Buckethead fans talk about Buckethead IV
Good evening everybody, today we’re back with the fourth installment of our fans talk about Buckethead series, so let’s begin. Woo!!
How/When did you first hear of Buckethead?
(AJ Good/ House of Masks)
I honestly have no idea when I first heard of Buckethead, I definitely remember seeing him doing the Guns N Roses stuff on TV when I was younger. But as far as getting seriously invested in Buckethead, I'd probably say about 10 years ago I stumbled across one of the videos of the Herbie puppet props on YouTube and was very much interested in the prop because I like spooky things. So, when I figured it was associated with Buckethead and that he made it famous, I looked more into him and fell more and more in love with his schtick. So, yeah, it’s because of Herbie.
(Marc)
I first heard of Buckethead through a friend at my work and he said it in such a nonchalant way like “hey you should check out Buckethead, he’s insane. I saw him last year. Check him out”.
So, I did, I remember when I first heard the song Solar Sailcraft and It took me away. It was a trip of its own. To this day that is my favorite song. I also feel proud to know the song that turned me on to him wasn’t exactly one his most famous ones. So, I think that’s cool.
(Jason)
So, the first time I heard of Buckethead was at the end of 2008. I didn’t know it was him at the time. My kids were 10 and 12 years old and I got them ‘Rock Band 2’ for Christmas that year. It came with the song ‘Shacklers Revenge’ from the Chinese Democracy album. I thought it was a good song and really liked the intro riff. A few months later they released the full album and I got all the songs. Finally, I said ‘I need to find out who’s playing guitar on this album’. I knew Axl was singing but I didn’t know who was in the band. The credits listed Buckethead as one of the main players. So, I did a YouTube search. Rock in Rio was the first time I saw what Buckethead looked like. I thought he looked cool as fuck. So, the first song YouTube suggested was Soothsayer and like most people when I first heard it I thought it was one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. The 2nd song was Jordan, as a guitar player I was blown away. It was like hearing Eddie Van Halen back in the 1980’s but better! I then tried to find as much as I could, at that point it was a full-blown addiction.
(Chris)
How did I first hear of Buckethead? Probably in the 1990’s. You heard things about this guy from California wearing a bucket on his head who was brining guitar shred back. I grew up in the 80’s when I thought I saw and heard it all. In 1999 seeing that Ozzfest footage with Primus. The Flying V guitar, yellow jacket and looking 7 feet tall and shredding. It was incredible. I was immediately obsessed and a huge fanatic. I remember going the next day to Tower Records and getting CD’s. I remember getting ‘Colma’ and ‘Monsters & Robots’. And hearing the fact he was going to be joining one of my favourite all time bands ‘Guns N Roses’ and replacing one of my idol’s Slash, I was really excited and intrigued. I saw the PPV in 2001 ‘Rock in Rio’ and as much as was excited to see them play, I was focused on Buckethead the whole time.
(Mike)
The first time I heard of Buckethead was back in 2014, I had just heard ‘Since I been Loving You’ by Jimmy Page and I had to have more blues. So, I went on Guitar magazine and was checking the Top 10 guitarists and as soon as I got to Buckethead I was like “what the hell?”. I went on Youtube and saw a live version of Whitewash and it blew my mind. I couldn’t believe it. The more I explored the better it got.
(Taylor)
The first time I heard of Buckethead was 2005 when I joined a band. All the members were in love with him. I didn’t hear him until Guitar Hero 2’s ‘Jordan’. And that’s the first image of him I saw, when you unlock the bonus track it has him and the 2 chicken dudes. I saw it and was like “what?”. I didn’t know what to expect, I’m always in search of something I’ve never heard before and he’s the last person I’ve found that has done that. I hope someone else blows me away like he does but I doubt it. He’s just amazing.
(Andrew)
I first heard of Buckethead on Guitar Hero2, I was like “wow, this song Jordan. I really like this song”. Yeah it changed me, it was awesome. I really enjoyed the song and that’s how I found out about him. Then I searched him on YouTube and found Electric Sea and Colma, so that was awesome. I’ve always liked those albums.
What is your favorite piece of Buckethead merchandise that you own?
(Marc)
The special toy that he gave me at the 2019 show, Godzilla King of the Monsters toy. He also gave me a Hot Wheels set. It was actually a gift for my girlfriend, but she lets me hang on to it.
Also, this dinosaur playset. All at the same show. Just seeing him alone was all I needed but to get gifts from him personally, it blew my mind.
I have some signed CD’s ‘Claymation Courtyard’ and ‘Crumple’. This is ‘Live in Bucketheadland’ I got at the live show. An amazing album.
