Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
CastBox
PocketCasts
RSS
YouTubeThe Beatlemania Moment That Started It All
For many music fans, Matt Sorum will forever be remembered as the powerhouse drummer who helped drive Guns N’ Roses through one of the biggest periods in the band’s history. But spend an hour talking with him and it quickly becomes clear that his story is far bigger than any one band.
Today, at 65, Sorum remains as enthusiastic about music as the young boy who first watched The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show and decided that drumming would become his life. More than four decades later, after performing with some of the biggest names in rock, he is preparing to return to Australia leading his all-star supergroup, Kings of Chaos, aboard the Rock The Boat cruise.
Inspired by the Great British Drummers
Like many musicians of his generation, the Beatles changed everything. From there, Sorum immersed himself in the work of legendary drummers including Keith Moon, John Bonham, Ginger Baker, Ian Paice and Buddy Rich. Rather than focusing on a single style, he deliberately explored jazz, marching bands and orchestral ensembles during his school years.
Finding His Place on the Sunset Strip
When Sorum moved to Hollywood in 1979, the Sunset Strip was still the centre of the rock universe. There was no internet, social media or YouTube. Musicians found each other by hanging out in clubs, walking the streets and striking up conversations. “If you looked like a musician, somebody would ask what you played,” he recalls.
“Matt the Mercenary”
Matt quickly became known as “Matt the Mercenary” because he would play with almost anyone for a few dollars and the opportunity to perform. At one stage he was playing in as many as ten bands simultaneously, determined to make music his full-time career.
The Cult Years Open New Doors
That approach eventually led him to British rock band The Cult, where he gained international attention during the hugely successful Sonic Temple era. It was while performing with The Cult that Slash and Duff McKagan first saw him play.
Joining the Biggest Band in the World
Soon afterwards came the opportunity that would change Matt’s life forever. Guns N’ Roses wanted him behind the drum kit. Sorum joined Guns N’ Roses in 1990, becoming part of the massive Use Your Illusion era and one of the largest rock tours ever staged. He played stadiums around the world, including unforgettable Australian appearances at Big Day Out.
“I drank too much alcohol, did drugs and chased women,” he says. “I did everything I was supposed to do as a young rock star.”
Learning from Lemmy
Rather than dwell on the difficulties, Sorum now views that period as a gift. One of the biggest influences on him came during a brief period performing with Motörhead. Travelling with Lemmy Kilmister showed him what true professionalism looked like. Shows started exactly on time, the audience always came first, and rock and roll remained uncomplicated. “We are Motörhead and we play rock and roll,” Sorum says, recalling Lemmy’s philosophy.
Building Kings of Chaos
That straightforward approach would eventually inspire him to create Kings of Chaos. Following the success of Velvet Revolver — the supergroup he formed with Slash, Duff McKagan and Scott Weiland — Sorum decided he wanted to build something different. Instead of joining another permanent band, he created a project that would allow him to perform alongside his heroes.
Rock’s Ultimate Bucket List
Today, Kings of Chaos features an ever-changing lineup of rock legends, including Billy Gibbons, Glenn Hughes, Robin Zander and many others. The concept is simple: great musicians playing each other’s songs, challenging one another and rediscovering the excitement that first drew them to music.
Taking the Rock Cruise to Australia
The upcoming Rock The Boat cruise will bring Kings of Chaos to Australian audiences, with Sorum promising performances that are spontaneous, energetic and filled with classic songs from bands including ZZ Top, Deep Purple and Cheap Trick.
