Robb Flynn

Published: Aug. 21, 2017, 9:15 a.m.

MACHINE HEAD. Robb Flynn of Machine Head tells Ryan J. Downey about coming of age in the Bay Area during the dawn of the thrash metal scene; seeing Metallica, Exodus, Raven, D.R.I., and other crucial acts in the ‘80s; the highly influential KUSF radio; the prominent role of Dave Mustaine in the early days of Metallica; the formation of his third wave thrash band, Forbidden Evil; supporting Metallica on the Death Magnetic tour; and his small role in bringing Slayer and Metallica together for the Big 4. Flynn and Downey also discuss Black Sabbath, Jason Newsted, “Mechanix” vs. “The Four Horsemen,” the first five Metallica albums, the Load/Reload era, St. Anger, and yes, that Lou Reed record.