Robert Flynn

Robert (Robb) Flynn

Robb Flynn in 2011.
Background information
Birth name Lawrence Matthew Cardine
Also known as Robb Flynn
Born July 19, 1968 (1968-07-19) (age 43),
Oakland, California
Genres Thrash metal, groove metal
Occupations Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments Vocals, guitar, keyboards
Years active 1985–present
Associated acts Machine Head, Vio-Lence, Forbidden, Roadrunner United
Website www.machinehead1.com
Notable instruments
Epiphone Robb Flynn Love Death Baritone
ESP SP120 V-Shaped Prototype
B.C. Rich Red Transparent Warlock

Robb Flynn (born Lawrence Matthew Cardine, adopted, July 19, 1968, Oakland, California) is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the heavy metal band Machine Head. Flynn formed the band along with Adam Duce, Logan Mader and Tony Costanza after leaving Bay Area thrash band Vio-Lence.[1]

Contents

Biography

Flynn also formed the thrash metal band Forbidden (originally Forbidden Evil), while in his graduating year at American High School (Fremont, California). He played in this band from 1985 to 1987. He wrote four songs which appeared on their debut album, "Chalice Of Blood", "Forbidden Evil", "As Good As Dead" and part of "March Into Fire", but left before an album was released to join local thrash metal rivals Vio-lence, alongside present Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel. Flynn then went on to form the present-day band, Machine Head, whose debut album "Burn My Eyes" made Flynn a rising metal star.

In January 2005 Flynn was selected as one of the four team captains of Roadrunner United, an act to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of Roadrunner Records.[2] Flynn wrote, produced and recorded guitar on four songs, these were The Rich Man, Independent (Voice of the Voiceless), Army of the Sun and The Dagger and on the latter he sang and wrote lyrics alongside Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage.

Machine Head's recent release The Blackening climbed to #54 on the US Billboard after appearing on the charts only two weeks previously; it was also nominated for a Grammy Award, making it by far the band's most successful album. On 11 June 2007, Robb Flynn received the Metal Hammer 2007 Golden God Award.[3] In honour of Debbie Abono and Ronnie James Dio, Robb Flynn recorded and released for free online a cover of Black Sabbath's Die Young.[4] Abono managed Flynn and Phil Demmel when they were members of Vio-Lence.[5] Flynn had a break-in at his house in which several items, including guitars were stolen. One guitar, the Washburn 333 or "Dimebolt", was given to him by Dimebag Darrell.[6]

Equipment

Guitars

For the recording of the song "Aesthetics of Hate", inspired by reactions to the murder of his friend Dimebag Darrell, from the album The Blackening, Flynn used a Washburn 333, nicknamed "Dimebolt", which was given to him by Dimebag after he broke one of Flynn's guitars while intoxicated. However, in the music video for the song, Flynn can be seen playing his transparent B.C. Rich Warlock.[7]

Amplifiers

Flynn uses Peavey 5150 and 6505+ heads with Marshall cabinets both live and in the studio. He owns eight Peavey heads, only one of which is used for recording.

Effects

References