Corey Taylor Visits the BRRA
SIOUX FALLS, SD - Slipknot rocked the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center this weekend. While the band is incredibly popular in the heavy metal world, lead vocalist and Iowa-native Corey Taylor knows how important it is to give back. Taylor visited the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy Sunday.
Just like a concert, Corey Taylor enters the academy to a round of applause. The heavy metal singer/songwriter made it a point to talk with music students ahead of his big show.
"It's humbling, definitely. You know especially sometimes when we're on the road, you forget the impact that you have on people. To kind of feel that was definitely pretty cool," Taylor said.
Taylor grew up in Iowa and says he was the poorest kid in his neighborhood. Now he's the lead vocalist for two famous rock bands, Slipknot and Stone Sour.
"If a guy like me can make it just by taking a little talent and chasing a huge dream then why can't somebody else, especially when you do it from the heart and you do it with the kind of passion that drives you to do it for real," Taylor said.
The rock star is impressed by the academy's setup. Almost two years old, the facility hosts more than 600 music lessons for kids each month. Chuck Brennan says it helps to have big bands witness the work going on here.
"They have to see it, It's so important," ," Brennan said. "They love to give back. They see the facility, they fall in love with it and they need to know there's somebody out there helping and somebody that cares and somebody that's keeping the music alive for the kids."
It's a mission Taylor can get behind. He told the kids to aim for your dreams but also take the time to learn how to perform.
"Hopefully, my weird advice wasn't too weird. I encourage you to play from the heart because that's where love is," Taylor said.
The Brennan Rock and Roll Academy is still looking for volunteer teachers. 75 kids are currently on the waiting list for lessons.