Mark and Me Podcast Episode 430: Robb Flynn (Machine Head)
Apr 28, 2025
Robb Flynn, the iconic frontman of Machine Head, shares his musical journey spanning over 30 years and 11 albums. He opens up about the thrill of performing secret shows and the joyous return to live music after the pandemic. Flynn reminisces about his early concert experiences with legendary bands like Green Day and AC/DC, revealing how they shaped his passion for music. He also dives into the creative process behind their new album 'Unatoned,' highlighting the balance between authenticity and the pursuit of perfection in their craft.
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First Records That Shaped Him
- Robb remembers buying three formative records (Van Halen, Duran Duran, Devo) with a friend and obsessively listening to them daily.
- He and his friend even made cardboard guitars and air-guitared to Van Halen, showing early creative play that sparked his passion.
From Clubs To Arena Epiphanies
- Robb recounts seeing Green Day on the Dookie tour at a small Berkeley venue and watching bands grow from intimate local shows.
- He also describes his first major arena experience seeing AC/DC and noticing the contrast between club and arena shows.
Preserve First-Take Energy
- Robb values capturing the raw first-take energy because it preserves urgency and authenticity in recordings.
- He explains that demos often become the final album when recorded in his own studio, keeping the original lightning-in-a-bottle feel.