DAVE LOMBARDO Says He Placed Phone Call That Led To SLAYER's Collaboration With RICK RUBIN

Scott Cowie and Tanya O'Callaghan of the TalkMusic Vodcast conducted an interview with former SLAYER and current PHILM drummer Dave Lombardo earlier in the year in Los Angeles, California. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked what it was like working with legendary producer Rick Rubin on some of SLAYER's earlier albums, including the iconic 1986 LP "Reign In Blood", Lombardo said: "It was an amazing experience, it was phenomenal. Because we were [previously] on Metal Blade, and I had heard a rumor that this producer for this record company, Columbia Records, was interested in the band. And when I told the [other] guys [in SLAYER], I said, 'Hey, man, there's this guy that's really interested in the band that wants to sign us to a major label. Well, obviously, it was Def Jam at the time, but they were affiliated with a major label. And [the other guys in SLAYER] were pretty much content with where they were on Metal Blade, but I made the phone call, and I contacted Def Jam. And Rubin ended up coming to my house, he picked me up and then we went to the studio, and I introduced the guys, and he gave us the whole rundown."

He continued: "[Rick is] amazing. I think, as a producer, he's obviously one of the best. He brings out the best in musicians. He really pulls out your best performances. 'That's great, but you can give me a better one.' And he would just keep motivating you and giving you his pep talks. 'You need a coffee? A candy or something?' [Laughs]"

Regarding Rubin's reputation for being hard to work with for certain artists due to his tendency to be very "in and out" of the studio while records are being made, Lombardo said: "I would think he doesn't deal with people that don't wanna work with him. If people [don't] wanna cooperate with him and trust his opinion and judgment… I feel that it's, like, 'You don't need me there.' I feel that at that point is when he doesn't get along with people."

He continued: "I don't know him that well. It's been a long time since I've spoken to him. But he taught me a lot about music, a lot about producing. Just being in a room with him and seeing his direction and what he was trying to convey to other musicians was fascinating. And that's helped me in my life and producing, especially with PHILM, in directing [the other members of the band] in what I want and how I want it to be played."

Lombardo was effectively fired from SLAYER after sitting out the band's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other members of the group. He has since been replaced by Paul Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001 and recorded four albums with the band.

PHILM released its sophomore album, "Fire From The Evening Sun", on September 16 (one day earlier internationally) via UDR. The band's lineup is completed by guitarist/vocalist Gerry Paul Nestler (CIVIL DEFIANCE),and bassist Francisco "Pancho" Eduardo Tomaselli (WAR).