Limp Bizkit played a huge role in the popularity of the nu metal, rap-rock genre in the mid-90s. Telling everyone what they could do with their “cookies,” the band found success with the smooth rap and calculated aggressiveness of their hit single, “Nookie.” Led by Fred Durst and supported by the skilled guitar playing of Wes Borland, bass player Sam Rivers and drummer John Otto, Limp Bizkit have released six studio albums since their start in 1994 and are currently working on their seventh. Though not always critical darlings, they have consistently made the music they wanted to. Read on to find out more about Limp Bizkit, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon.
Number Fifteen: They Got Their Start Covering George Michael. Limp Bizkit’s first single was a cover of George Michael’s “Faith,” which was featured on their debut album, Three Doller Bill, Y’all$. Their version’s sung verses and screamed chorus, the band makes the song their own and shows the world just what they are about. Borland has noted that George Michael does not approve of the cover or the band.
Number Fourteen: Their Name is Meant to Turn People Off. When coming up with a name, they wanted to choose something that would put people off and make them think the band was terrible. “Limp Bizkit” is not even the most jarring name they came up with. They could have been named Split “D***slit” or “Blood Fart.”
Number Thirteen: Their Big Break was Opening for Korn. Durst met the band while Korn was in town for a show. He had asked if he could hang out backstage and tattoo them. A persuasive A&R man, Durst was able to get Fieldy to listen to his demo. Korn was impressed enough that they invited the unsigned band to open for them on two tours. The tours opened the band up to new audiences and afforded them the opportunity to sign a record deal with Interscope Records imprint, Flip.
Number Twelve: Their Third Album Broke a Sales Record. While not their first number one album (Significant Other reached number one in its first week), Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water sold more than a million copies in its first week, breaking the record for highest first-week sales of a rock album. The record had previously been held for seven years by Pearl Jam.
Number Eleven: Wes Borland Left the Band to Become a Lead Singer. When Wes Borland parted ways with Limp Bizkit, he started working on a number of unsuccessful side projects, as well as the beginnings of a solo album. After briefly returning to Limp Bizkit, he started a band called Black Light Burns in which he was the lead singer. Black Light Burns ultimately became his main band.
Number Ten: Wes Borland’s Contacts Are Made by the Same Company Who Makes Costumes for Babylon 5. Besides his incredible guitar skills, Wes Borland is also known for his onstage costumes. In particular, he wears black contacts that make his eyes look vacant. These are custom contacts made for him by the same people who work on contacts for Babylon 5.
Number Nine: Borland is the Only Member of Limp Bizkit Anyone Takes Seriously. Limp Bizkit have never really been media darlings. Most of their albums have been panned by critics as being uninspired. But Borland’s guitar playing has been one of the band’s only bright spots. Borland regularly plays six and seven-string guitars in experimental ways. On Limp Bizkit’s debut album, he played without a pick, instead playing rhythm with one hand and melody with the other. Stay tuned for part two of our list of 15 interesting facts about Limp Bizkit, coming soon.