[@austin21x]

Can attest to this. Saw them in Nashville and he I was on the rail in front of him and when the show ended he hopped off stage and put his pick in my hand and said thanks for singing all the lyrics and your energy. I was stunned to say the least

[@msterscary]

Phil is legit one of the most talented guys in metal. Not just talented musically, but also able to get along with basically EVERYONE .... The fact that he has "Phil'd" in for so many bands after MH is a real testament to his personality.

[@tumbamarch89]

The "Blackening- Era" was the best in this band's career.

[@craigpatrick1]

I recently revisited Locust and The Blackening on vinyl those records are amazing!!! I Phil is such an underrated player!

[@SamhuinnSam]

The Blackening - Voted best album of the decade - Metal Hammer 2010... MH are one of the top 100 metal bands...

Yes those are good machine head LPs but catharsis of kingdom and crown sucks to me

[@jasonlg83]

I don't think Phil should ever wonder if he's worthy of a band. The real question is "Is this band worthy of Phil Demmel?"

[@drewcadaver]

THIS

[@seanxavier8211]

What a legend! Going from playing his last MH gig, to learning the Slayer songs and going straight out to help those guys. Kudos! \m/

[@kborton99]

I hope Robb can turn it around but man I miss Dave and Phil!! Those 2 are metal to the core

[@TheJimicus]

I saw them a few weeks ago. It was a fantastic show but I still missed Phil.

[@YettiManChannel84]

I talked to Chris Kontos back in January of 2020 after a show near Washington DC (Silver Spring, Maryland) after a show (the amazing 25th anniversary of the Burn My Eyes Tour) and Chris was asked about the situation with Robb/Phil and Dave and he said that Robb learned A LOT from that experience and that it changed him. I know that Robb is happy in his life now and Machine Head are on top of their game. Their latest album is one of their best in my opinion.

[@schecterdiamond177]

Well considering how things are now and the newer album Robb certainly did indeed turn it around.

[@kborton99]

@@schecterdiamond177 for sure, the new album is amazing!! Let's hope for more of that!

[@msterscary]

Phil's always been a top-level musician and stand up guy overall. Responsible and talented Quite the good dude.

[@Herewegoagain-em2wf]

Slayer and machine head are two different levels. You are worthy for both. Ive been listening to you since violence days.

[@skowronen]

Huge respect to Phil! Keeping it 100% professional and respecting MH and Robb not to discuss publicly what went wrong. And a fantastic guitar player as well!!

[@blakkno666]

When Phil first left he bad mouthed Robb in every interview, was very bitter. Its only now he's watching what he says.

[@volumedealer2716]

@@blakkno666 receipts, b****.

[@leeoslayer3190]

I have met Phil, he is truly one of the nicest mega rockstars ever.... I wish him luck...❤

[@Cyanoblades]

Glad I got to see MH on the their A night with MH tour. Hands down the best show I've ever been to.

[@anthonydejesus3070]

When the band I was in broke up, we agreed to play one final show to pay off our debts. One member decided later (after we took a vote and agreed to play) that he didn’t want to play the show. I’ve always had an issue with his decision. My hats off to Phil and Dave.

[@PonchoVonRichtor]

It sucked to see Phil go, but you gotta keep your sanity.

[@jimbocarrol]

Phil is an amazing person, not only on stage but off stage, friendliest person you’d ever meet and his professionalism is undoubtedly off the charts, I’ve had the honor of being his friend for 38 years now, damn I’m old lol but all kidding aside it’s been a great ride and I can’t wait to see what he does next as you never know until it happens, see you soon #demmelition 👊🖤🏆

[@danielallasia7784]

I met phil twice in italy and another one in Switzerland.. Amazing guy... One of the best guitarist

[@jonmallard2176]

The guy is a class act all the way! Being in the headspace he was in during that last MH tour leg and still giving 1000% says a lot about the guy! Just seems like a really genuine dude!

[@mortimerbeetrootplimpton2985]

Loved meeting Phil in Dallas several times and Adam is a life-long friend. Miss this band and how poorly I fit in at concerts in my khaki pants and polo shirt after work, hanging in the pit, all those kids looking at me like I was their pissed-off dad or something. 😂

[@eternity8811]

Haha. How is Adam doing? I think it sucks he got booted and there was no real explanation. Tell him a lot of people loved what he did in MH and would love to hear from him about it and what he's up to now. Take it easy old fella 🙂

[@TheInfomancer]

I love and miss Adam ❤

[@leeoslayer3190]

machine head,slayer now Lamb of god and Phil doubts himself One of the best guitarists in the world Mr Phil ...u rock....

[@jeffrasmussen7462]

I'll say,took me a week to learn walk with me in hell lol, he does it in a couple hours loo

[@danplaysguitar6706]

He filled in for Overkill too!

