Wikipedia

Richard Christy

Thomas Richard Christy Jr.(born April 1, 1974)[2]is an American drummer and radio personality, best known for being the former drummer for severalheavy metalbands since the early 1990s, most notablyDeath,and his tenure onThe Howard Stern Show.Born and raised inKansas,Christy took an interest in rock and heavy metal music in his youth, and started playing the drums at age ten. He played in several bands while at school.

Richard Christy
Christy in 2010
Background information
Birth nameThomas Richard Christy Jr.
Born(1974-04-01)April 1, 1974(age 50)[1]
Fort Scott, Kansas,U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • radio personality
  • comedian
InstrumentDrums
Years active1992–present
Member ofCharred Walls of the Damned
Formerly ofDeath,Control Denied,Iced Earth,Acheron
Websiterichardchristy.com

Christy's music career began in 1992 when he joined theSpringfield, Missourigroup Public Assassin, and also worked as an electrician. In 1996, Christy formed Burning Inside and relocated toOrlando, Florida,where he joined and toured with several popular heavy metal bands until 2004, includingAcheron,Death,Control Denied,Iced Earth,andLeash Law.

In 2004, Christy took a break from music and relocated toNew York Cityto joinThe Howard Stern Show.He has written, directed, and acted in several home made independent films and has performed as a stand-up comedian. He returned to music in 2009 when he formed his own metal band,Charred Walls of the Damned.

Early life

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Thomas Richard Christy was born inFort Scott, Kansason April 1, 1974.[3]His father is aVietnam veteran.Christy grew up in the nearby town ofRedfield,[4]on a "farm in the middle of nowhere".[5]According to the2020 census,the town has a population of 90. He became a fan ofKissandMeat Loaffrom four years old when his aunt introduced him to them[5][6]and bought him their albums a year later.[7]His elder neighbor, a fan ofheavy metal music,introduced him toMetal Health(1983) byQuiet Riotwhich had a considerable effect on Christy. He recalled, "I heard those drums and that music and was just blown away. I was new to that whole sound... Quiet Riot felt like the next step up in terms of heaviness". He proceeded to save up his pocket money to purchase the album on audio cassette.[5]Albums that influenced him during this time includedStay Hungry(1984) byTwisted SisterandPowerslave(1984) byIron Maiden.[5]In 1992, he started playing the guitar.[6]

Christy wished to learn the drums after he heard "Hot for Teacher"byVan Halen,in 1984.[5][8]His parents had no issue with his decision, and to this day, they remain supportive of his career. When he turned ten, his parents bought him his first drum pad and sticks, practicing on it before they purchased his first full professional kit at a junkyard for $100. Christy bought instructional videos to improve his technique, including tapes fromTerry Bozzio.[5][6]Later in his development, drummersDave LombardoandPete Sandovalinspired him to play fast.[8]He was also influenced by drummersFrankie Banali,Mikkey Dee,Bobby Jarzombek,Sean Reinert,andGene Hoglan.[8]At fourteen, Christy attended his first concert, seeingStryperandWhite Lion.[5]

Christy's first group was playing in a school band in the mid-1980s which included a position in the school'smarching band,playing the snare drum and tympani,[7]which he particularly enjoyed, and wrote a song dedicated to the experience and his teachers named "Forever Marching On".[5]He passed his school music exams, and played in his first "legitimate" rock group, Syzygy, at around fifteen which involved live gigs in local bars.[5][6]Around this time, Christy formed a short lived "joke band", Bung Dizeez, along with Paul Brewer, Gary White, and sometimes Les Henderson. Their first gig took place "on a hay wagon at a keg party." The three wore jock straps over their clothes and performing parody songs andJudas Priestcovers.[6]In 1992, Christy graduated fromUniontown High SchoolinUniontown, Kansas,where he also lettered in baseball.[9]

