Machine Head Talk Touring, Intense Fans and Smelling Like Mustard

After releasing their seventh studio album ‘Unto the Locust,’ in 2011, Machine Head have been touring relentlessly in support of the disc. We recently caught up with frontman Robb Flynn and drummer Dave McClain on the Black Carpet of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards. The pair talked fondly of Machine Head fans, life on the road, their love of Lamb of God and much more.

What can Machine Head fans expect from you in 2012?

Robb Flynn: A lot of touring, lots and lots of touring. We just wrapped up a headlining tour in the U.S.; we’re going over to Europe and then we come back September, October for more U.S. dates.

I saw you guys at Best Buy Theater in New York City earlier this year, and the fans went crazy. When you get that reaction from fans, that intense energy, how does that make you feel?

Robb Flynn: I mean that was an awesome show -- that was really f---ing incredible, kind of magical show. It’s super intense, you watch all those people losing their minds and singing the words so loud, thrashing and killing each other in the pit -- it’s intense man. That was an awesome show, I mean we inspire that and we feed off of that too, that makes us push even harder.

What are some bands growing up that made you feel that sort of intensity?

Dave McClain: I mean to some extent, we’re raised on the same stuff, like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, bands like that. We also have our other bands that we grew up on like I grew up on KISS, AC/DC and stuff.

Are there any newer bands that stir up that feeling as well?

RF: New bands? F--- I think Lamb of God are pretty awesome, they’re pretty intense, they’re f---in’ good. I love Times of Grace, too, they’re really good.

What’s one thing you need to bring on tour with you  -- no electronics.

DM: My running shoes. [Laughs]

RF: My clothes, without it I’d be naked. You really don’t want to see me naked. It’s the worst body you’ve ever seen, if you saw me I look like a corn dog. [Laughs]

A corndog, really? Are you wrapped and breaded?

RF: [Laughs] Pretty much, kind of doughy, a stick for two legs, kind of smelly like mustard.