[@mohamedshafee8856]

I met Phil in Duabi, what a great nice humble man Still one of my favorite guitar players .

[@vintotrocks]

Horns 🤟 to this guy. He can definitely save a band's day 🔥

[@rferguson3]

*🤘🏻

[@soundgarden6478]

I went to one of his last shows with Machine Head in New Orleans. It was the one and only show I've attended in the United States. Phil is a true musician who does it for the passion for playing. He is a good guy when I met him in 2007 in Manchester England. He gave us some beer and chatted with us for over 10 minutes and had photos. Robb Flynn wouldn't come over but Phil did and stayed. Good for him for doing what he enjoys instead of playing what he has to play.

[@70gabino]

I haven't really kept up with the metal scene the way I used to. When this video came across my feed, I immediately recognized Phil from those old Hard n' Heavy videos where he stood out to me because of his cheerful, laid-back personality. He hasn't changed at all! And he looks happy and healthy. What a cool guy.

[@Martin-jk2ng]

Robb is a knob but Phil is for real. Phil is a great guy and a great player. Class act all around.

[@jayteesgear]

Fully agree

[@benserum879]

Absolute legend! Bonus points for Sevendust shirt.

[@diegomazzaron9191]

Yeah I agree 🤘

[@MrPokemonisawesome]

If that text didsnt say, can you Phil in for gary, then kerry missed a golden oppourtunity

[@PaddyLaPoint]

Met Phil years ago, he was a really great guy. Dude really loves his fans, surprisingly happy go lucky too.

[@donnypsycho]

Thank God for Phil for bringing MH back to its Metal roots

[@jevanbryon5549]

He must be talking about the last show at the Catalyst theatre in Santa Cruz. I was there. Had a great time. I hope to see Phil again in another capacity.

[@chrisxdeathxinfiniti]

With vio-lence

[@FlyingSquirrelTony]

Remember from the Technocracy days back in Concord, Ca. When we all club gigged. Top shelf folk that Phil.

[@Grimeyhoob]

Phil Demmell is such a cool dude. Wish he would join up with Kerry King on rhythm guitars, Howard Jones on vocals, Chris Adler on drums and Dave Ellefson on bass to create a new metal supergroup - we can only dream. Get Phil Anselmo on vocals instead of Howard -‘could also work. But Howard is more versatile.

[@markbennett6623]

Maybe not ellefson I would just do Rex brown

[@jamiepercival5096]

@@markbennett6623 Yeah definitely not Ellefson, last thing you want is a sex pest in your band.

[@markbennett6623]

@@jamiepercival5096 true 😂

[@DRJTUBECHANNEL]

Don’t have to know details of the break up but you just know you’re on Phil’s side, whatever the issue maybe be lol Such a cool chill dude

[@anilvirginia]

So rad he's wearing a Sevendust shirt. Phil is a beast. Miss him in MH. Definitely not the same without him.

[@snuffy166]

wonderful interview thanks Johnny

[@robmandel3413]

I saw them their second to last show in los angeles. they covered maiden's hallowed be they name and would by alice in chains. phil's solo was awesome. did the mr crowley solo. I'd seen them many times. probably one of my all time favorite metal bands. from ashes to bloodstone, some of the best metal ever created. phil's an amazing guitarist and awesome dude. his leaving broke my heart. haven't been into MH much since. but, I do hope Rob fixes his demons. while I disagree with so much of what he says, his music has been a major influence on me and is so inspiring. phil you are THE MAN!!! good luck with everything you pursue. BTW, i have alot of pics from that night. lemme know...

[@drewcadaver]

I flew from Scotland to the Santa Cruz show. I couldn't agree more about Phil being the man - he's the best. It's a shame, as the new MH output is pretty damn weak, but they've been my favourite band for a LONG time.

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Classy guy Phil is, new fan here, thanks Phil!

[@Razrback]

hes definitely worthy he definitely in my top 10 favorite guitar players

[@Cgh33]

Got to see them with Dave and Phil before they quit. It seems like rob is a very hard person to work with and that sucks because the blackening was so solid. I wish we could have the blackening lineup again because I really miss adams bass solos as well. I saw them during the burn my eyes 20 year anniversary and the new members just don't cut it. Atleast when they started playing burn my eyes, I got to leave early and skip traffic

[@sumonjamal1653]

I don't think it was Robb Flynn being difficult... it was just Phil & Dave contributing to the last album 'Catharsis' and not being happy w/ the record. 'The Blackening' was a proud moment for Machine Head, but Phil said that he was unhappy playing the songs he didn't like from 'Catharsis', on top of the record not being what he wanted to make. Both seem happier now... Phil reactivated thrashers Vio-Lence... Dave is playing in Sacred Reich... and both bands have smaller paychecks. Sometimes, it isn't the money... sometimes people just want to do something else.