Career

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Music

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In 1992, the 18-year-old Christy decided to pursue music in college in Kansas. In the week before he was set to begin, he heard one of his favorite bands, Public Assassin fromSpringfield, Missouri,were looking for a new drummer. After a successful audition in August 1992, he chose to join them rather than study.[10]He then moved from his Fort Scott home and into "an old warehouse" in Springfield,[5]and played on "Raw as Fuck", a same-titled mini-CD, and a demo titledMurdered.They toured the midwest across 1993, playing covers.[11]As he needed further income to support himself, Christy learned to become a residential electrician. In December 1993, Christy and Public Assassin guitarist Steve Childers formed a comical group, Skip Skiffington and The Elite, with Skiffington on vocals and Rick Granberg on keyboards. During this time, Christy played in a "joke punk band" with several friends named Pisser, playingGG Allinand Cocknoose covers.[10]In 1995, Public Assassin disbanded after Christy and Childers had several differences with singer/bassist Greg Ponder.[12][11]

In late 1995, Christy and Childers formed Burning Inside new recruits Jamie Prim on vocals/bass and, later on, Michael Estes on guitar.[13]To increase their potential, the group relocated in February 1996 toOrlando, Florida,an area favorable for the metal scene.[10][14]Christy arrived by car, carrying everything he owned.[4]They toured, recorded songs for five metal tribute albums, and produced a six-song demo tape of new material released asThe Eve of the Entities(2000).[11][13]Christy stayed in Florida for eight years. His income from music and electric work was limited, so he could only afford accommodation in a storage unit where he also kept and practiced his drums[5]for as much as six hours each day. With only an outside garden hose to shower with, he later wrote a song about his appreciation for more comfortable living named "The Beast Outside My Window".[15]Christy joined local metal groupAcheron,touring and playing onAnti-God, Anti-Christ(1996) andNecromanteion Communion(1998). His boss at his electrical company allowed him to spend time away to record and tour with his bands.[16][4]

In 1997, Christy met fellow Orlando resident, singer and guitaristChuck Schuldiner,in a chance encounter at a Florida book store inAltamonte Mall.[10][4]Schuldiner was, and remains, an influential figure in Christy's career. Christy was a big fan of Schuldiner's metal bandDeath,so when he learned the group needed a drummer his friends suggested his name and he was offered an audition.[16]Christy knew "all of their albums... back and forth",[5]and auditioned in July 1997[17]with only Schuldiner and himself present.[4]The audition was a success, and Christy played onThe Sound of Perseverance(1998), an album he called "the album I'm most proud of".[15]In May 1998, Christy toured Europe for four months with Death, which included a spot at theDynamo Open Airfestival in theNetherlandsin front of 35,000 people.[4]A friendship and musical camaraderie with Schuldiner also brought Christy into the line-up of Schuldiner'sprogressive metalgroup, the more melodicControl Denied.[4]Christy played drums on their debut album,The Fragile Art of Existence(1999) andWhen Man and Machine Collide,an incomplete album that is yet to be released.[15][6][7]The two became close friends, and Christy would spend severalThanksgivingholidays with Schuldiner's family. In December 2001, Schuldiner died from brain cancer. Christy remains close with the family.[6]

Between 1999 and 2004, Christy became a member ofIced EarthandLeash Law,[15]timing his schedule in order to perform in multiple bands at once.[14]In April 2000, he played withIncantationon their tour in support ofThe Infernal Storm(2000), playing to audiences of several hundred at each show.[18][4]Afterwards, he toured Europe withDemons and Wizards,[19]playing festivals of up to 20,000 people in attendance.[14]He landed the gig in Iced Earth through contacts he knew atCentury Media Records,a prominent heavy metal label.[5]His first live gigs with them followed in August 2000, playing festivals including theWacken Open Airfestival inGermany.[4]

In 2004, Christy began a five-and-a-half year hiatus as an active musician, but kept in touch with the metal scene by practicing his drums, attending local concerts, and writing articles for several publications.[7][14]By 2008, he started to write new material, playing the guitar more than he had done previously, and ended up with an entire album in demo form.[7]He signed a recording deal withMetal Blade Recordsin 2009 to release an album with his metalsupergroup,Charred Walls of the Damned.He asked his first choice of musicians to take part in the project: bassistSteve Di Giorgio,vocalistTim "Ripper" Owensand guitaristJason Suecof.[6]It took roughly three months for Christy to settle on the band's name, and had around 200 possible names as "every good band name has been taken".[6]Their self-titled debut album was released in 2010. Their second,Cold Winds on Timeless Days,followed in 2011. Christy named the latter as the first letter of each word matched the band's initials.[16]

Christy has performed live withDream Theater,[20]"A Favor House Atlantic" withCoheed and Cambria,[21]Tiwanaku,Rick Renstrom, andWykked Wytch.

