The renowned drummer of Faith No More, Mike Bordin, has openly discussed the reasons behind the band’s prolonged absence from the music scene, attributing primary responsibility to lead vocalist Mike Patton. This candid revelation sheds light on the internal dynamics of the band, highlighting how personal challenges can significantly impact a group’s ability to perform.

It has now been an extended period of nearly nine years since Faith No More last graced the stage with their electrifying performances. Their final concert occurred on August 20, 2016, in West Hollywood. Although there were aspirations for a reunion tour in 2021, those plans were ultimately abandoned as Patton faced serious mental health challenges that impeded his participation.

In a revealing interview with Dean Delray on the Let There Be Talk podcast, Bordin elaborated on the band’s ongoing inactivity, attributing it to a lack of effective communication and uncertainty surrounding Patton’s commitment to continuing with the band. This insight provides a window into the complexities that often accompany long-standing musical collaborations.

Insights from Mike Bordin on Faith No More’s Future and Challenges

Throughout the conversation, Bordin expressed his belief that the band had not effectively promoted themselves and wanted to ensure his thoughts were documented. He reminisced about the planned 2021 tour, indicating that the band had dedicated six months to instrumental rehearsals. However, as the preparations escalated towards the tour’s kickoff, Patton was notably absent, raising concerns among the members.

Bordin recounted a particularly tense moment, explaining, “It came to pass that when the gear was in the truck, rolling to Chicago just 36 hours before we were scheduled to perform, our frontman didn’t show up for the rehearsal—the only rehearsal we had planned. When we went to check on him, it became evident that he was unable to fulfill his role at that moment,” as reported by Blabbermouth.

READ MORE: Faith No More Keyboardist Comments on Band’s ‘Semi-Permanent Hiatus’

Ultimately, the band made the collective decision to prioritize Patton’s well-being, with Bordin stating, “None of us wants to be the person who pressures him into performing when he’s not in a position to do so. It wasn’t even a matter of debate; the only discussion surrounded how we would logistically navigate this situation. We had to address it.” This reflects the band’s strong sense of camaraderie and support for one another amidst challenging circumstances.

Bordin also noted that as time progressed, Patton participated in other projects, such as the Mr. Bungle tour, which continued even after Faith No More had to cancel their scheduled shows. He expressed, “My perspective is that he has transitioned from being unable to perform to seemingly unwilling to tour with us. This shift is significant and weighs heavily on me, especially as we haven’t engaged in much dialogue about it.”

The drummer confessed, “This situation doesn’t sit well with me. It genuinely hurts my feelings, but I recognize that this is a personal matter. It’s a business decision at the end of the day. We would never coerce someone into doing something they are unable to manage, and it seems now that it’s more about whether he is willing to engage in this with us.”

Mike Bordin Expresses Gratitude for Mike Patton’s Contributions to Faith No More

While Bordin did point to Patton as a key reason for the band’s hiatus from touring, he was careful to emphasize his deep respect and admiration for the singer. He expressed, “I am truly thankful for what Mike Patton has brought to our music and lives. We have been incredibly fortunate to be part of such a monumental artistic talent.” As for the future, he stated, “I can’t predict whether he will choose to engage with us again; that decision lies beyond my control.”

Bordin also took a moment to acknowledge other members of Faith No More’s history, including Jim Martin, Chuck Mosley, and Courtney Love, reiterating his appreciation for Patton’s impact on his life. “Am I grateful for my time with Mike Patton? Absolutely, because my experiences would be drastically different without it. However, I cannot force him to participate in something he seems reluctant to do from my viewpoint. This is simply my honest perspective, and I’m not seeking controversy or headlines—just sharing what it looks like from where I stand.”

Mike Bordin Discusses Faith No More on Dean Delray’s Let There Be Talk Podcast