An Icon of Try-Hard Masculinity: Where's Fred Durst Now?
Over two decades later, Limp Bizkit frontman, Fred Durst, is still being vilified for the chaos and mayhem some say he incited during the band's Woodstock '99 performance. (Yes, there's been more than one Woodstock. There have been multiple Woodstocks, and each has seemed like a bad idea to everyone except the promoters.)
In articles, and a documentary about the 1999 concert titled Trainwreck, all blame for injuries and property damage is piled on Durst before he's metaphorically slapped on the ass and sent into the wilderness. (Look up the definition of "scapegoat.")
Coming off the grunge plateau following the death of Kurt Cobain, bands like Trent Reznor's NIN and Marilyn Manson were "it." Nu metal, industrial, alt-rock, goth, however you wanna frame it, Bizkit took that and flipped it on its head. Critics said Durst's vocals were more akin to screaming than singing.
The sound was difficult to categorize. Kinda hip hop, but not quite. Kinda rock, but not quite. Durst's combo of energy and delivery, with the dope bass lines of bandmate Sam Rivers, served up the urban metal that appealed to a large and varied demographic.
So, what do we know about Fred Durst? We know he claims he "did it all for the nookie." The following year, he was named-dropped by Eminem on his hit song Slim Shady. Not too shabby for a Southern boy from North Carolina.
Since 1999, Durst has stayed busy as a father, husband (at least 4 times), director, and of course, performer. The band was on tour this year when Durst announced the tour was suspended indefinitely on advice from his personal physician. Taking to social media, he quickly added that this was a brief hiatus, and the band would resume touring ASAP.
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Fans expressed shock recently after photos were published featuring Durst with shaggy white hair and a handlebar mustache. At first, there was speculation that the look was for an acting role. Without anything to back up this theory, we are left to draw the conclusion he simply liked it.
In response to the Woodstock '99 accusations, Fred Durst has stated the band was doing what they were paid to do—perform. To be honest, there are people out there who would sue if they felt they didn't get their money's worth due to a lackluster performance.
If you're not familiar with the band's music, check out their Woodstock '99 performance online and judge for yourself. While you're googling, go ahead and look up the term "limp biscuit." You're welcome.