Jonathan Davis reached fame as the frontman of Korn, and while many fans are familiar with his music, there are some interesting facts about Davis that are less well-known. In this article, we’ll delve into five intriguing aspects of his life, from his appreciation for a particular song to his past hobbies and career experiences.
1. A Song That Changed His View Of Music Forever
Jonathan Davis’ favorite song is ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ by Joy Division. During a 2011 interview with Spin, he mentioned how the song struck him with its ability to evoke a mix of beautiful and sad emotions simultaneously, ultimately changing the way he perceived music.
In his own words:
“It’s so beautiful and so f*cking sad at the same time. As a kid, it struck me how many different emotions a single song could evoke, and it changed my view of music forever.”
This powerful connection to the song has stayed with him throughout his life, and it has likely influenced his own musical creations. In recognizing the emotional impact a single song can have, Davis may have developed an even greater appreciation for the art form.
2. A Former Tarantula And Scorpion Enthusiast
Before becoming a father, Davis owned an impressive collection of 30 different species of tarantulas and two of the world’s deadliest Australian scorpions. He described his time with these pets as intense, but when he had children, he knew it was time to let them go for safety reasons.
In the same interview with Spin, he said:
“I used to have 30 different species of tarantulas, as well as two Australian scorpions that are considered the deadliest in the world. If stung by one, a person would die in 30 minutes. But when I had kids, I had to get rid of them, of course. Those were intense!”
This decision shows Davis’ ability to prioritize and make responsible choices, even when it comes to something he’s passionate about. Despite his interest in keeping them as pets, he knew it would have been dangerous for his children.
3. From Mortuary Apprentice To Rock Star
Davis started working as a coroner’s assistant at just 16 years old. He later enrolled in a one-year program in San Francisco, studying embalming and working in funeral homes. However, he dropped out after two semesters to apprentice at a mortuary closer to home. This experience exposed him to traumatic sights, leading to post-traumatic stress, therapy, and a greater appreciation for life.
In a chat with Kerrang!, he explained:
“I had post-traumatic stress from seeing dead babies and young kids that had died after finding a parent’s stash of drugs – sh*t that I shouldn’t have been seeing at 16 or 17 years old. I had to have a lot of therapy to make the nightmares go away, but I got through it, and it made me appreciate life a lot more.”
Thanks to a long process of therapy, the singer achieved to overcome those traumatic experiences. The resilience he demonstrated in overcoming these challenges likely contributed to his strong work ethic and the emotional depth present in his music.
4. A Past Interest In Serial Killer Memorabilia
In the early 2000s, Davis began collecting art and memorabilia related to serial killers. His collection included items like Ted Bundy’s Volkswagen, John Wayne Gacy’s clown outfits, and Albert Fish’s confession letter. However, he later decided to sell these items and distance himself from the dark context, particularly for the sake of his children. This shift in interest demonstrates Jonathan’s ability to evolve and adapt his priorities, focusing on creating a healthier environment for his family.
5. Overcoming Severe Asthma
As a child, Jonathan Davis had severe asthma that led to frequent hospital stays and near-death experiences. He began taking medication at a young age to manage his condition, but even now, as an adult, he keeps an oxygen canister nearby during performances to help him breathe more easily. The challenges he faced due to his asthma have undoubtedly played a role in shaping his perseverance and determination, both in his personal life and as a performer.
Unraveling The Man Behind The Music
These five interesting facts offer a unique perspective into the life of Jonathan Davis, allowing fans to understand better the influences and experiences that have shaped his creative journey. As Davis continues to create music and perform, his fans can appreciate the complexities of his persona and the depth of his artistry.
