PHILIP ANSELMO: 'I Never Said I Was The Greatest Guy In The World'

Metal Army America recently conducted an interview with Philip Anselmo (DOWN, PANTERA, Housecore Records). An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Metal Army America: I watched the video of your speaking at Loyola University, and I was really struck about how powerful it was. With regards to your feelings on the media — and let me preface that by saying that's NOT why I'm here, I'm a fan who dislikes, I'm assuming as much as you do, the often-sycophantic nature of the media — I was wondering how you felt about the double-edged sword of trying to promote Housecore, while also keeping guard against those who might want to misuse their place in the media to their own ends?

Anselmo: Look, I think that, when you're fortunate enough to have had the success I've had in life, and the type of success which puts your actual face in people's heads, as opposed to some businessman who lives behind closed doors, and moves to Australia, my face is in magazines, and people know who I am; they know PANTERA's history. People can form an opinion. That's going to be the way it is until I hit the dirt. So honestly, it doesn't rub me one way or the other, man. I realize that people have the power to type away whatever they want, man. Go for it. Fill your life up with it. That doesn't deter me at all; it really doesn't.

As far as the thing with the media: I never said I was the greatest guy in the world. I'll let you know right now: I never said I had no faults, and that I was a perfect being. So, you heard it from me first! I'll be the first to tell ya: I have MANY faults. I've messed up MANY a situation.

Do I deserve to get bashed? Who can say who deserves what, man? That's what you have no control over, and that's one of the things, in order to grow in character, as a person, and as a man…that's just the kind of stuff you have to let go, man.

Metal Army America: On the other hand, being in the position you are — of respect and influence, being able to speak at a University such as Loyola — and having people live by your words and art you've created… is that a mindtrip to come from a heavy metal singer who idolized Rob Halford, to become this person who's had an effect on people you will never even meet, people who live their lives to some of your lyrics, and the art you've put out in the world?

Anselmo: Oh man, how can I put this? Well, the fact that I've touched people's lives — like you say, people I will never even meet — and will inspire them to do great things in their life, for whatever they can do in their life…that is good. God, this is tough to answer. It's almost as if I wish I could do more. I feel humbled. I feel proud, but humbled at the same time. Honestly, the way I like to put it is: without the people like that who love my music and what I do; who love one band I'm in, but hate all the rest, but give me that bit of love for that one band…the accomplishment is bigger than me. These people? I'd be NOTHING without them. The people inspire me; I can't help it.

Metal Army America: Have you received a lot of positive feedback from them regarding Housecore?

Anselmo: Yeah, man. I've received a lot of positive feedback, but you're only going to get what you give out. We haven't put out that many things, but this year's a new year, and we have a bunch of stuff coming out. The more stuff we put out, the more feedback we'll get. So far it's been good, and the fact that me and you and here talking about it? It's all good, man.

Read the entire interview from Metal Army America.

Photo below courtesy of Down-Nola.com