It’s no secret that Mike Patton likes to stay active, but with countless projects on the go could this year be the most Patton-tastic ever?
In late 2019 Patton’s manager and partner in crime at Ipecac, Greg Werckman, told us the man of a thousand voices "had never been busier". So far this statement is proving to be accurate.
Just yesterday Michael Crain, guitarist for Dead Cross, shared two pictures on social media of himself and Patton with the caption “Like two kids in a candy store listening to the new Dead Cross rough mixes.”
From recent posts by Scott Ian, and Mr. Bungle, all evidence suggests that the present line-up are indeed re-recording their 1985 demo Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny with Ian and Dave Lombardo at Dave Grohl‘s 606 Studio in L.A . With half of DxCx hanging out it shouldn’t be too hard to assume that DxCx have been running through some stuff too. The band have made no secret that they are currently working on a follow up record to their 2017 debut - that makes two Patton records that could be released sometime this year.
On April 3rd Patton and Australian composer Anthony Pateras will release their second tētēma collaboration, Necroscope - the total is now three.
Both Duane Denison and Trevor Dunn have indicated that a fifth Tomahawk album and follow up to 2013's Oddfellows is recorded and awaiting vocals - four!
Oh Jesus! And let's not forget in an interview for french publication Noise Patton alluded to a second collaboration with Jean Claude Vannier - Could we be blessed with FIVE releases within the next 12 months?
It's seems unlikely that all these projects will be completed or released in the near future however it certainly looks like Mike’s future is mapped out.
Faith No More are of course touring from May to September - no South American dates announced yet so this could be longer. Therefore we shouldn't expect Patton will have the time to promote these albums in 2020. Looks like 2021 may also be a busy year for Patton!
There is more to add to this schedule also, Justin Pearson’s Three One G Records will release Really Bad Music For Really Bad People: The Cramps As Heard Through The Meat Grinder Of Three One G. This tribute to The Cramps features a cover of Human Fly by Italian duo Zeus! and Patton. And, we will soon see Patton on film talking baseball in the upcoming documentary Baseball Furies. In the past Patton has had some busy years, between 2001 and 2005 he was crazy with music from Fantômas, Tomahawk, Peeping Tom and Zorn, plus touring and guest appearances... however over this next 12 months he could surpass that personal best.
In short it‘s a fucking great time to be a fan of Mike Patton!