Five Finger Death Punch drummer, Charlie Engen, recently joined Kyle Konkiel on the Just STFU Podcast talking Van Halen, Rush, Hunting, tour stories and much, much more.
In the interview which runs for almost two hours, Charlie and Kyle discuss the recent passing of Eddie Van Halen and his impact on themselves as musicians. In this segment, Charlie reveals around 15 years ago he actually used to play guitar and Eddie Van Halen was one of the artists he looked up to.
Kyle and Charlie talk about how much they miss touring and the tours that didn’t happen in 2020. This covers the 5FDP spring tour and how strange it feels not to be on the road plus, their reactions to when COVID-19 and lockdown first hit. The duo muse about how touring could happen if COVID continues and how they feel about the current restrictions in place in their hometowns. They also look at the impact that the pandemic has on small to mid-sized bands and band road crew. This leads to a wider discussion on the music industry in general and how most income for bands typically comes from touring and merchandise sales.
Also among the topics covered is the European Megadeathpunch Tour earlier this year. Here they recall the “hottest show of the tour” in Milan and Ivan Moody falling into Charlie’s arms at the end of the show and some other fun stories from the tour. Also covered are stories from behind the scenes on various tours 5FDP and Bad Wolves have been on together – from Megadeth to Three Days Grace to Nothing More to Nickelback. We also learn that Doc Coyle is apparently a great DJ in the dressing room and that Kyle makes a mean cocktail.