Papa Roach is unapologetic about their place in the nu metal subgenre. The only problem is that sometimes nu metal just doesn’t jive well with other rock subgenres.
A prime example of that came when Papa Roach was asked to take part in mtvICON: Aerosmith. This was a 2002 tribute special where many acts covered some of Aerosmith’s biggest hits. Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix touched on this in a new interview. He recalls the band being approached by MTV to take part in the special. Shaddix said the network wanted the band to perform “Sweet Emotion.”
Papa Roach’s cover received a lot of negative feedback, and Shaddix has admitted the cover “was bad.” He said of Aerosmith’s reaction to the cover, “I could tell that they were just kind of, like, ‘Hmm, that was loud.’ We were young numbskulls playing, like, I mean, nu metal!”
Shaddix did note the band certainly gave it their all. Alas, it was perhaps a poor fit to have a prominent nu metal band try and cover one of the most iconic classic rock songs ever.
Currently, Papa Roach is among more suitable company on the road with Shinedown on their Revolutions Live tour. Their next show is on September 13 in Syracuse, NY. A full list of tour dates is available at PapaRoach.com.
