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 Stone Sour is currently kicking major ass on the Family Values tour. The band, which consist of two members of Slipknot, vocalist Corey Taylor and guitarist James Root, plus guitarist Josh Rand, bassist James Economaki and ex-Soulfly drummer Roy Mayorga, couldn’t be happier. Their recently released CD ‘Come What(ever) May,’(on Roadrunner Records)debuted on the Billboard charts at #4 with 81,000 units sold. Come What(ever) May’ is a dynamic and profound CD with diverse musical content that could appeal to any rock fan. This CD is loaded with potential singles. “30/30-150” and “Through Glass” are receiving tons of spins on Modern rock stations across the country. Stone Sour is more than just a side project for Slipknot members Taylor and Root. This is a group of five very talented and focused musicians who are 100% committed to the band.
We recently talked to drummer Ray Mayorga via phone for an update on the band and the Family Values tour. Here’s what went down.
Hey Roy, my first question for you is how did you get involved with Stone Sour?
I got a call from the band while I was preparing for a tour with Sepultura. I met the guys and spent four days in the studio with them and they worked me hard, man.(laughs)
So you were in Sepultura at the time.
Yes, at that time I was. When I got back from the Sepultura tour, I officially joined Stone Sour.
What were your contributions on the Stone Sour CD?
Just the drum parts because I was brought in late.
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Since you’re the new guy in the band, did they put you through any type of hazing?
Like frat boy stuff, (laughs)…. No, nothing like that. Thank God.
Was the band happy with the first week sales of Come What(ever) May? You debuted at #4 on Billboard and sold over 81,000 CD’s.
We were absolutely shocked!!! No one in the band expected us to debut in that high position or sell that many records the first week of release. We were blown away by that and we are all very thankful, very grateful and very excited.
Who came up with the cover art for the CD?
That was Hugh Syme. I think he had the concept. We liked the futuristic look. It worked well.
What was it like working with Corey Taylor?
He is a really an outspoken individual. He’s a ball of energy, he’s funny and he is always making me laugh. That’s all we do is laugh and that’s a good thing.
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How does working with Corey compare to working with Max of Soulfly?
They’re totally two different people. Max is a little more reserved and focused and very serious about what he’s doing. Not to say that we aren’t, Corey is just a different person from Max. I haven’t really written with Stone Sour yet. When Max and I wrote together, we wrote together a lot. With this band, they write on their own and if someone wants to contribute they can.
You’re currently on the Family Values tour, how is the tour going? I heard that attendance is really good.
It’s amazing. The shows have been sold-out every night. We are playing the same sheds as Ozzfest. It’s really been awesome, the tour is great. The bands (on this tour) are awesome, it’s like a big band summer camp. It’s really a lot of fun.
Have you had a chance to check out any of the other bands on the bill?
Oh yeah, I’ve seen them all. Direngrey from Japan are fuckin’ awesome. They’re this crazy, fuckin’ psycho metal band from Japan. They’re just sick and a really different band. Bullets and Octane is the first band to go on and are straight up, fast bad boy rock n’ roll. Flyleaf is a newer band and really go over well live. The Deadsy are another really cool band. Elijah Blue, he is Greg Allman and Cher’s son, is in that band. And of course the Deftones and Korn are amazing every night.
What kind of production for your performance do you have on this tour?
It’s just straight up amps, drums, guitars and us.
What has the highlight of the tour been so far?
Well, we just got back from Japan, it was pretty amazing over there. We played two festivals. It was amazing. It was the first time Stone Sour was there.
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How is the record doing overseas?
It’s doing really well. It’s all over the radio, the video is in rotation all over. We are really, really happy with the way it’s doing.
What are your favorite tracks to play live?
I like “30/30-150,” and “Hell & Consequences.” One that I would really like to play is “Cardiff” which is a slower track. We haven’t really brought in too many tracks from the new CD, we are waiting for it to circulate a little more. But in time we will start adding more songs from the new record.
After your performance you are meeting with fans at the f.y.e. autograph tent. How has that been going?
That’s great !!! A lot of kids are coming up. It’s been amazing, 300-400 kids a show.
The tour is hitting the east coast soon. Why should people take the day off and check out The Family Values tour?
It’s a fuckin’ great time from start to finish. All the bands kick ass and it’s a great show!!! You won’t be disappointed.
for more check out www.stonesour.com www.familyvalueslive.com
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