[@Michael-jg8pw]

I'm getting some cool Tool vibes from that background.

[@wesleybusbin]

Pretty cool that the guy from machine head is doing an interview with a sevendust shirt on

[@jtwhitt]

I met Phil at a Machine Head meet n greet in Pittsburgh and the dude was so down-to-earth and humble. We bonded over college basketball and Star Wars. In the group photo with everyone, he specifically sought out me and my buddy to stand with in the group. It was an awesome experience.

[@markjohnson169]

Phil is one of the nicest guys I've been lucky enough to meet. Robs track record isn't great on keeping amazing players. Demmel is a badass.

[@parkerohio6424]

What I good guy and a beast of a player. Dig the shirt too.

[@devincomiskey3482]

It's been 5 years (already!?) since he left and it still bums me out. I saw the NY and CT shows on that tour and you could def see the awkwardness at the CT show. The NY show, however, was fucking BONKERS!! It was Halloween, the band all got dressed up (and I think Phil was slightly hammered) and it was the second-best MH show I'd ever seen. SO MUCH FUN, esp with some of the fans dressed up. That said, I get why he and Dave left. But that lineup was legendary and gave us a run of absolutely incredible albums and tours.

[@greatgiginthesky9287]

Quality person to have in the world.

[@rosshamilton7848]

I was there in the beginning thx heaps.

[@andreaslandgren1472]

Great interview

[@mswkt656]

Phil and Gary holt couldn't look more enough alike. Love Exodus!! Love Vio-lence! Hate slayer!!!!!!!

[@ChaosxLordx]

Great Dude 🤘🤘 Keep it metal, Phil.

[@pkj77]

Phil Demmel you will be missed in Machine Head

[@SundaeDrives]

The Burning Red is one of my favorite albums of maybe ever.

[@RustyHammersmith]

LEGEND!!!

[@yellowdog2181]

Kind of a weird thing but I became a MH fan because I liked Phil .

[@johnmcaulay5938]

Phil is a Thrash Metal Legend and a really great guy. Awesome guitarist. Vio-Lence are the most Awesome Thrash band ever.

[@wizard2755]

Amen to that! Sean’s In your face live singing and his crazy lyrics make him the best ever front man in my eyes

[@johnmcaulay5938]

@@wizard2755 one of the best Bay Area Thrash bands. Glad to see them back in action again. Thanks dude.

[@michaelpietrzak7164]

You saved machine head!

[@ardnagreine]

Now gone from Vio-Lence prior to first Oz tour next week...bummed 😭

[@olivuuuur]

johnny christ filling in for Steve Harris? I gotta see that hahaha

[@TheRemulosEpsolonProgramme]

From a machine Head fan from 11 years old. Seeing MH without Dave and Phil is just sad. Robb has really done a number on ruining MHs legacy. While I “liked” catharsis when it came out. It hasn’t aged well. Knowing that it’s recording process and events surrounding it were the catalyst for MHs demise. This line up should have lasted.

[@blakkno666]

Not really, MH are still great. 🤘

[@blakkno666]

@@TheRemulosEpsolonProgramme I agree it would be nice to see a stable lineup again

[@volumedealer2716]

@@blakkno666 #Fail

[@blakkno666]

@@volumedealer2716 in what way, please explain? Or are you just the usual Troll that just makes put down comments with no basis??

[@laynevlogz4922]

Machine Head are still killing it dude..

[@leighzimmer6949]

So why did he leave again?

[@sumonjamal1653]

I think he was creatively frustrated w/ the last MH album 'Catharsis' and was unhappy playing that record on tour... I guess Dave McClain felt the same way. It was about moving on to doing what he wanted creatively, I'm guessing...

[@AlexanderMillan]

Whats happen with Adam Duce? Where is the guy???

[@ElAche7]

Demmelition!

[@bigt6889]

Phil and dave saved. Machine head

[@drummer7557]

Yeah Phil is cool dude, he played the Shortest Straw solo with my X-band member from (Byzantine) on a Zoom Jam..turned out great! I mean they all left because Robb had to start playing the RAP SHIT METAL again. And his drunkenness/and EGO got the best of him. Now he's recording with one actual member that he has. Hopefully he wakes up and realizes how to treat his "brothers" in the band. Which is why he used the term DIVORCE. ;o)

[@KMurphyDrummer]

Where’s the full? I love Phil!

[@DrinksWithJohnny]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnulimd9iteef6M boom!

[@luizbroke]

CrossOver With Kiko Loureiro ? Oh Yeah ???

