Korn drummer Ray Luzier recently opened up about the early years of his career. He revealed that he lost gigs with major bands simply because he didn’t do drugs, in an interview with Musicians Institute.
Luzier discussed his intense dedication to drumming during his time as a student. He also talked about the unexpected reasons he was passed over for certain opportunities.
“When I was a student here [at Musicians Institute], I never did anything but play drums. I would literally go to class, go home, get something to eat real quick, go to 7th Street downtown rehearsal, rehearse with my band from, like, five to nine or 10. I’d come back here, and I had two-hour slots carved out with other bands here,” Luzier said. “So I was out of my fricking tree. You would never catch me without [a drum stick] in my hand — for years, in my twenties. My whole thing was, like, ‘I’m gonna get so good, no one’s gonna deny me.'”
Despite his dedication, Luzier learned that talent wasn’t always enough in the music industry.
“That’s not the attitude to have, because you never know. I didn’t get gigs ’cause I didn’t have dreadlocks. I didn’t get gigs ’cause I didn’t work out enough. You’d be surprised, the reason you don’t get gigs,” he continued. “I’ve lost gigs ’cause I didn’t do drugs. That’s a true story. I can’t name the bands ’cause they’re hugely famous. But I had two really big bands, and because I didn’t party, I got let go, and it was straight up.”
Luzier also shared how this experience affected his approach when he landed the David Lee Roth gig. He initially tried to fit in with the party culture.
“And that was weird, because when I got the David Lee Roth gig, I was freaking out. I’m, like, ‘I’m not losing this gig,’ ’cause I grew up with Van Halen playing all this stuff. Big old Jack Daniel’s bottle comes around, here comes the joints, here comes the blow. And I’m, like, ‘Oh. Damn, I’m done,'” he said.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when David Lee Roth confronted him about his behavior.
“So, two months goes by and then Dave goes, ‘Luzier, you don’t party at all, do you?’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, shit.’ I go, ‘Hey dude. Whatever you do, that’s you. That’s cool. I don’t care. You could do [whatever you want].’ He goes, ‘No, that’s great. I want somebody that can drive the ship back here. The drummer’s gotta provide the time. I don’t want you partying,'” Luzier concluded.
These early career struggles ultimately shaped Luzier’s path to becoming one of metal’s most respected drummers. They led to his eventual role with Korn and other prominent acts.
Wikipedia noted that Ray Luzier was born on June 14, 1970. He grew up on a farm outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where allergies led him to focus on drums in his room, teaching himself to play. His dedication to the instrument from an early age would prove instrumental in his later success, despite the industry obstacles he faced regarding his lifestyle choices.
The David Lee Roth gig that Luzier referenced in his interview became a significant chapter in his career. Korn Wiki reported that Luzier served as drummer for David Lee Roth from 1997 to 2005, spanning approximately eight years of touring and recording with the former Van Halen frontman. This extended collaboration proved that Roth’s initial assessment of wanting a sober drummer was the right choice for the band’s stability and performance quality.
Before joining Korn, Luzier built an impressive resume as a session musician in Los Angeles. My Drum Lessons documented that he worked extensively to support his living before joining national acts, including a brief stint with Infectious Grooves at age 21 and three years with guitarist Jake E. Lee, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne. He was also the original drummer for the band Metal Shop, which later evolved into Steel Panther.
Luzier’s journey to Korn began in 2007 when he auditioned for the band after Joey Jordison of Slipknot departed. Modern Drummer Magazine highlighted that he impressed the band by preparing 30 songs instead of the requested five, leading to his role as touring drummer in 2008 and becoming an official member in April 2009. After more than two decades as a professional drummer, Luzier has established himself as one of the top players in the industry, receiving accolades that few drummers enjoy.
