SCOTT IAN remembers playing Eddie’s parts on Van Halen’s “Most Metal” song: “I was really nervous”

Michael is known for his impressive rhythm skills in anthraxbut he felt intimidated when Mr Bungle covered Van Halen‘s “Loss of Control”. The band, led by the charismatic Michael Patton and with former huntress drummer Dave Lombardoperformed the track during their 2020 live stream concert, which was later released as The night they came home.

Reflection on the experience in conversation with Don Jamieson, Ian shared his thoughts about the unique energy Patton performed (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar): “I don’t have to blow Michael Patton‘s horn. I guess everyone’s aware of his talent. But, damn it… I mean, he’s channeling something when we play that song. You close your eyes and it’s hard. It’s crazy.”

Ianwho describes himself as a “caveman rhythm guitarist,” admitted to feeling the pressure Eddie Van Halen‘s parts. “When we did this live stream, I was really nervous,” he confessed. “Look, I’m a bit of a caveman rhythm guitarist. And now, all of a sudden, I’m faced with the challenge: ‘I have to do some Eddie parts.'”

Despite the nervousness, Ian found comfort in the metal essence of “Loss of Control”. “But this song is probably the metal song in Van Halen‘s catalog. That’s exactly my thing, and it’s up-tempo and stuff. And Lombard is just awesome. I still can’t believe it. I listen to it all the time. I can’t believe I’m a part of it. It’s so good. (laughs)”

During the interview, Scott also talked about his side project, Engine sistera band founded in 2014 that pays homage to classic rock. His wife Perla Aday, Engine sister allows Ian to explore his roots in 1970s rock music. “We’re all 70s rockers, every one of us. I started playing guitar in 1973. All of my formative years playing guitar were in 70s rock bands.” Ian explains. “So in order to Engine sister… Because basically we are a 70s band that doesn’t necessarily sound exactly like any 70s band. We’re not one of those bands that say, “Well, they just sound like a shitty Led Zeppelin Cover band, or ‘You sound like a worse version of AC / DC.’ We sound like a 70s band without sounding like anything in particular. And that’s the magic of Jim Wilson.”

For Ian, Engine sister is a tribute to the music that shaped his early years. “But in all my formative years I play AC / DC And Thin Lizzy and that Ramones And kiss And Aerosmith And Led Zeppelin And Free And Bad societyAnd that is what Engine sister is. That’s all it is.”