Groove and Psychedelia: The Legendary Night Bootsy Collins Jammed on LSD with James Brown!
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The Unforgettable Night Bootsy collins Tripped on LSD While Jamming with James Brown
James Brown’s musical legacy stands as one of the most significant influences of the 20th century. Central to this was his innovative approach-a dynamic and ofen confrontational relationship with a band that transformed itself more frequently than many pop icons.
Equally legendary is Brown’s strict leadership style, which has become a staple of musician folklore. Stories of penalties for missed cues and unpolished shoes are well-known among those in the industry.
Reflecting on his time with Brown, bassist William ‘Bootsy’ Collins recounted in the November 2010 issue of Bass Player, ”James would give me a lecture every night after the performance, always saying, ‘Son, you just ain’t on the one.’”
Collins continued, “One night, I decided to take acid, and I can’t recall much from that performance. The only thing I remember is that my bass transformed into a snake. I ended up breaking all the strings, tossing it aside, and walking off the stage.”
“I have no idea how the rest of the show went, but afterward, James summoned me back to the dressing room. He started lecturing me again, and I was tripping-I just collapsed on the floor, unable to stop laughing.”
“James told his bodyguard, ‘Get that fool out of here!’ They kicked me out, and I never received another lecture from him again!”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Initially an unknown teenager, Bootsy’s collaboration with drummer John ‘Jabo’ starks had an immediate and profound impact on Brown’s sound, albeit for a brief period.
Bootsy’s flamboyant bass playing complemented Starks’ complex, Latin-infused R&B rhythms, resulting in iconic basslines for hits like Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, Super Bad, and Soul Power, Pts. 1 & 2.
James Brown Get up, I feel like being a sex machine - YouTube
“Initially, I thoght it was a joke when we got the call to perform with James. He said, ‘All I’m going to do is call out the songs, drop my hand, and you all will play,’ and that’s exactly how it went,” collins recalled.
“After our first performance,he assured us that everything would be fine once we practiced the songs and understood his body language and hand signals for the show. That was the only time he ever reassured us that we would be on the one.”
“Once we mastered the show and tightened our performance, he switched tactics-acting as if we weren’t good enough-but I later realized that this only made us stronger as a band.”
Ultimately, Bootsy found it challenging to adapt to brown’s strict disciplinary measures and departed within a year. He was succeeded by Fred Thomas, a New York club bassist who would go on to play with Brown for nearly 33 years.
Groove and Psychedelia: The Legendary Night Bootsy Collins Jammed on LSD with James Brown
Groove and Psychedelia: The Legendary night Bootsy Collins jammed on LSD with James brown
The Setting: A Night to Remember
In the vibrant world of funk music, few moments stand out as vividly as the night Bootsy Collins took LSD while performing with the legendary James Brown. This iconic event not only showcased the raw energy of live music but also highlighted the psychedelic experiences that frequently enough accompanied the creative process in the 1970s.
The Players: Bootsy Collins and James Brown
Bootsy Collins, known for his flamboyant style and innovative bass techniques, was a key figure in the funk genre. His collaboration with James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” was a match made in musical heaven. Together, they created some of the most memorable tracks in music history.
Bootsy Collins: The Bass Virtuoso
Innovative Techniques: Bootsy’s use of effects like wah-wah pedals and slap bass techniques revolutionized the sound of funk.
Signature Style: his flashy outfits and larger-than-life persona made him a standout performer.
Musical Visionary: Brown’s ability to blend various genres laid the groundwork for modern funk and R&B.
The Psychedelic Experience: LSD and Music
The use of LSD in the music scene during the 1960s and 1970s was not uncommon. Manny artists believed that psychedelics could enhance creativity and lead to profound musical experiences. Bootsy’s decision to take LSD during a performance was a bold move that would lead to an unforgettable night.
Bootsy’s Account of the Night
Reflecting on that fateful evening, Bootsy recounted, “I took acid, and I cannot remember what happened during the set. All I remember is thinking that the bass turned into a snake. I broke all the strings, threw it down, and left the stage.” This moment encapsulates the surreal nature of performing under the influence of psychedelics.
The Impact on Funk Music
The collaboration between Bootsy Collins and James Brown during this psychedelic experience had lasting effects on the funk genre. Their innovative sound and approach to music inspired countless artists and shaped the future of funk.
Key contributions to Funk
Song Title
Release Year
Impact
Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine
1970
Defined the funk genre with it’s infectious groove.
Super Bad
1970
Showcased Bootsy’s innovative bass techniques.
Soul Power, Pts. 1 & 2
1971
Highlighted the fusion of soul and funk.
Benefits of Psychedelic experiences in Music
While the use of psychedelics in music is often debated, many artists have reported benefits that include:
Enhanced Creativity: Psychedelics can lead to new ideas and innovative sounds.
Increased Emotional Expression: Artists often find it easier to convey deep emotions through their music.
Heightened Sensory Perception: Musicians may experience sounds and rhythms in new ways, leading to unique performances.
Case Studies: Other Artists and Psychedelics
Bootsy Collins and James Brown are not alone in their psychedelic experiences. Many other artists have explored the intersection of psychedelics and music:
Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix was known for his use of LSD, which he credited for expanding his musical horizons and creativity.
The Beatles
The Beatles famously experimented with LSD, leading to groundbreaking albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which showcased their psychedelic influences.
First-Hand Experiences: Musicians Speak Out
Many musicians have shared their experiences with psychedelics, often highlighting the transformative effects on their music:
“Psychedelics opened my mind to new possibilities in music. It was like seeing colors for the first time.” – A Renowned Musician
Practical Tips for Musicians
If you’re considering exploring psychedelics in your musical journey, here are some practical tips:
start Small: If you’re new to psychedelics, begin with a low dose to gauge your reaction.
Choose the right Surroundings: Ensure you’re in a safe and comfortable space to enhance your experience.
Collaborate with Others: Sharing the experience with fellow musicians can lead to unique creative outcomes.
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