Sometime after 2011, Christy put together music that featured his three guinea pigs. Three of the songs were released under the band name Boar Glue as part of a split EP withHatebeak,another band that features an African grey parrot.[22]

The Howard Stern Show

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Christy became an avid listener ofThe Howard Stern Showin 1996 when he moved to Florida,[4]listening to the program "every morning religiously" with headphones while he worked as an electrician.[6]After he obtained the number to reach the show's answering machine from the Internet, he began to submit comical voicemail messages in 1999,[4]that were played frequently on the air.[12]From 2001, Christy began to send in song parodies and bits about staffersRobin QuiversandK.C. Armstrong.[4]He made his debut appearance on April 24, 2003, when the show was broadcast from theHard Rock Hotel and CasinoinLas Vegas.Christy lost a round ofblackjackin hope of winning a date with a porn star.[23]

Following the departure of"Stuttering John" Melendezin February 2004,[24]Stern announced the Get John's Job contest a month later, pitting ten listeners who had contributed to the show against each other in competition for the vacated position. Each contestant was given a week to display their talents they could bring to the show, after which the listeners voted online for their favorite. Christy produced a required demo CD of his bits, and was selected to compete for the prize of an initial three-month contract and $25,000.[25][4]Leaving Iced Earth was a difficult decision for Christy, but felt he could not waste the opportunity to pursue his "dream job" and work for Stern.[4]He had also grown tired of living in Florida, and wished to move.[26]On July 1, 2004, Christy won the contest with 30% of the vote;Sal Governalewas second with 24%.[27]By September 2004, both had joined the show as full-time staff members.[28][4]Christy then relocated from Florida toNew York City,where the show is based.[7]

Christy has become known on the show for his prank calls, song parodies,[4]and outrageous stunts, usually performed with Governale.[7]He faced challengers in porn trivia in Stump the Perv,[29]vomited on guests,[28]received a bikini wax,[14]and painted his genitals. From 2005, Christy performed nationwide as a stand-up comedian as part of the Killers of Comedy Tour with other show cast members.[4]

In 2006, the show relocated toSirius XM Radio.Christy hosted a semi-regular metal show on theLiquid Metalchannel namedRichard Christy's Heavy Metal Hoedown.Christy also hostedInside the Porn Actors StudioonHoward 101,an interview series that parodied the television seriesInside the Actors Studiowith porn actresses, with Christy filling the role of hostJames Lipton.

Film and television

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Christy once dreamed of a career in film after he sawBrad Pitt,from nearbySpringfield, Missouri,inInterview with the Vampire.He hung up posters of Pitt in his New York City apartment, and once worked at a computer store owned by Pitt's parents.[30]He has been a fan of horror films since his youth, and ratesHalloween(1978) as his "faaavorite".[26]In the mid-1990s, while living in Missouri, he started to make his own independent, low budget films. His first,Evil Ned 2,a horror comedy was made in 1994. This was followed by its sequel,Evil Ned 3: The Return of Evil Ned 2 – Electric Boogaloo,in 1995,[12]with a plot involving "dirty magazines, huge hog testicles, gay monsters,Amisherotica, and evil talking ducks ".[31]The film was produced for $250,[32]"200 of which was spent on beer".[31]The film premiered at a Missouri hotel,[12]and was made available online in 2007.[31]In 2001, Christy released his feature-length film,Leaving Grunion County.Its premiere was held at theEnzian TheaterinMaitland, Floridathat April.[10]

In 2006, Christy and Governale wrote, directed, and starred in the 30-minute comedy filmSupertwinkfor Stern's on-demanddigital cableserviceHoward Stern On Demand.It premiered at the Pioneer Theater in New York City on January 4, 2006. The film was reviewed by criticRichard Roeper,who panned it.[33]In 2007, Christy appeared inHarold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bayplaying the role of aKu Klux Klansmannamed Kenny.[6][34]In the same year, he landed his first television roleRescue Me,portraying a "really creepy guy at end of bar".[35]In 2009, he appeared as Caleb in the horror filmAlbino Farm.[6][36]Also in 2009, Christy and Governale appeared in the 2009 horror novelCastaways,written by horror and crime novelistBrian Keene.[37]Christy has recordedvoiceoversfor theAdult SwimshowsMetalocalypse[38]andRick and Morty.He guest appeared on theCartoon NetworkseriesUncle Grandpa,playing Ric. Christy later made a cameo inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2as a character simply named "Down There!".[39]