This is my canvas card that he made me with his signature on. I like this one, it lights up the room.
This is the first painting I got from Buckethead. I think it’s different, I don’t see a lot of green in his paintings. This really stuck out to me. The Halloween colors. I joke around before that this is what he looks like under the mask. I love it.
This one right off the bat makes me think of ‘The Cuckoo Clocks of Hell’ album. That album is out there, in such a great way. I feel like it can’t be done by anyone else.
This is my baby. A guitar I put together; I didn’t make it but the parts I put together on this. I play this thing every dayi. It has the orange No.1 stretch strap that Buckethead used. These are rare to fnd. This is probably the most valuable of my collection.
(Jason)
I don’t own personalized merchandise but I have a bunch of items. I have the Buckethead style Gibson guitar, it’s a knock-off but it sounds decent and it's fun to play with the killswitch. I have a bunch of T-shirts. On my desk at work I have a mini shrine which has a replica small KFC flying V guitar, an acrylic baby Buckethead block and a Buckethead coffee mug. Also, on my car I have a Buckethead decal. So, I have Buckethead reminders everywhere.
(Chris)
I love this piece; it is a piece of him. Knowing that he put his mark on this is pretty awesome.
Secret Recipe DVD. Getting this in 2006 was pretty cool, I love it.
Some artwork I have of Buckethead and posters, but speaking of artwork one of my favourite pieces I actually just got and am so happy with is my Buckethead tattoo. It’s still healing but within another one I should have it all done. It’s Bucketheadland with the rollercoaster in the background.
(AJ)
My favourite piece of Buckethead merch would have to be my original Herbie prop. Imagine that. My idea of Buckethead merch is different than most people's idea of merch. I’m not really into collecting Pike albums and having every single painting he’s ever released or owning rare T-shirts. This is the kind of stuff I like. Props, masks and stage used pieces. So, my original decapitated zombie Herbie prop is my favourite piece and that is solely for the fact that Herbie is such a unique weird thing. Like I said before, he got me into Buckethead originally so I’ll never forget the feeling of knowing I was getting him in the mail. I’ve had him for probably 6 years now. I love Herbie!
(Mike)
I love it all! This shirt is my lucky shirt, if i play the lottery I’m wearing this shirt. I wear a shirt under this shirt because I don’t want to get it dirty. I love these letters he gave me, it says create and imagine, its exactly how I think. If we all get together, we can save the whole planet.
And I love this yellow mask, it pretty much fell into my hands at a Buckethead show. I put it on and it felt like I was at home. I wore it so much its cracking.
I love the ‘5 13 10 31’ album, it's not a music video, it's something incredible to watch. And ‘Live in Bucketheadland’ I just love looking at it. And on the back, it's like your backstage. Bucketheadland is real! I got this 2-minute cassette that he made through the Slunk Pass. It was a gift I received at a low time and it turned into a great year. I met the girl of my dreams.
Oh wait, I can’t forget this. This is my favourite piece! I opened it because I have to enjoy stuff, I can’t keep them in packages. To me this is so beautiful and I can put it next to me and my grandparents who were such an influence on me. I wouldn't even have a chance without them and their positive influence.
(Andrew)
I got this painting from a friend. I don’t know what it means but I always love his paintings. And seeing them online, like “wow, I really like these paintings”.
(Taylor)
This is probably the coolest thing I have because it’s signed by him. Years later I opened up for ‘That 1 guy’ and was able to get his signature on this. One of my bands opened for Eric Wood and I had no idea who he was. When I saw his I said “dude, you look just like this guy from Secret Recipe DVD” and he was like “Buckethead! I haven’t seen him in years!” and I was like” Oh my god!”.
What piece of Buckethead merch would you love to own that you don’t already have?
(Mike)
A Buckethead signature Gibson! I’m in love with that guitar. Just looking at it makes me happy.
(Chris)
A rare and expensive Gibson signature Les Paul guitar. There are people who have it and the resale of it is very expensive. It’s beautiful.
Another thing I’d love to have is a painting. Every time I try to order a canvas oil painting its always sold out. So, 2020 I have to get one.
(Jason)
Buckethead items I’d like to own would be an authentic Les Paul Signature Gibson guitar. I would like to get a Buckethead tattoo. There’s a picture that I got from Jennifer Kilgore of a high voltage symbol of Pike 51, it has a red heart giving life into the Buckethead figure. It looks cool and would make a great tattoo. Most of all, if I get to see him on tour I want to the gift exchange, I have some unique ideas for gifts I’d like to give and receive. Id cherish that forever.
