Nine Questions

By Jon Hobson

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James "Munky" Shaffer is one of the guitarists for the pioneering nu-metal band Korn. While still touring in support of last year's self-produced Take a Look in the Mirror, Korn is set to release a greatest-hits collection in October. Korn is touring as part of the Projekt Revolution Tour, also featuring Linkin Park and Snoop Dogg. "It's amazing to play alongside all sorts of music genres," says Munky of the tour. The tour makes a stop in Phoenix at the Cricket Pavilion on Wednesday, Sept. 1. For more information, contact Ticketmaster at 321-1000.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

It was in Bakersfield, Calif. I saw Ted Nugent touring in support of the Scream Dream album. I'd never heard a guitar sound so loud.

What CDs are in your changer right now?

Mars Volta, De-Loused in the Comatorium; Slipknot, Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses); Down, Down II; Bob Marley; (hed) P.E. I'm also listening to both Tomahawk records and a lot of Mr. Bungle--I just love how they're the anti-rock stars, and Mike Patton is an idol to me.

How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks)?

Close to 5,000.

Do you download music, and if so, legally?

I play with iTunes, shopping around for archives, and I put them onto my hard drive.

What was the first album you owned?

Black Sabbath, We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

If I were to die tomorrow, "Purple Rain" from Prince ... it's such a slow and emotional, cool song.

Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don't know about? What are your guilty pleasures?

Old Elton John and Lionel Richie, Black Eyed Peas and the Clockwork Orange soundtrack.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

Steve Vai; he took guitar playing into a whole new direction. He brought something new to the table, and his creativity was crucial at that time in rock.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head. It helped me get through a hard time in my life.