5FDP’s Chris Kael stops by the Kilpop Studios to catch up with Carlota.
Chris Kael, the bassist of the globally renowned Five Finger Death Punch (FFDP), recently opened up in a candid and highly entertaining interview. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Chris shared stories from his fascinating career, his commitment to fitness, and his unexpected leap into stand-up comedy. Here’s what we learnt.
Fitness with a Punch
Chris has taken his health into his own hands. “I’ve been doing Muay Thai, lifting weights, and for once, actually paying attention to what I eat,” he revealed. Reflecting on his childhood struggles with weight, he added, “It’s always been something I carried with me, but now I’m putting in the work. At 32, I even stepped into the ring for my first fight—it was an eye-opener!”
This commitment to fitness isn’t just about aesthetics for Chris; it’s about longevity in his high-energy career. As he put it, “Taking care of myself off-stage helps me give it my all on-stage.”
The Remark that Sparked a Dream
Chris’s journey to joining FFDP began with a chance encounter at a Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. He recounted a cheeky exchange with the band’s former bassist. “I made a joke about beards, and he fired back with, ‘I’m a rock star, and you’re still waiting tables.’ It stung. But two months later, the band was looking for a new bassist, and I thought, ‘Right, I’m going for this!’” That drive and determination led him straight into the band.
He joked, “I wouldn’t have gone after it so hard if he hadn’t said that. I wanted to succeed just for the story alone, and now here I am, living it.”
Sharing the Stage with Legends
Reflecting on playing alongside Metallica, Chris described the experience as surreal. “It’s mind-blowing to see their stage setup. These guys are the real deal—total professionals and genuinely kind. James Hetfield even paused a phone call to check in on me. I was like, ‘Did that just happen?’”
Chris admitted that touring with Metallica posed a logistical challenge: “We’d have to leave the venue shortly after our set, so I’ve never watched a full Metallica show—but honestly, that’s the best complaint to have!”
From Bass to Belly Laughs
Chris’s dive into stand-up comedy came with encouragement from comedian Craig Gass. “Craig said, ‘You’ve got the stories—just get up there and do it.’ My first gig? I did 20 minutes! Looking back, I think, ‘How did I pull that off?’” he laughed.
Blending road tales with a rock ‘n’ roll twist, Chris’s comedy is rooted in authenticity. “I tell stories about life on the road, sharing my unique experiences with the audience. It’s a way to connect and have a laugh. Stand-up is different from music, though—it’s just you, a mic, and your ideas. No pyro, no lasers. It’s raw, and that’s what makes it brilliant.”
The Next Chapter
Chris is keeping himself busy, balancing music and comedy. He teased plans to combine the two: “Imagine a full FFDP weekend. Comedy night on Friday, a rock concert on Saturday. That’s where I’m headed.”
On future FFDP projects, Chris shared that the band is back in the studio, recreating the raw energy of their early albums. “It’s back to basics—writing and recording in living rooms. We’ve got six or seven songs so far, and it feels good to take our time and enjoy the process.”
Life Lessons and Positivity
Chris emphasised the importance of perspective and resilience. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, he reflected, “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Even the toughest times offer opportunities for growth.”
With a clear passion for creativity, Chris Kael continues to evolve—whether on stage with Five Finger Death Punch or holding the mic in a comedy club. His journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to take on new challenges, embrace vulnerability, and find humour in life’s twists and turns.
Upcoming Events Catch Chris at his upcoming comedy shows, including Lake Havasu and Las Vegas gigs, or look out for new music as FFDP work their magic in the studio. One thing’s certain—Chris is nowhere near slowing down.