(Marc)
He was giving out these little papers and they were little messages. This one fan said he got a paper that said “I wish you the best in the new year. May this year bring you very good fortune and the best of luck”. It was very special and personal and I guess he was handing them out. There’s plenty of merch you can get but something personal like that is really cool.
(Taylor)
His paintings for sure. They’re really cool. That would be awesome to have.
(AJ)
One piece of merch I’d love to own that I don’t already is a stage used bucket or mask would be the holy grail for me. Like I said before, I’m definitely the mask guy. I’ve obtained quite a few stage used piece from some of my favourite acts but I think a stage used Buckethead piece would be next level for me. That would be a dream come true.
(Andrew)
Pike 43 and Pike 13, those are pretty good Pikes. I’d like to own those someday.
What would you like to see from Buckethead in 2020?
(Jason)
We just got the announcement of new Pikes, so new tunes in February. I’d love to see him keep making music and touring forever but I don’t want to be greedy. So, for 2020, I’d like him to do whatever he wants to do. If its new music, tour, paintings or if he wants to sit on a beach and watch the ocean, whatever makes him happy is good by me.
(Andrew)
I’d like to see a tour in 2020! That would be great. Sometime in the Summer or the fall or something.
(AJ)
Obviously, another tour. I would love to see Buckethead any chance I get. Anytime he comes to Ohio it’s a must. But more specifically, I want to see Buckethead on the House of Masks YouTube channel. I think we’d film the coolest shit in the world. I don’t know if I’m allowed to cuss. You can probably censor it. I’m sorry NatterNet.
(Mike)
Whatever makes him feel good. That’s all I care about. We have a wealth of music already, everything after that is a bonus. It’s so enjoyable when those new albums come out. I like that voice that Bootsy Collins has, I’d love to hear some of that. The sounds of nature and the subtle sounds he puts in whilst playing. I like robot noises too. Whatever he does is okay with me.
(Chris)
Definitely more Pikes. We are spoilt with Pikes by him. We are conditioned as Buckethead fanatics that we want Pikes to come out on a regular basis. I’d love to see him tour again and if he does, I’d like to see him tour with Brain for a few shows, him and Brain have great chemistry. I’d like to see a Deli Creeps reunion. I've never seen Deli Creeps play live but I’m intrigued by their music, I’d love to see that. And another thing, never say never, I’d like to see Buckethead on a big stage again. Imagine him coming out during one of these Guns N Roses Summer shows and playing a few songs from Chinese Democracy the way they should be played. And maybe even have a guitar battle with Slash and showing him who’s boss.
(Marc)
I hope he tours, I’ve seen a lot of bands but when I saw Buckehtead in 2019 it was by far the best show I’ve seen. Also, I doubt this will happen but I’d like to see Gibson release a new signature model guitar so that newer fans who weren’t around in 2011 can have the chance to own one.
(Taylor)
I would really like to see Buckethead bring back the Giant Robot band with DJ Disc and Brain and Dan Monti or whoever. That was my favourite era that I never got to see. One of the coolest. Even his outfit during that era is his coolest I think, with the orange strap, double buckets and everything. That’s what I want to see.
If Buckethead is watching, what would you like to say to him?
(Chris)
Thank you so much for not only being the greatest guitarist ever but probably one of the best human beings. Thank you so much for your intelligent music making and passion for the guitar. Thank you for letting us be passengers on this journey through Bucketheadland. Your music is the soundtrack to my life, good times and bad times. I was recently going through the loss of my Mom and your music held me in check and got me through that mourning process. Especially Pike 65, Hold me Forever, I can’t tell you what that soundtrack does. Thank you so much Buckethead.
(AJ)
Obviously, Thank you. I know thats a cliché but we say it because we really mean it. He is a massive inspiration to me and thousands of others in more ways than one. From the bottom of my cold black heart, thank you Buckethead for everything. And how can we work out a way to get some stage used stuff in my collection? I’m just kidding. Unless you’re watching this and want to give me some stage used stuff. I’d be all about that.
(Marc)
I just want to say thank you for everything you’ve given me. You’ve given me more than I could have asked for. People listen to music to escape or take away from their problems or to have a good mindset. But you are a lifestyle, man. What you have given to the world, I don’t even think you realize. You are such a creative soul. You are such a compassionate man. And it would be a really sad day to see you go. I really appreciate the interview you did, the coming alive podcast. It gave the fans a chance to get to know you and love you. Learning all those different things from hearing you talk. Thank you for everything. Not just the music, but just for being an overall role model and a person I'd love to be one day, as far as how you present yourself and how you are as a person. Its very inspirational. Thank you. We love you.
