In a recent interview with Nikki Blakk of San Francisco Bay Area’s 107.7 The Bone, Phil Demmel opened up about his departure from Machine Head, a band he left over five years ago. Reflecting on his tenure, Demmel described his time with the band as a “good ride” and an “awesome experience,” highlighting the success and learning opportunities he encountered.
Demmel emphasized the positive aspects of his journey with Machine Head, recalling the music they created, the shows they played, and the festivals they headlined. He also mentioned meeting his wife through the band, which added a personal touch to his memories.
He acknowledged his significant role in maintaining the band’s success, not just musically but also in networking. Demmel, along with former drummer Dave McClain and bassist Adam Duce, contributed to the band’s growth by connecting with athletes and entertainers, thereby expanding their audience. He expressed pride in his contributions and the way he exited the band.
When asked about his career plans post-Machine Head, Demmel revealed that the shift in the band’s dynamic during the ‘Catharsis’ cycle played a crucial role in his decision to leave. He admitted to feeling a change in the band’s atmosphere, which he and McClain found unsettling. Although he appreciated some aspects of the ‘Catharsis’ album, he felt the overall experience was “weird” and marked by a noticeable shift in dynamics.
Demmel’s decision to leave was also influenced by his new business venture—a bar in Dublin, California—which made him less dependent on the band’s paycheck. He wanted to continue making music and had already started exploring new creative avenues at home. Ultimately, he felt it was time to move on, even though he was uncertain about the future.
Elaborating on his reasons for leaving, Demmel stated that his departure was 99 percent personal. The band’s environment had become toxic for him, affecting his sleep and overall well-being. He tried to stay as long as he could, but a final incident made him realize he couldn’t continue. He felt an immediate sense of relief and happiness after making the decision.
Despite announcing his exit, Demmel agreed to do one last tour with Machine Head to avoid leaving the band in a difficult position. He described the tour as awkward, likening it to going on a honeymoon after asking for a divorce. Both he and McClain honored their commitment, even though the situation was uncomfortable.
Demmel left Machine Head at the end of their fall 2018 North American tour, after nearly 16 years with the band. During his time, he played on five studio albums, including ‘Through The Ashes Of Empires,’ ‘The Blackening,’ ‘Unto The Locust,’ ‘Bloodstone & Diamonds,’ and ‘Catharsis.’
In an April 2023 interview, Demmel discussed attending a Machine Head concert in Sacramento in late 2022. He bought a ticket to see the band perform with Reece Alan Scruggs of HAVOK, who was filling in for guitarist Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka. Demmel enjoyed the show, focusing on the music and putting aside personal issues.
During a January 2023 appearance on “The Jasta Show,” Demmel described his relationship with Machine Head’s leader Robb Flynn as “civil-ish.” He noted that they have no need for communication and prefer to thrive in their separate worlds. Demmel has friends in the Machine Head camp but prefers to keep his distance from Flynn.
In 2019, Demmel revealed that Machine Head had become more of a solo project for Flynn towards the end of his time with the band. He felt that the band’s dynamics had changed significantly, leading him and McClain to leave. Demmel also expressed his dissatisfaction with the ‘Catharsis’ album, which he said he hated.
Demmel shared that there were many things he couldn’t do while in Machine Head, including speaking to the press. He described the last cycle as a time when he was just “punching the clock” and doing the job for the paycheck. The stress and lack of enjoyment led him to quit, prioritizing his mental and physical health and his family’s well-being.
Phil Demmel is currently a member of SLAYER guitarist Kerry King’s solo band, which recently released its debut album, “From Hell I Rise.”
