John D. Hopkins, resident of Oquawka, IL and soundman to Corrosion
of Conformity and a multitude of other bands passed away unexpectedly at
the age of 50 after blazing a trail through his industry of live sound
and touring with some of the best names in metal. His first sound gig
was at the infamous Gabe?s in Iowa City. It was a gig that, with hard
work, would eventually lead him to doing live sound and managing tours
all over the world for such bands as COC, Weedeater, Orange Goblin,
Neurosis, Overkill, Uncle Acid, Sleep, High on Fire and The Melvins.
Along with doing live sound John also played music with regional bands
such as Aunt Acid, Brick, Scrid, Kita, Burnout and The Horde.
John
was himself also a huge fan of music and had accumulated a vast
collection while traveling and running live sound. He had recently been
gifted the vinyl collection of his friend Reed Mullin (co-founder and
drummer of Corrosion of Conformity) who had recently passed away
himself. Mullin co-founded COC in Raleigh, NC with guitarist Woody
Weatherman, bassist Mike Dean, and vocalist Benji Shelton. They combined
their up-tempo hardcore with the hard rock influence of Black Sabbath
to land in their distinct punk-metal crossover style. Those influenced
by Mullin include Dave Grohl (who called Mullin his ?drumming hero?),
Lamb of God?s Randy Blythe, guitarist Matt Sweeney, Charlie Benante of
Anthrax, and Lars Ulrich.