Lecture Notes: Conversation With Rob Flynn

Introduction

• The conversation begins with Rob Flynn reminiscing about an encounter involving alcohol and singing the song "From This Day."
• Mention of wearing a suffocation shirt and being perceived as clowning.
• Rob Flynn recalls a period where his drummer refused to play a particular song.

Touring and Song Requests

• Rob Flynn talks about repeated requests from a fan to play "From This Day."
• Discussion of a birthday request from a fan during a Megadeth tour.
• Convincing the drummer to play the requested song.
• The fan’s enthusiasm leads to the song being brought back into the setlist.

Album Cycles and Setlist Changes

• Discussion on album cycles and the decision to stop playing certain songs.
• Focus on newer material during festival sets.
• Discussion on the best-selling albums and how it influences setlist choices.

Bringing Back "From This Day"

• Credit is given to a fan for bringing back the song into the live setlist.
• Discussion on the influence of songs and the band's willingness to include fan favorites.

Emotional Moments in Music

• Rob Flynn talks about his experiences during emotional conversations and interviews.
• The transformative power of late-night conversations.
• Personal connections with songs and the cathartic release through music.

The Influence of Ross Robinson

• Discussion on working with producer Ross Robinson and his impact on the band.
• Innovative recording techniques and emotional depth in music creation.
• Ross Robinson's unique methods in drawing performances from artists.

Recording Challenges and Personal Struggles

• Rob Flynn discusses personal struggles, including dealing with bulimia and alcohol abuse.
• Emotional struggles during the production of an album.
• The role of therapy and the changes it brought to his life.

Musical Direction and Band Dynamics

• Conversations about musical direction and disagreements within the band.
• The personal evolution that comes with being in a band and making music.
• The importance of authenticity in musical expression.

The Making of The Burning Red

• Rob Flynn shares the challenges faced during the making of "The Burning Red."
• Personal stories and emotional depth involved in creating music.
• The journey of self-discovery and honesty through songwriting.

Reflections on Success and Legacy

• A candid reflection on the challenges and successes throughout Rob Flynn's career.
• Acknowledgment of fan interactions and their impact on musical decisions.
• Gratitude towards fans and the enduring legacy of Machine Head.

This set of notes captures the essence of a lengthy conversation with Rob Flynn, touching on various aspects of his career, personal life, and the music industry. Key themes include the emotional and psychological journey of being in a band, the influence of producers, and the interconnectedness between artist and fan. These notes can serve as a study aid for understanding the complex dynamics of music creation and the personal growth that accompanies it.