[@nuno3090]

Machine Head are much better with Vogg imo, first time I've heard every solo played perfectly.

[@blakkno666]

I never understood If Phil and Dave weren't happy why they didn't talk with Robb and address the issues? If half the band put their instruments down and say we need to talk I think Robb would have listened and maybe they'd have worked it out. When they left, Phil was very bitter and bad mouthing Robb in every interview. Robb's response was to admit his shortcomings and was very humble, he came out of it the better person in actuality.

[@gearbeer7277]

You’ve obviously never seen Rob’s personal social media accounts…

[@blakkno666]

@@gearbeer7277 nope I have no social media accounts apart from KZbin!

[@volumedealer2716]

because Robb turned into a POS. His horrible political stance shows it all. Bow down to Commie BS for internet clout.

[@volumedealer2716]

@@gearbeer7277 exactly

[@rreed7537]

Dude, your way off.

[@rickcoleman133]

Demi God!

[@jayteesgear]

Man when Robb went off on Phil Anselmo like a weirdo years back it became obvious people would bail outta that band. Phil is one of the ONLY chill people from that scene. Norcali is way too woke for me mang.

[@abrielrobertsson4160]

I don't think people realize how important Vio-lence was for the thrash metal scene. Everyone talks about his time with Machine Head and Vio-lence always comes second.

[@wizard2755]

I’m glad he did leave because we now have the mighty VIO-LENCE back making brutal music again

[@022rty]

More like why everyone left machinehead.

[@kittywampusdrums4963]

Lmao. He left Machine Head because basically it was Machine Head xD

[@Mark.13.]

They quit because Flynn is we all know who

[@feroxk.9266]

well, Flynn always been the force behind all of machine head anyway. it propably took time to realize himself who he was :D now, i dont agree with anything he says but you have to respect the guy for always speaking out what he thinks and deal with the backlash. too many are shy of that but we need more of that, more open conversation without having to fear repressal about it. also, he is not shy of getting his emotions out. about MH, the last 3 piece EP is a banger.

[@Mark.13.]

@@feroxk.9266 Sure but i'll give him credit for how great composer he is and he really is very talented.

[@floridianthrasher5426]

New album hits hard

[@volumedealer2716]

Robb FUCK THIS UP

[@jeraldgardiepy1866]

WHY DID YOU ACT DISLOYAL TO ROB WHEN I MET YOU IN MAD TOWN!! WI I STILL OWN CDS IN YOU OTHER BAND AN I MISS YOU!!!!

[@ou4290]

Sounds like a Megadeth breakup

[@lordmordhammer777]

Robb Flynn is a disgusting hypocrite to the Metal Community

[@bullyinspace]

The reason is EGO conflicts lol. Simple as. There’s always the same shit

[@djabthrash]

Clickbait title. He barely talks about it and we learn nothing new.

[@damianhealy300]

very old news that he has discussed in over 20 interviews. You going to cover Ozzy's reunion with Black Sabbath next?

[@eldiablo3794]

Phil is awesome.. machine head is not lol. Vio-lence is one of the sickest bands to come out of the bay area thrash scene, and Phil is one of my favorite guitarist.. but I personally can not stand machine head.

Robb ruined machine head

[@KirkWilliamsIsBroken]

It wasn't because Robb called out Phil Anselmo on his Racist Bullshit?

[@zaddymac4768]

And quit as well if I had to deal with Woke Flynn on a daily basis.

[@rustynales6610]

It was that shitty woke music Rob made.

[@chrishepburn1503]

People still care about Machine Head?!?!?

[@marcus2239]

New music is actually Good

[@Auen73]

Yes……….we do.

[@richevans609]

Only to have Tom Araya give ya dirty looks all show... Thanks for nothing Phil...

[@terriblecertainity]

just listen to everything they did after " Blackening"...even if on a personal level all would have been fine, I would have quit the band, too. Just horrible songwriting

[@luisbovleck5173]

This guy seems a quitter. Quit Machine Head, even quit his own band Vio-Lence. There's only so much you can quit before the word about you goes out "unFKNreliable". Kerry King shouldn't go all in on this guy, who knows, next thing the demanding diva gets fussy about his manicures and quits Kerry's band too.

[@metallurgico]

People quitting bands because of wives and kids... that's so gay.

[@vitalstatistix1933]

Met Phil at NAMM 2010 with Robb and Phil was an amazing man. Appreciative of his fans, as I was wearing a Machine Head shirt and very approachable and super cool while Robb was a bit brusque. I saw Robb the next year while I was wearing a Slayer shirt. The interaction was unpleasant. He is a bit of a jackhole, at times. Sad, because I love MH. The Blackening is artwork of the darkest caliber. 🤘 All my best to them both.