Christy has written articles forDecibelmagazine about his love for horror films, named "Richard Christy's Horrorscope".[7]

Personal life

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Christy married Kristin Jenco on July 30, 2011, in New York City.[40]They have one son, Carson Cain Christy, born in 2017, and affectionately known as "Bubby". Carson is named after formerPhiladelphia Eaglesquarterback,Carson Wentz.The Eagles are Kristin's favorite team. If they have another son, they plan to name him Patrick afterKansas City Chiefsquarterback,Patrick Mahomes.The Chiefs are Richard's favorite team. Prior toSuper Bowl LIV,on theHoward Stern Wrap Up Show,Christy met Patrick Mahomes and tearfully told him that he loved him and explained his intention to name his next son after him.[41]He later named his second son Cameron instead. He is also aKansas City Royalsfan and attended the2015 World Seriesbetween the Royals andNew York Metswith fellowHoward Stern Showco-workerGary Dell'Abate(who is an avid Mets fan).

Discography

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[42]

WithAcheron
  • Anti-God, Anti-Christ(1996)
  • Necromanteion Communion/Raise the Dead(1998)
WithDeath
WithControl Denied
With Burning Inside
  • The Eve of the Entities(2000)
  • Apparition(2001)
WithIced Earth
WithLeash Law
  • Dogface(2003)
  • Cunninglinguistics(2007)
WithCharred Walls of the Damned
  • Charred Walls of the Damned(2010)
  • Cold Winds on Timeless Days(2011)
  • Creatures Watching Over the Dead(2016)
With Boar Glue

