Korn drummer Ray Luzier recently opened up about the key to maintaining a long-lasting career in the music industry. He shared valuable advice from his 35 years of touring experience in a video published by Pearl Drums.
Luzier reflected on his extensive career, which has included stints with multiple high-profile rock acts. He discussed how each experience has shaped his understanding of the business.
“I’ve been touring for, well, pushing 35 years now,” Luzier said. “I played with David Lee Roth for eight years — from ’97 to ’05 — and I played with Army Of Anyone with the Stone Temple Pilots guys, and, of course, now Korn since 2007, and in my 17 years with Korn, it’s completely different than the other situations and all the other bands I’ve ever toured with or been in.”
The drummer emphasized how touring reveals people’s true personalities and creates unique dynamics among band members and crew.
“Everything that that’s about you, your personality comes out on the road, because all of a sudden you’re roommates with these crew guys, with these bandmembers,” he explained. “And so you could musically get along with everyone on stage, but maybe off the deck, it’s a totally different situation.”
Luzier then shared his golden rule for anyone seeking longevity in the rock business.
“So I always tell people, road or crew, whatever, be cool because you never know when you’re gonna see these people again,” he said. “If you want longevity in this business, you wanna work, you have to be cool. You can’t burn any bridges and all that.”
Luzier’s philosophy of professionalism and maintaining strong relationships has clearly served him well throughout his decades-long career in the music industry.
Wikipedia reported that Luzier joined Korn’s touring lineup in 2007 and became a full member in 2009, marking over 17 years with the nu-metal giants. His professionalism and musicality have been widely respected by fans and bandmates alike, contributing to his sustained success with the band.
Before his tenure with Korn, Luzier built an impressive resume through his extensive touring experience. His eight-year stint with David Lee Roth from 1997 to 2005 and session work honed his versatility. This helped him adapt to various musical contexts and personalities on the road. This adaptability has proven essential in navigating the different dynamics he has encountered with each band.
Beyond interpersonal skills, Luzier has also emphasized the importance of understanding the business side of music. Blabbermouth noted that he advocates for musicians to learn practical aspects like contracts, touring logistics, and networking to survive and thrive long term. He believes they should not focus on musical talent alone.
Luzier’s career longevity stems from a combination of decades of hard work, adaptability, strong personal relationships, and business acumen. His continuous commitment to honing his skills and maintaining a passion for drumming has fueled his desire to perform at a high level for decades. This has made him a respected figure in the rock drumming community.
