To have Cris Kirkwood back as the bassist of the Meat Puppets is nothing short of a miracle. The band he founded with his guitarist/vocalist brother Curt in 1980 broke up in 1996 due to Cris’ addiction to heroin and crack cocaine. In the ensuing years, Cris’ life spiraled far out of his control as he lost his wife to a drug overdose and spent 18 months in prison for attacking a post-office security guard. Now, almost four years clean and sober, Cris is gearing up to hit the road in support of the band’s 12th studio album, Sewn Together. Before he does, Cris will spend the week guest editing magnetmagazine.com. Read our new Q&A with Cris and our 2007 career overview of the Meat Puppets.
Cris Kirkwood: The Grand Canyon is the best-known and most-visited example of the untamed splendor of the great American Southwest. It’s an excellent subject, I think, for the contemplation of the dichotomous nature, the beauteous and the beastly, if you will, of life, not only in the desert, but on the planet in general. I mean, there you are, taking in the view, life is good, what a wonderful world, and then … one little slip, hazard’s way, and you’re buzzard food. A visit to the Grand Canyon speaks volumes for the inarguably majestic, awe-inspiring side of what it is to be on our little green world. For a peek behind the curtain, to get a glimpse at the lethal yin that balances the Canyon’s benign yang, I recently read Over The Edge: Death In Grand Canyon by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas P. Myers, an exhaustive detailing of the many and various ways to die in one of the world’s most scenic spots. Somewhere in there, I guess, is some kind of allegory, or whatever, about this or that. I don’t know. But I do know that the Grand Canyon is sure one goddamn big hole in the ground. Watch your step!
