From Samhain to Anthrax: London May’s Wild Ride Through Music and Film

In this episode, Pipeman returns from the Aftershock Festival for a dynamic interview with legendary musician London May. Together, they explore London May's ever-evolving career, touching on recent musical collaborations, stories from the punk and metal scenes, mental health, and his foray into film. The conversation dives into creativity, nostalgia, and what truly inspires both artists and fans, all laced with humor and candid reflections.Main Topics Covered

• The Post-Festival Experience: Pipeman shares the gritty reality of life after a string of festivals (00:19).
• One Year of Creative Work Released All At Once: London May explains how his busy year seemed to erupt publicly, even though he’d been working under the radar for months (02:14).
• Juggling Multiple Creative Projects and FOMO vs. JOMO (03:07)
• The Role of Burnout, Listening to the Body, and Work-Life Balance (05:36, 07:49)
• The Story Behind Drumming with Bonnie "Prince" Billy (10:02, 11:16)
• Getting Outside the Comfort Zone: Playing New Genres Live and Embracing Vulnerability (14:06)
• Musical Evolution: From Punk & Metal to Alt-Country and Back (18:44)
• On Fame, Critique, and the Creative Process (16:31, 18:44)
• Fun with William Shatner and Festival Stories (23:28, 24:11)
• Memories of the LA and Punk Scenes: Mötley Crüe, Metallica, and Crossover Shows (32:24, 35:16)
• On Samhain's Lasting Legacy and the Surprising Places It Pops Up (38:04)
• Relationships Over Resumes in Music (39:21)
• Making Movies: "The Glorious Dead" and Working with the Addams Family (47:01)
• Life Lessons, Mental Health, and Keeping Perspective (45:12)

Key Discussions & Stories

• Drumming for Bonnie "Prince" Billy:
  London May shares an inside look at his collaboration, a special song, and the “naked” feeling of performing outside his typical genre—plus the surprise of it becoming a live album (10:41 – 16:04).
• Musical Burnout & Recovery:
  He reflects on taking a year off from drumming and how reconnecting with his instrument felt like answering a personal call (06:27 – 07:49).
• Embracing the Unexpected and Staying Inspired:
  The duo bond over stories of major music scenes, moments of FOMO, and how random sources like William Shatner or punk shops can spark creativity (18:44, 23:28).
• Community and Relationships:
  London May discusses the lasting connections with former bandmates and the importance of staying genuine—the backbone of both his musical and film career (39:21, 47:25).
• The Glorious Dead:
  Details on his role in the new indie film, its apocalyptic premise, and the unique DIY aesthetic of the Addams Family filmmakers; plus news about its upcoming premiere and Shudder release (47:01).

Notable Quotes

• "Idle hands are the devil's playthings." – London May (03:07)
• "I'm trying to embrace JOMO — the joy of missing out." – London May (04:48)
• "I just go until the wheels fall off… I will just wear myself down to a nub." – London May (05:06)
• "There's nothing I want to do but faceplant." – London May (00:52)
• "It's not me [in these songs]… and it's the best thing ever." – London May (18:20)
• "Sometimes I do get a little VIP experience because some kid grew up to be a real power player." – London May (41:39)

Resources & Links Mentioned

• London May official site
  Pipeman encourages listeners to check out everything about London May here (49:37).
• Ghosts of American Psychonauts
  Album/project release referenced by Pipe Man (49:47).
• Anthrax’s “Cursam Proficio” video
  Featuring London May (50:14).
• The Glorious Dead (film)
  Directed by the indie Addams Family collective; premiering in New York and coming to Shudder (47:01).
• Shudder
  Streaming service set to carry "The Glorious Dead" (48:56).

Additional Info

• Upcoming:
  • "The Glorious Dead" NY premiere in 10 days (49:08)
  • Shudder and possible theatrical release planned for next year
• London May can be found in projects across genres—drumming, acting, and beyond—offering a model for following creative energy wherever it leads.

Connect

• For more, including London May’s projects, band history, videos, and updates, visit londonmay.com.

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