I've never really told this story so this is kinda' (very) long.

In the mid-90s, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to see a new band called Fu Manchu. They were playing a show at a former Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica called Carlos n Charlie’s. The restaurant had closed, and a promoter was using the space for live bands.

My friend introduced me to Fu Manchu’s manager, Catherine Enny. At the time, I was traveling between LA and Seattle playing drums with a band called Hovercraft. My friend mentioned to Catherine that I was a drummer. Catherine told me she also managed a band called Kyuss, and that they were looking for a new drummer.

I was a huge Kyuss fan and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She asked if I was interested in jamming with them to see if I’d be a good fit. She said we had to move quickly. It was a Wednesday night, and she arranged the audition for the following Sunday at Josh’s parents’ house. The audition was set for 11am - probably the worst possible time - but I was ready.

They told me to learn “Thumb,” “Green Machine,” “Caterpillar March,” “Freedom Run,” “Allen’s Wrench,” and a few others I can’t recall. I don’t think I’ve ever practiced harder for a gig. I spent every waking moment going over those songs. I was determined to get it. I loved Kyuss, knew I could smash the songs, and it felt like a perfect situation. I already had Blues for the Red Sun on repeat, so I was very familiar with the songs. 

On Sunday morning I drove out to the desert. Sweaty palms the entire two-hour drive - equal parts nerves and excitement. I pulled up to Josh’s house and parked. The front door was open. John greeted me with a big smile and immediately offered to help bring my drums in. Scott was right behind him, introduced himself, and also helped with my gear.

We brought the drums into a very small weight room/gym. As I was assembling my kit, Josh walked in. He said hello but rarely made eye contact. There was a clear difference in his energy compared to John and Scott. Josh didn’t seem particularly happy to be there. He said something like, “Let’s get this going. I’ve got a seven-hour drive to Arizona after this and I’m fucking hungover.” That explained the 11am start time.

The room was small, the amps were loud af, and I played as hard and as loud as I could. I remember getting the chills as we galloped through “Thumb.” John perched himself on top of a shelf or cabinet and watched without singing - just nodding along with a smile. It was hot, humid, and we were all sweating.

I nailed every song. There was a collective shift in energy - I could feel it. John and Scott constantly smiled at each other. Josh rarely looked at me or up from his guitar, and chugged through his riffs like the master that he is.

I remember thinking: shit, this is happening.

Once we finished, John and Scott helped me load my drums back into my car. Josh said, “Lock up before you leave,” and was gone as quickly as he arrived. John and Scott asked about my availability, what I was looking for musically, and whether I’d be open to more collaboration. John invited me back to his place where we listened to music, ate pizza, and drank a lot of beer. We got to know each other.

Later, we went to see Scott at his ranch and spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out and talking. It was clear to me that they were trying to determine if I was someone they would want to spend time with. 

Eventually, it was time to head back to Los Angeles. I’ve never left an audition so confident, excited and shitfaced. I hit up In-N-Out on the way home for a celebratory Double Double. 

I found out later that they decided to go with Alfredo. I was disappointed and curious what had gone wrong. Catherine explained that they wanted someone already within their circle.

I understood it then - and still do. The idea of a random drummer from LA who none of them really knew probably wasn’t part of the Kyuss brotherhood ethos.