In anticipation of their highly anticipated, sold-out stadium shows in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed sat down with Loudwire Nights on March 4 to discuss the band’s remarkable legacy and much more. This insightful conversation provides a glimpse into the band’s journey and the influences that shaped their music.
To catch the entire interview with Chuck Armstrong, check out the player located towards the end of this article.
Listeners may be intrigued to discover that Canada spoke about the profound friendship between Cross Canadian Ragweed and the legendary band Pantera. He reminisced about the times spent in Dallas, sharing, “Every time we were in Dallas…by the end of the night we would get a call from Dime or Vinnie saying, ‘Come over to the club.'” This highlights the unique bond and camaraderie that existed in the music community.
Canada shared heartfelt memories of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, both of whom he described as “sweet humans.” He reflected on the support they received from Vinnie, who actively promoted their music and encouraged others to check them out. The deep-rooted connections and friendships among musicians often transcend the stage, creating lasting legacies.
One poignant moment Canada recalled was the night he learned of Dimebag Darrell’s tragic murder. Despite being in Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant nightlife, the news shattered his evening. He explained, “That was it, that was the end of the night,” acknowledging that this moment inspired what would become Cross Canadian Ragweed’s tribute song to Dime, titled “Dimebag.” This song serves as a testament to the impact Dime had on their lives and music.
“It was sad inspiration,” Canada remarked, expressing how the tragedy haunted him for months. He elaborated, “That could have been anybody in our circle. That could have been me, that could have been you,” emphasizing the fragility of life and the deep emotional connections formed within the music industry.
As Canada began crafting the band’s third album, Garage, the opening line for “Dimebag” resonated strongly in his mind: “Dimebag Darrell, God bless that man / Ripped from us by the devil’s hand.” This line encapsulates the pain and loss felt by those who knew him, and it became a powerful foundation for the song.
Vinnie Paul’s Special Onstage Tribute with Cross Canadian Ragweed
During the recording sessions for Garage, Canada initially struggled with developing additional lyrics for “Dimebag.” However, his producer, the talented Mike McClure, contributed a pivotal line that formed the basis of the chorus: “Bad news travels faster than any good news that you hear.” This collaboration not only enriched the song but underscored the importance of teamwork in the creative process.
Canada decided to incorporate a verse that honored the life of Kurt Cobain, subtly addressing Courtney Love, which added another layer of depth to “Dimebag.” This choice highlights how artists often draw inspiration from a variety of influences, creating a rich tapestry of meaning within their music.
Excitedly, Canada shared a memory of when Vinnie Paul expressed interest in performing “Dimebag” with them just before his passing. He recounted, “We played at American Airlines Center in Dallas with Dierks Bentley, and Vinnie called me and said, ‘Hey, I want to play that song with you guys.'” This anecdote showcases the respect and admiration that existed between the two musicians.
Canada fondly remembered Vinnie’s nervousness before their performance, saying, “Man, why the fuck should you be nervous? You’re Vinnie Paul!” Vinnie replied, “Man, you wrote this song for my bro,” revealing the emotional significance the song held for both of them. This moment exemplifies the deep bonds forged in the music industry.
After their performance of “Dimebag,” Canada asked Vinnie to autograph his Dimebag guitar, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment. “This thing is never going to get played onstage again … He was a sweet guy to us,” Canada stated, emphasizing the warmth and kindness that Vinnie brought to their relationship.
Key Insights from Cody Canada’s Conversation on Loudwire Nights
- How a Motionless in White and Ice Nine Kills concert sparked discussions about a potential Cross Canadian Ragweed reunion in 2025: “We were underneath Madison Square Garden where Billy Joel was playing, and I thought, ‘What if we did one destination show?’ I googled how many people Madison Square Garden would hold.”
- Canada’s expectations for the initial stadium performance during Ragweed’s reunion: “It’s 48,000 people. I honestly thought we would sell 20,000 tickets. We’d have one night and it would be awesome.” This highlights the band’s aspirations and excitement.
- His newfound happiness, thanks to his bandmates: “We’re just in love. We’re in love with each other again and love feels good, you know? I love seeing everybody smile,” illustrating the power of camaraderie in music.
Catch the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below
Cody Canada joined Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, March 4; you can listen to the replay online here, tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app, and check if the show is available on your local radio station for on-demand interviews.
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Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
