In the most recent episode of the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, hosted by the talented comedian Craig Gass alongside Chris Kael, the bassist of the renowned band Five Finger Death Punch, listeners are treated to an insightful discussion about Kael’s newfound appreciation for the musical brilliance of Metallica. He shares intriguing insights on how one can approach comedy with the flair and charisma of a rock star, drawing parallels between the two art forms.

Kael reminisces about his close friendships that have significantly influenced his journey, long before he became part of one of the most famous hard rock bands in the world. He recalls his early experiences auditioning for a band, which came just two months after he picked up the bass guitar.

“From the moment I touched a bass, I declared, ‘I’m destined to be in a band. I’m ready to perform!'” Kael shared enthusiastically. This pivotal opportunity arose swiftly when he discovered a flyer in a record store that called for a bassist. “[Will] was in college while I was still navigating high school. He invited me to his dorm for a brief audition.”

During this audition, they performed “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” a classic masterpiece by Metallica, a band that Five Finger Death Punch had the honor of touring with last year, creating a full-circle experience for Kael.

Initially, Kael believed his role was straightforward—he thought he would merely need to keep the rhythm during the song’s impactful opening and allow it to resonate while the guitar led the melody.

We can imagine the thoughts running through your mind: “But there’s no lead guitar at the beginning of ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls!’”

“I was unaware, as my ear wasn’t finely tuned yet, that [vocalizes melody]… I mistakenly thought that was a guitar,” Kael explains. This moment marked a revelation for him, highlighting the extensive possibilities that the bass offers within the realm of heavy music.

This realization further emphasizes the lasting impact of Cliff Burton, whose innovative style continues to inspire musicians in the metal genre, even decades after his tragic passing during a tour with Metallica in 1986. His extraordinary musicality and profound understanding of music theory significantly shaped the band’s trajectory, as his bandmates have often acknowledged. Burton’s unconventional approach to playing, particularly his pursuit of lead melodies, remains a defining characteristic of his musical brilliance.

READ MORE: The Setlist From Metallica’s Final Show With Cliff Burton

Gass humorously recounts that Kael thought his responsibilities were as simple as plucking a few single-string notes, extending his arms wide to “command the stage.”

This amusing anecdote transitions into how Kael, who also performs comedy, approaches his stand-up routines. He infuses a similar bravado from his experiences with Five Finger Death Punch, energizing the audience with his charismatic stage presence.

“How incredible is my job that I can stroll into a venue like [spreads arms] and everyone responds with excitement? That feeling is intoxicating, and I genuinely thank each and every one of you,” Kael reflects, playfully aspiring to emulate the comedic style of Bert Kreischer. He candidly admits he’s still mastering the art of timing and delivery to make his jokes land just right. For those who aren’t aware, Kreischer is a well-known comedian who has captivated audiences with his unique style. You certainly made us laugh, Chris! We see what you did there!

Watch the entertaining clip below.

Discover the Fun and Insightful Beardo and Weirdo Podcast

The Beardo and Weirdo podcast features the comedic talents of Craig Gass and Chris Kael, who are not only avid fans of rock and metal music but also share captivating stories and laughs. Their conversations delve into serious topics, including addiction and recovery, providing listeners with a blend of humor and heartfelt sincerity.

New episodes are released every Thursday, ensuring a regular dose of entertainment and insightful discussions.

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