**WFPK Daily Song Highlight: X “Big Black X”**
In the midst of a global pandemic that has brought the concert industry to a standstill, Corey Taylor, the iconic frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour, found a way to bring live music to his fans. On October 2nd, Taylor streamed a full-production arena show from The Forum in Los Angeles, aptly titled “Forum or Against ‘Em.” This event coincided with the release of his debut solo album, *CMFT*. The concert promised not only the entire album but also fan favorites from his bands and select cover songs.
Taylor’s management team, 5B Entertainment, collaborated with U.S. festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents, known for events like Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life, to bring this ambitious project to life. Fans, armed with virtual tickets, eagerly awaited a night of rock ‘n’ roll from the prolific artist.
**Setting the Stage**
The event kicked off with a one-hour pre-show, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at Taylor and his band as they rehearsed and prepared for the main event. Hosted by “Beez,” the pre-show featured interviews with band members and Taylor’s wife, Alicia Dove, whose dance troupe, The Cherry Bombs, was also set to perform. This glimpse into the preparations set the stage for what was to come.
**Taking the Stage**
The main event was introduced by none other than Jack Black, who, in his signature enthusiastic style, hyped up the virtual audience from his backyard. With a roar of excitement, he introduced Corey Taylor, setting the tone for the night.
The concert began with “HWY 666,” a track from *CMFT* that showcased Taylor’s versatility with its outlaw country flavor. The high-quality production was immediately evident, with superb sound and multi-camera video capturing the performance in the empty Forum. Taylor’s humor shone through as he playfully addressed the non-existent audience, adding a touch of levity to the evening.
**A Diverse Setlist**
Taylor and his band performed the entire *CMFT* album, interspersed with cover songs and tracks from Slipknot and Stone Sour. The setlist included Eddie Money’s “Shakin’,” Dead Boys’ “All This and More,” and the Eagles’ “Already Gone.” The acoustic rendition of “Snuff” was the sole Slipknot song, while Stone Sour was well-represented with five songs, including “Bother” and “Through Glass.”
Taylor’s backing band, featuring guitarists Christian Martucci and Zach Throne, bassist Jason Christopher, and drummer Dustin Robert, delivered flawless performances of both the new material and the classics. A standout moment was Taylor’s piano performance of “Home,” dedicated to his wife, and Stone Sour’s “Zzyzx Rd.,” marking his first time playing piano live.
**Standout Performances**
Among the highlights from *CMFT* were the hard-hitting “Everybody Dies on My Birthday” and the heavy single “Culture Head.” The show concluded with “CMFT Can’t Be Stopped,” a hip-hop-infused track that featured an explosive performance with The Cherry Bombs. The dance troupe’s acrobatic display added a Mötley Crüe-esque vibe to the finale, complete with pyro and high-energy choreography.
**A Much-Needed Jolt of Rock ‘n’ Roll**
Corey Taylor and his team delivered a high-quality, well-produced evening of music that provided fans with a much-needed escape. While nothing can replace the experience of a live concert, this virtual event came close, setting a new standard for live-streamed performances.
For those who missed the initial stream, virtual tickets were available for purchase through October 5th, along with bundle packages featuring exclusive merchandise. Taylor’s debut solo album, *CMFT*, is also available for purchase, offering fans a chance to experience his new music.
**Setlist:**
1. HWY 666
2. Meine Lux
3. Halfway Down
4. Silverfish
5. Shakin’ (Eddie Money cover)
6. Song #3 (Stone Sour song)
7. Everybody Dies on My Birthday
8. Snuff (Slipknot song)
9. Taciturn (Stone Sour song)
10. Culture Head
11. The Maria Fire
12. Home
13. Zzyzx Rd. (Stone Sour song)
14. All This and More (Dead Boys cover)
15. Already Gone (Eagles cover)
16. Kansas
17. Black Eyes Blue
18. Samantha’s Gone
19. Through Glass (Stone Sour song)
**Encore:**
1. On the Dark Side (John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band cover)
2. Bother (Stone Sour song)
3. European Tour Bus Bathroom Song
4. CMFT Must Be Stopped (with The Cherry Bombs dance troupe)
Corey Taylor’s “Forum or Against ‘Em” concert was a testament to his ability to adapt and innovate in challenging times. By bringing a full-production arena show to the virtual stage, he provided fans with an unforgettable experience and set a new benchmark for live-streamed concerts.
Source: 5B Entertainment, Danny Wimmer Presents
