Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into a story that could have come straight out of the iconic mockumentary, "This Is Spinal Tap." Former KINGDOM COME frontman, Keith St. John, shares a tale that will leave you both entertained and reflective.
In a recent interview, St. John was asked to recount a moment from his career that mirrored the absurdity of "Spinal Tap." And boy, did he deliver! He shared a story involving his late bandmate, James Kottak, a talented drummer with a notorious alcohol problem.
"James was a mess, but we loved him dearly. We tried everything to help him, but nothing seemed to work until he decided to face his demons." St. John explained.
The turning point? A ground tour through the Southwest, culminating in a gig in Louisville, Kentucky - James' hometown. During a drum solo, an iconic moment in any rock show, James took it to the extreme. He climbed atop his drum kit, struck a pose, and then... fell.
"It was like a scene from Spinal Tap come to life. James was doing his thing, and then, wham! He just collapsed. It was a mess, but it was also a moment of truth." St. John recalled.
This incident, St. John believes, was James' personal "Spinal Tap" moment - a reminder that even the most talented musicians are human and vulnerable to their own demons.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should we laugh at these moments, or are they a sad reflection of the pressures and pitfalls of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle?
St. John's story also highlights the supportive nature of the music community. Despite the mishap, the audience and fellow band members rallied around James, understanding the challenges he faced.
"It's a fine line between celebrating the humor of these situations and acknowledging the very real struggles they represent." St. John added.
Beyond this Spinal Tap-esque tale, St. John is also preparing to honor another musical legend, Ronnie Montrose. On January 24, he'll be staging a concert celebrating Montrose's iconic career, featuring hits from MONTROSE, Edgar Winter, and more.
"Ronnie's influence on rock music is immeasurable. This concert is a chance for his fans to come together and celebrate his legacy." St. John said.
James Kottak, who passed away in January 2024, leaves behind a legacy as a talented musician and a reminder of the importance of addressing addiction.
What do you think? Is there a fine line between celebrating the humor of these situations and acknowledging the very real struggles they represent? Share your thoughts in the comments!
