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The Acid King: A Profile of the Legendary Musician Simon True

Tim Reed

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For over three decades, Simon True, known as The Acid King, has been pushing the boundaries of heavy music. With his unique blend of doom metal, stoner rock, and experimental sounds, True has created a body of work that is both challenging and rewarding. His music has been praised by critics for its originality, intensity, and emotional power.

The Acid King (Simon True)

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True was born in London, England, in 1960. He began playing guitar as a teenager, and by the early 1980s, he was playing in various local bands. In 1987, he co-founded The Acid King with bassist Peter Vicarage and drummer Chris Longo. The band's debut album, Volume One, was released in 1989, and it was quickly followed by a series of critically acclaimed releases, including The Acid King (1992),Generator (1995),and Dust (2001).

The Acid King's music is characterized by its heavy, doom-laden sound. True's guitar playing is often described as "acidic," and it is known for its use of distortion, feedback, and other experimental techniques. The band's lyrics are often dark and introspective, dealing with themes of death, loss, and despair.

Despite their cult status, The Acid King has never achieved mainstream success. However, the band has continued to release albums and tour the world, and they remain a popular draw among fans of heavy music. In recent years, True has also collaborated with other musicians, including Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and Matt Pike of Sleep.

In addition to his work with The Acid King, True has also released a number of solo albums and EPs. His solo work is often more experimental than his work with The Acid King, and it explores a wider range of musical styles. True has also produced and engineered albums for other bands, and he has written articles and reviews for music magazines.

Simon True is a true original, and his music has had a profound influence on the sound of heavy metal and experimental music. He is a visionary artist who has never compromised his artistic integrity. His music is a powerful and unique voice that continues to challenge and inspire listeners to this day.

Influences

The Acid King's music is a unique blend of influences that defy easy categorization. True has cited a wide range of musical sources as his inspiration, including doom metal bands like Black Sabbath and Candlemass, stoner rock bands like Kyuss and Sleep, and experimental musicians like The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth.

True's music is also influenced by his personal experiences. He has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and drug addiction, and these experiences have found their way into his music. True's lyrics are often dark and introspective, and they explore themes of death, loss, and despair.

The Acid King's music is a reflection of True's unique personality and experiences. It is a challenging and rewarding listen, and it is sure to appeal to fans of heavy music and experimental music alike.

Legacy

The Acid King has been a significant influence on the sound of heavy music for over three decades. The band's unique blend of doom metal, stoner rock, and experimental sounds has inspired a new generation of musicians to push the boundaries of the genre.

True is also a respected figure in the music industry for his dedication to his craft and his refusal to compromise his artistic integrity. He is a true underground legend, and his music continues to inspire and challenge listeners to this day.

In 2018, True was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He underwent surgery and radiation treatment, and he is currently in remission. Despite his health challenges, True continues to work on new music, and he is currently planning to release a new album in 2023.

Simon True is a true original, and his music is a testament to his unique talent and vision. He is a legendary musician who has left an indelible mark on the sound of heavy music.

The Acid King Performing Live The Acid King (Simon True)