Q103 Exclusive: Staind Guitarist Mike Mushok Talks Thanksgiving and More [AUDIO]

Thanksgiving is an important time for family but it's also a very important time for the band Staind; according to Staind guitarist Mike Mushok. The axeman took some time out of his busy schedule and talked to Q103 regarding Thanksgiving, Staind's new album, their tour and of course the Q103 Thanksgiving Hangover, November 26th at the Washington Avenue Armory.

It was the night before Thanksgiving in 1996, that Staind was performing at CD release party for 'Tormented'. One year later on the night before Thanksgiving in 1997, Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst called Mike at 2am to tell him that he loved Staind's new music and that he would help the band get signed. It was the beginning; as the very next year Staind was opening for Limp Bizkit's gold record party in Los Angeles.

Now it's Thanksgiving in 2011 and Staind will be performing in Albany for the first time in a long time as Bud Light presents the Q103 Thanksgiving Hangover November 26th at the Washington Avenue Albany.

The recording process of Staind's new album was one word "Hell". The band had deadlines, lost a drummer and Aaron put out a solo project Mike explains.

So what can Staind fans expect at the Q103 Thanksgiving Hangover? New songs - Old Songs - High Energy?

Staind's new drummer Sal has stepped right in and is working out great. " He's a fellow New Yorker from the Syracuse area and been with the band on and off since 1999". Mike continues to say "I don't think any of us want to make a fourth member of Staind just yet especially after what the band went through with our previous drummer".

How are the audiences treating the band so far on their tour?

As for Mike's favorite song?

"You work really hard at trying to put together a record. You try to make something from beginning to end that you want to listen to." he says " The next single Eye's Wide Open' which is the next single sort of sums up what the record is." he adds "It's heavy, aggressive, some melodies, some screaming, little bit of soul and guitar riffs"

Tell us something about Staind that we wouldn't know?

And there is more that we might not know about Staind that concerns the band Lit.

We are extremely excited to have Staind come to Albany to perform at the Q103 Thanksgiving Hangover with Egypt Central and Pipebomb. Mike says "it will be good to come back to Albany and get out there and play.. I'm ready for it". We're ready for you too!

Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 day of and available at www.ticketfly.com.