[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn9ElN3VC88[/youtube]
There’s been a lot of speculation regarding Rex Brown’s status in Down. The band has been touring with Crowbar’s Patrick Bruders while Brown has been visibly absent, while guitarist Pepper Keenan made it pretty clear in an interview that something was up. Now, thanks to a press conference Down held at the Sweden Rock Festival this past Friday (June 10), we know that it’s a bit more of a complicated situation.
You can watch video of the press conference up top, but when asked specifically about Brown’s status in the band (at the 3 minute mark of the video), frontman Philip Anselmo said the following:
“Rex is… Just to put it kindly, he needs to address some personal things in his life and when he has to address these personal things, the extremity of them, it’s gonna take him away from music and touring and stuff like that. We all support him, we love him, we’re still very close with him, speak with him all the time. I suggest everyone in the room, everyone that has any emotion at all about Rex, just give some good thoughts to him — he needs it — and we still support him. We wish the best for him.”
At first this might seem pretty odd to hear considering that Brown has been working on Kill Devil Hill with Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell drummer Vinnie Appice as of late. However, it’s not too much of a stretch to think that Brown might have some “personal issues” to deal with, considering that when he parted ways with the band Arms Of The Sun, singer Lance Harvill referred to Brown in a statement as the “rockstar in the band who has earned his stripes and carries the attitude to go with it…” Plus, when Philp Anselmo says you need help, then it’s a safe bet that you’re in major need of help.
Adding more fuel to the fire, though, is something Brown said on the TV show Focus In The Mix With Denise Ames. When asked if he still speaks with Anselmo, Brown revealed the following:
“We’re having a little marital spat, so… I’ll just leave it at that. I’m in the doghouse.”
While Brown isn’t denying any personal issues he may be dealing with, the quote doesn’t make him sound like the type of guy who is currently seeking help. Whatever seems to be the issue, Down appear to be taking the “supportive” route. We’ll keep you posted if more develops.