(Mike)
Thank you for everything. Everything went in a positive direction since I discovered your music. I didn’t even know music was that important to me. I feel like the earth has energy and Buckethead is part of that energy. It helps me. Even today, something happened and I looked out the window and all the leaves that were frozen to the ground started to lift up in the wind like little hands waving. That's how I think. Thank you, Buckethead.
(Jason)
Thank you for the enormous amount of amazing music you’ve given us over the last 30 years. I’d also like to thank you for going out of your comfort zone and doing the coming alive podcast. It was nice to get some insight into your journey, the pain of losing your parents, how you manage your social anxiety and more. I could really relate to it. And also confirming the wonderful things we already know about you, that you’re a kind and gentle soul. For me, you redefine what it means to be a Rockstar. I didn’t get to see you until 2019, but watching you and your guitar for 2 hours didn’t feel like watching a guitar player, it felt like watching a guitar god. The next day I got my guitar out of the basement and started playing for the first time in 10 years and I’ve been playing every day since. Your fans adore and love you so much and we know that you love and adore us too. The bond and the connection you have with your fans is unlike anything I've ever seen ever. That’s a powerful thing.
(Taylor)
Steve Martin used to work at Disneyland and what I heard is he played Banjo and he used to do the arrow through the head thing. And I think that Buckethead when he was a kid, went to Disneyland and saw Steve Martin playing and I would ask him if that was a huge influence on him? The whole Bucket on the head thing, being silly and funny and super good.
(Andrew)
I want to say, I love your music and have always loved it. I’ve been a fan for maybe 15 years. Your music means a lot to a lot of people. Can’t wait for the new pikes to come out. Thank you very much.
Any thoughts or stories you’d like to add?
(Chris)
I’d like to say thank you to NatterNet. He is just the official unofficial fansite because his work and the amount of effort that goes into these videos, the research he puts into it is amazing. I thought I was a crazy Buckethead fan but Natternet takes it to a whole new level. I’ve learnt so much from his videos. Things I’ve never known. I love the way Natternet brings the whole Buckethead community together. I became a fan of the house of masks with AJ good on there, he does incredible work. Who would’ve thought someone would have that same passion like AJ. Also, Buckethead Disciple is another great channel I wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for Natternet. Thank you Natternet for all you do and help the channel grow and get more Buckethead fans out there. Because Buckethead deserves that notoriety, definitely your channel allows that to happen. That platform is incredible. Thank you so much to have me in this video. I appreciate it. Thank you Natternet.
(Andrew)
I just want to say thank you Natternet for letting be in your video. I love your videos and can’t wait to see the future of your videos. Hope Buckethead does another tour.
(Jason)
I’d like to thank Natternet for reaching out and allowing me to do this, it’s an honor. I love your YouTube channel, it really does solidify the Buckethead fanbase. I just recently found out you do your own animation, so, holy shit that is a lot of work and time you put into that channel. But it totally shows. The Christmas special you did was hilarious. It makes me happy every time you upload. And hopefully you’ll get that Buckethead interview we’re all waiting for.
(Marc)
Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I love you channel. I think you do a great job of capturing peoples thoughts. For example, in your recent video, it’s always been something I’ve wondered about, which is what album he recorded after his heart procedure? but I never gave it much thought. But when you put that video out, that was so interesting to me. I think your channel does a great job of doing things like that. I’ve watched every video. I just want to thank you again for giving me this amazing opportunity to be in your video.
(AJ)
Buckethead is one of, if not, the only one of my musical influences that has never let me down. I think that is a huge deal because a lot of times bands will come out and I’ll be a fan but then I always end up disappointed in one way or another. They always let me down with their personality or attitudes or products they produce or promote. Buckethead has yet to do any of that and that is a very big deal. And I want everyone out there to be well aware of the fact that Buckethead is art and progression and human all in one. He is the epitome of a great person, so, we definitely need to be thankful for Buckethead.
(Mike)
I used to be a mailman and deliver at a fast pace to about 600 different houses and like a hornet would fly on the window whilst the album hornet was playing. I remember I was delivering and this little duck starts walking up the street and he’s eating worms off the side of the road whilst worms for the garden was playing.
(Marc)
I definitely want to share my experience at the 2019 show. I bought you a Texas Chainsaw collector's item. I remember when I gave that to you, you were ecstatic, I think you loved it. I remember I shook your hand and you doing that made my world. I think about that at least once a day. Like I said earlier, giving me that special toy that really was one of the greatest moments of my life. You need to know that your fans love you. It was such a great night, thank you for doing that, thank you for everything you’ve given me. Thank you Natternet for allowing me to talk about my experience and just gave a small thanks if this can somehow reach Buckethead.