Corey Taylor’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up in Iowa, he faced numerous challenges, including poverty and substance abuse. However, he found solace and purpose in music, which propelled him to become one of the most successful musicians of his generation.
In 1992, Taylor co-founded Stone Sour. This band became a pivotal point in his life, offering him a sense of brotherhood and artistic purpose. In a recent interview with Feedback Def, transcribed by Ultimate Guitar, Taylor shared his early experiences with the band.
“I was homeless, but the guys in the band chipped in and got me a hotel room. That was my first experience of being in a brotherhood, a sense of community. I felt I could bring something new to the table, a clarity of musical voice, and take this further than we imagined.”
Taylor also revealed that Stone Sour was where he first felt comfortable with his guitar-playing skills. He often found himself outperforming the lead guitarist, which led him to take on the role himself. This bold move proved to be a turning point in his career.
“That was the first year I felt confident in my guitar skills. When Stone Sour started, I was not only playing guitar constantly but also the lead guitarist. I was the main writer and the lead guitar player. This has been a constant in my career; I would always fill in the weaknesses in any band I was in. When I started, I was often better than the drummer, so I would play all the drums during demos. But I had to make a choice. I wanted to sing, not do both. I didn’t want to be Phil Collins; I just wanted to sing.”
Taylor’s confidence in his guitar skills grew as he continued to outperform other guitarists in the band. He decided to take charge and lead the band musically.
“With Stone Sour, I was often better than the guitar player we had, as a lead player. So I thought, ‘I’ll handle it. I’m writing all the music anyway, I might as well lead the charge.’ We would get a good rhythm guitar player to go with it. That was the genesis of my diving headfirst, jumping off the cliff, and hoping the parachute would open.”
Taylor’s story is a powerful example of how determination and a clear vision can lead to success. His journey from homelessness to becoming a leading figure in the music industry is inspiring. His willingness to take risks and his confidence in his abilities have been key factors in his success.
In the world of music, Taylor’s story stands out as a beacon of hope and perseverance. His experiences with Stone Sour and his journey to becoming a confident guitarist and musician are a testament to his resilience and determination.
