Brian Carroll, better known as Buckethead, has developed into one of the most mysterious enigmas in modern music. Basically a one man show, the virtuoso guitarist prolifically produces a wide-range of music that transcends genre, spanning the soundscape from classical to funk to shred metal. His latest single commemorates the life of a genius, Michael Jackson.
Buckethead: Music Beneath the Mask
No matter the venue, the hauntingly shy performer always wears his trademark white mask and dawns a bucket atop his head, hence the name, Buckethead. In addition to performing in several bands (including most notably Guns ‘n’ Roses) and appearing on a plethora of movie soundtracks, he has released over twenty-five solo albums. With a fast-growing, dedicated cult following and a stunningly innovative brand of sound, the guitarist is rapidly gaining significance and relevance regarding the contemporary music scene.
The mystery and legend of Buckethead initially compels many to experience his strangely crafted work. Buckethead himself describes his beginnings in one of his few interviews found on his DVD, Young Buckethead 2, and Dan Leroy also gives momentum to the myth in his October 13, 2005 online Rolling Stone article, "Buckethead Knows Chicken." Apparently, Buckethead grew up a neglected youth, forced to live in a chicken coop with chickens that savagely pecked, scratched, and mutilated his face, until he began to wear a mask. Later on, he began to play guitar and relentlessly practiced, trying to replicate his favorite horror flick sounds. In addition to Leatherface and Freddy Krueger, Buckethead also draws inspiration from Disneyland, cemeteries, and top-tier professional basketball players. So goes the twisted myth . . . .
Buckethead's Commemoration of Michael Jackson
Needless to say, Buckethead is a weird, yet wonderful, delightfully deranged, and profoundly preternatural individual. Therefore, it is no jaw-dropping surprise to discover his affinity for the similarly spectacular Michael Jackson. Recently, to commemorate the death of the iconic singer/dancer/songwriter, Buckethead released on the internet a new song, “The Homing Beacon,” a starkly melancholy, acoustic tribute, free for anyone to listen.
Seizing on inspiration whenever it strikes, Buckethead dedicates songs to those who fuel his creative drive. Past dedications went to Michael Jordan (“Jordan” and “Jump Man”), Lebron James (“Lebron” and “Lebron’s Hammer”), George Gervin (“Iceman Tribute to George Gervin”), and his Aunt Susie (“Sail on Soothsayer”). While the song “Jordan” received wide attention from the video game Guitar Hero II, and “Sail on Soothsayer” spawned from family grieving, the newest dedication to Jackson singularly resonates with simultaneously poignant dimensions, both eerie and endearing.
Future Tours: Dancing, Doom, and Dedications
As Buckethead continues to tour, he may wish to weave this new number into his set-list. Viewers of his eccentric performances notice the breaks between songs for Buckethead to rest his weary fingers, pass out toys, exhibit his black-belt nunchucking skills, and deftly dance the robot. Perhaps Buckethead got his penchant for performance and dancing from Jackson himself? And maybe next time, while caught in the rapture of robotic dance, Buckethead will throw in a leg kick, crotch grab, or moonwalk, for good measure.
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