“Yep, we’ve definitely taken our time,” says Shaman’s Harvest frontman Nate Hunt. That’s one thing of an understatement. The band, who fashioned in Jefferson Metropolis, Missouri within the late 90s and mix southern rock, grunge, a complete load of blues and a bit of little bit of soul right into a glossy bundle, have launched seven albums over their quarter-century historical past, the latest of which was 2022’s Rebelator.
In all that point, although, they’ve by no means as soon as toured Europe. However that’s one thing they’ve lastly put proper on their present run of dates with Blacktop Mojo.
In equity, they’ve focused on constructing a following of their homeland, supporting AC/DC, Nickelback, Low cost Trick, Alice In Chains and Black Stone Cherry to call a number of. However a complete load of adversity – the type of factor that will end off lesser bands – has additionally performed its half. “I’ve had a tough few years,” the singer says with fun.
They’ve survived a life-changing accident
Again in 2013, with the band not but making sufficient cash, Hunt took on some work on a development website. He suffered a 30ft fall, broke his leg and severed all his tendons. “I had about 5 surgical procedures,” he remembers. “It was an extended course of. About ten years later I simply wanted to eliminate the leg, it was simply an excessive amount of ache. It took me a few 12 months to get again on my ft, however it’s the very best factor I’ve ever achieved. I’m now in a position to get up on my new leg. I may even do a jig or two, although there’s not normally loads of choreography in our reveals.”
Hunt additionally had most cancers throughout this time
The identical 12 months as he had the leg surgical procedure, the frontman was additionally combating on one other, deadly, entrance: “I assumed it was only a sore throat that wouldn’t go away. However after I went to see a physician he stated it was a tumour. And it was malignant. They tried a number of completely different therapies – chemotherapy, radiotherapy – and finally I pulled by way of the opposite facet. We all the time had a mentality of ‘the present should go on’. We by no means took a break. We didn’t speak about it to the press till it was behind us.”
They’ve additionally survived a twister
This was whereas they had been recording their most up-to-date album, near dwelling in Missouri.
“The producer was on the highest ground of the resort and the twister got here proper by way of the resort,” Hunt recollects. “I used to be driving dwelling from the studio on the time. It was chasing me down the freeway, and at last I pulled off underneath a petroleum station and it simply completely levelled the petrol station. It was a wild, wild night time. We had been fortunate. However no one slept that night time.”
They’ve partied (and partied) with Nickelback
Supporting A-list bands doesn’t essentially imply dwelling a ‘rock star’ life-style. However for one memorable one night time in 2017, it did.
“I’d by no means been in anybody’s personal jet earlier than,” Hunt says. “He [Chad Kroeger] had rented out a complete ground of this resort. I don’t know why – there have been solely three of us. We land. I don’t have my belongings with me – they’re 600 miles away. Anyway, uncle Chad, er, he imbibes. So he orders all the things you may order, after which realises it’s simply me, our bass participant and him on this complete suite. So he begins inviting the upkeep man, the housekeepers, the supervisor…
“The social gathering went on. And on. For greater than a day. “I’m making an attempt to cover at this level in one of many rooms, simply to flee. However he finds me and drags me again in. In the meantime the resort has gotten wind that their workers are up there. The resort fires everybody. Chad refuses to depart till they’re all employed again. It was a reasonably legendary transfer. One of the crucial chaotic two days of my life.”
They’re having their very own ‘Shaman’s Harvest Day’ of their dwelling city
“It’s taking place subsequent 12 months!” Hunt exclaims. “It was the top of our tour and the ultimate date was in Jefferson Metropolis. We solely had a few songs left, after which abruptly these folks begin approaching stage. The mayor comes on and proclaims a Shaman’s Harvest day for subsequent 12 months. We’re undecided but what’s truly going to occur, however I don’t suppose anyone will get off college.”
The band are wanting ahead to lastly enjoying this facet of the Atlantic
“Having a correct pint will likely be nice. I feel we’re hitting Eire throughout St Paddy’s Day, which will likely be an expertise. And good grub – I’ve heard some tales about good meals within the UK.”
Shaman’s Harvest’s UK tour ends in Brighton on March 29. For particulars, go to the Shaman’s Harvest web site.
