MACHINE HEAD's MCCLAIN Lays Down Drum Track For CHI CHENG Benefit Song

June 12, 2009

MACHINE HEAD drummer Dave McClain has recorded a guest appearance on an instrumental song to benefit DEFTONES bassist Chi Cheng. McClain's contribution was laid down in front of a live audience during MACHINE HEAD's June 8, 2009 concert at the Zitadelle in Berlin, Germany, where they were the main support act for KORN.

In addition to McClain, the track will feature appearances by KORN bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu — who spearheded the effort — along with KORN drummer Ray Luzier, SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root, former KORN axeman Brian "Head" Welch and SEVENDUST's Clint Lowery.

Commented McClain: "Fieldy asked me if I would put down some drum stuff for the song. He played me a part that he, Ray Luzier and Jim Root had recorded. It was kick-ass! He just wanted me to get up and play something in the same tempo and he was gonna ask people in some other bands to record some stuff over it and turn it all into a song. It was total spur of the moment and we got to do it in front of the audience at the show in Berlin. We had someone go up onstage and explain to the crowd (in German) what we were doing and when he was done, we just went for it!!"

Video footage of MClain's Berlin "recording session" can be viewed below.

Chi Cheng is said to be "in semi-conscious state" following a November car accident. He was gravely injured in a November 3 car crash in northern California and has "started tracking with eyes and saying words" but he is not yet fully awake.

Cheng's brother recently wrote in an online post that Chi's insurance company had stopped paying for his treatment in mid-January. His mother posted that Cheng's house was returned to the bank and his dog was given away.

Cheng is 38 years old and is a poet as well as a musician. He released a CD of his poetry called "The Bamboo Parachute" in 2000.

Cheng has been a member of DEFTONES since its formation in 1988. The band released its debut disc, "Adrenaline", in 1995 and scored a platinum record with 2000's "White Pony".

(Thanks: Crumbs / TakeMyScars.com)

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