References

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  1. ^"Richard Christy".SABIAN Cymbals.RetrievedMarch 3,2021.
  2. ^"Celebrate Richard Christy's Birthday With 5 Phony Phone Calls".HowardStern.com.March 29, 2016.RetrievedMarch 3,2021.
  3. ^http://www.metalstorm.net/bands/bandmember.php?member_id=77Richard Christy – Metal Storm
  4. ^abcdefghijklmnopqHogg, Ben (February 12, 2012)."Richard Christy – From Rags to Richard".Metal Maniacs.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  5. ^abcdefghijklmParks, John (January 10, 2012)."Richard Christy of Charred Walls of the Damned (Iced Earth, Death, Howard Stern Show) talks Stern, metal and haunted houses with us".Legendary Rock Interviews.RetrievedJuly 4,2016.
  6. ^abcdefghijklRosenbloom, Satan (January 11, 2010)."Richard Christy: The Metalsucks Interview".Metalsucks.RetrievedJuly 5,2016.
  7. ^abcdefghJohnson, Steve; Price, Jason (January 31, 2010)."Richard Christy Talks Charred Walls of The Damned and Much More..."Icon vs Icon.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  8. ^abc"Heavy Metal Drummer Richard Christy Interview".Heavymetal.about.com. June 14, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon May 27, 2011.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  9. ^Silvers, Jason E. (April 15, 2008)."Former area resident makes movie debut".The Fort Scott Tribune.RetrievedMarch 18,2017.
  10. ^abcdeChristy, Richard (February 22, 2016)."Richard Christy remembers friend and bandmate Steve Childers".Metal Insider.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  11. ^abcStöver, Frank."Interviews: Burning Inside".Voices from the Darkside. Archived fromthe originalon August 8, 2016.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  12. ^abcd"Artists / Richard Christy".Billboard.RetrievedJuly 5,2016.
  13. ^ab"Burning Inside: Biography".AllMusic.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  14. ^abcdeBowar, Chad."Richard Christy Interview".About.com Entertainment. Archived fromthe originalon January 16, 2013.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  15. ^abcdMay, Jessie (January 13, 2012)."Richard Christy: From Death in a Storage Locker to a Room with a View".Alternative Control.RetrievedJuly 5,2016.
  16. ^abcNorton, Justin M. (October 2011)."Richard Christy: The Hellbound Interview".Hellbound.ca.RetrievedJuly 5,2016.
  17. ^Gotrich, Lars (December 12, 2011)."Death Is Never Finished: Remembering Death Metal Pioneer Chuck Schuldiner".NPR.RetrievedJanuary 27,2024.
  18. ^Belcher, Tony (August 2004)."INCANTATION".Tartarean Desire Webzine. Archived fromthe originalon October 20, 2018.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  19. ^Schwarz, Paul (December 8, 2000)."Burn Florida Burn".RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  20. ^"The Official Richard Christy website".Richard Christy. Archived fromthe originalon October 1, 2011.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  21. ^Teitelman, Bram (October 12, 2015)."Richard Christy jams with Coheed and Cambria".Metal Insider.RetrievedJuly 6,2016.
  22. ^Bellino, Vince (February 28, 2019)."Animal-Fronted Bands Hatebeak and Boar Glue Release Split LP".Decibel.RetrievedApril 18,2019.
  23. ^"April 24, 2003".The Howard Stern Show(radio). April 24, 2003. Infinity Broadcasting. WXRK-FM.
  24. ^"February 27, 2004".The Howard Stern Show(radio). February 27, 2004. Infinity Broadcasting. WXRK-FM.
  25. ^"March 17, 2004".The Howard Stern Show(radio). March 17, 2004. Infinity Broadcasting. WXRK-FM.
  26. ^ab"INTERVIEW: RICHARD CHRISTY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2007".Duff's Brooklyn. November 10, 2007.RetrievedJuly 5,2016.
  27. ^"July 1, 2004".The Howard Stern Show(radio). July 1, 2004. Infinity Broadcasting. WXRK-FM.
  28. ^ab"November 17, 2005".The Howard Stern Show(radio). November 17, 2005. Infinity Broadcasting. WXRK-FM.
  29. ^"October 19, 2005".The Howard Stern Show(radio). October 19, 2005. Infinity Broadcasting. WXRK-FM.
  30. ^SIRIUS XM Radio, Howard 100 –The Wrap-Up Showfrom November 5, 2007
  31. ^abcChristy, Richard (June 16, 2007)."RICHARD CHRISTY –" Directorial Debut "EVIL NED 3 -THE RETURN OF EVIL NED 2 – ELECTRIC BOOGALOO NOW AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING".Braveworlds.RetrievedJuly 5,2016.
  32. ^"Richard Christy in person for The Evil Dead + Evil Ned at the Pioneer Theater – Movie Theater in New York City".Twoboots.com. Archived fromthe originalon September 28, 2011.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  33. ^"Supertwink (2006) (TV) – Memorable quotes".Internet Movie Database. May 1, 2009.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  34. ^"Howard Stern Show cameos Harold and Kumar 2".Slashfilm.com. February 16, 2007.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  35. ^"Howard Stern Show News".MarksFriggin.com.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  36. ^"Chris Jericho, Richard Christy, & More coming to the TRINITY OF TERRORS!".Fangoria.com. Archived fromthe originalon October 4, 2009.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  37. ^"The Official Brian Keene Website".Archived fromthe originalon September 27, 2011.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  38. ^"The Official Richard Christy Website".Richard Christy. Archived fromthe originalon June 13, 2011.RetrievedOctober 10,2011.
  39. ^Christy, Richard [@cwotd](May 5, 2017)."Halloween came early on the set of #GotGVol2 & it was a freakin blast! Thank U @JamesGunn #DownThere @Guardians is out now & it RULES!!"(Tweet).Archivedfrom the original on May 8, 2017.RetrievedMay 8,2017– viaTwitter.
  40. ^"August 8, 2011".The Howard Stern Show(radio). August 8, 2011. SiriusXM Radio. Howard 100.
  41. ^February 1, 2019,Howard Stern Wrap-Up Show(radio) (Live from Atlanta [Super Bowl LIII media event])
  42. ^"Richard Christy Biography".Archived fromthe originalon February 8, 2018.RetrievedFebruary 3,2018.
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