Listen to him play.

Yes, the name is ridiculous and the gimmick is ludicrous – something seemingly drawn from an unhealthy fascination with Styx’ “Mr. Roboto” or the Jet Jaguar character in the Godzilla B-movies.

But just listen to Buckethead play, because behind the mask is bonafied guitar genius.

(photo courtesy of last.fm.com)

Buckethead is the stage persona of Brian Carroll, a California-born guitar prodigy best known to mainstream audiences as the man who took over lead guitar for Guns N Roses in 2000.

But unbeknownst to many music fans is that Buckethead has a massive resume of solo recordings, collaborations and movie scores. He released his first solo effort, Bucketheadland, in 1992, and had his most commercially successful solo release in 1999 with Mosters & Robots.

In all, he’s recorded 28 solo albums – including three this year – and has appeared on dozens of other artists’ releases. In addition to his Buckethead solo work, he records under the name Death Cube K, an anagram of Buckethead.

He began playing at age 12, and quickly developed as an accomplished guitarist under the tutelage of several music teachers. He certainly took to the instrument, developing a playing style that blends classical guitar techniques with fusion, jazz and heavy metal.

In 1992, he launched his recording career with Praxis, the first of several bands and side projects that Buckethead has launched over the years, augmenting his solo work.

But he remains an elusive and mysterious figure, guarding his identity and appearance in any public forum. Reportedly, he once missed out on a chance to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band at Ozzfest because he refused to perform without his trademark bucket and mask.

And the Buckethead character is something he takes a long way. The story he’s built around the persona is as bizarre as the costume: That he grew up abused on a farm and was forced to live in a chicken coop.

The truth is more novel, according to noted music writer Kurt Loder, who profiled Buckethead in a 2002 piece in mtv.com:

Nobody much liked the 1988 fright flick “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.” After 10 years, this slasher franchise was pretty much played out. (Even though it’s still with us today!) But Brian Carroll was inspired by the film. He went right out after seeing it and bought a Michael Myers-like white mask. Then, that night, as he was eating from a bucketful of take-out fried chicken, another inspiration struck. He described it in a 1996 interview with Guitar Player magazine: “I was eating it, and I put the mask on and then the bucket on my head. I went to the mirror. I just said, ‘Buckethead. That’s Buckethead right there.’ It was just one of those things. After that, I wanted to be that thing all the time.”

Whatever the mystique, the man undoubtedly oozes talent. He’s not only mastered the guitar styles of his childhood guitar heroes, he’s taken it to the next level. His techno-laced shows are a multi-media experience; part concert, part performance art. And his prodigious touring and recording schedules have helped build a cult-like fan base.

And why not? Gimmick aside, Buckethead plays like no one else can.

(NOTE: This is part of my ongoing series of reports on guitar players who fly under the mainstream radar. Keep checking The Listening Room for future installments of guitar players you should know – JF)

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