Unlikely Heavy Metal Cameo: Slayer legend Kerry King collaborates on Sum 41’s pop punk anthem! Will fans approve?
Back in the Spring of 2002, a rock crossover event of epic proportions occurred when the Canadian pop punk sensations Sum 41 collaborated with thrash metal legend Slayer on a track for the Spider-Man movie soundtrack. The song, titled What We’re All About, was a reworked version of one of Sum 41’s earlier songs, infused with a rap-rock vibe reminiscent of the Beastie Boys. The music video for the song featured clips of Spider-Man intercut with shots of Sum 41 performing on a ceiling, with their enthusiastic fans below.
What made this collaboration truly groundbreaking was the appearance of Slayer guitarist Kerry King, who rocked a blistering guitar solo that transformed the track into a heavy metal anthem. King, reflecting on his initial hesitations about joining forces with Sum 41, revealed that it was a reminder of his previous collaboration with the Beastie Boys on their hit No Sleep till Brooklyn that ultimately convinced him to go for it.
When asked why he took the risk of teaming up with a pop punk band, King expressed his desire to expose Slayer’s music to a wider audience and introduce new fans to their sound. By appearing in the music video and lending his signature guitar skills to the track, King hoped to pique the interest of younger listeners and encourage them to explore Slayer’s discography.
Not only did the collaboration provide King with the opportunity to reach a new demographic, but it also allowed him to enjoy a fun and memorable experience filming the video with the Sum 41 crew. Recalling his interaction with the band members, King noted their enthusiasm and appreciation for his involvement, creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere on set.
Looking ahead, King has a busy summer planned with the release of his first solo album, From Hell I Rise, scheduled for May 17. Additionally, he has solo performances and Slayer live dates lined up throughout the festival season, showcasing his relentless dedication to music and his commitment to sharing his craft with audiences around the world.
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