Conversations with CJ and Dave Williams 
Columbus, Ohio
OZZfest.  August 8, 2002

It deeply saddened me to hear about the loss of Drowning Pool's Dave Williams. This “interview” is my own homage to a fallen hero, mentor, friend and artist to so many people.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to hit OZZfest 2002 in Columbus, Ohio on August 3rd. Drowning Pool was also staying at the Holiday Inn I was at, and I had the chance to hang out with Dave and CJ that night after the show. I felt bad about not being able to stay for their set, but they understood. We talked about differant things, and how CJ had just been endorsed by a guitar company. They were making him a double neck, with this awesome chrome finished front. He was beyond excited, and Dave seemed to be very proud of that. "The crowd is gonna go nuts when I bring that bad boy out onto stage. We're doing Metallica's CREEPING DEATH live for this tour. The crowd loves it. We've been getting an incredible response," CJ remarked.

We drank JEAGERMEISTER straight outta the bottle (and the freezer), and watched some old MAD SEASON and a Johnny Cash videos. CJ said he'd leave if Dave continued with said Johnny Cash video. Dave refused to shut off the ancient country video, stating that “if he (refering to me) didn't like the video that he (still talking about me) would leave” ... I faked getting up and exiting the tour bus, and Dave firmly put his hand on my shoulder and asked me to stay. "If you don't wanna watch it, I'll Shut it off," Dave told me. I didn't mind.

Dave told me about how they were trying to get a tour together with Ill Nino, Living Colour, and another band. "We'll call it the HICKS, SPICKS, GOOKS & SPOOKS tour. We'll put it on a t-shirt, and everyone will be okay with it. It's not meant to be offensive to any group or minority, just poking fun."

CJ asked what I was doing to far from home, and I told him I was also photographing the kidneythieves show that was Aug 4th. He then sang to me the chorus of BEFORE I'M DEAD, and told me to let them know he was a fan and wanted to work with them at some point. (I told Free and Bruce the next day when they played NEWPORT MUSIC HALL what CJ had said, and both were excited to hear about that.)

I got my promo TEAR AWAY single autographed by the guys, and we parted ways with handshakes and hugs. True, genuine, southern hospitality. I'll never forget that night.

Where ever you are Dave, thank you ...