MUDVAYNE frontman Chad Gray is providing fans with an unprecedented backstage experience during the band's ongoing "L.D. 50 25th Anniversary" tour. This exclusive offering allows one fan per city to witness Gray's extensive pre-show makeup transformation, a ritual that can last up to three hours.
The special package, priced at $3,000, promises an intimate look into Gray's personal preparation routine before he takes the stage. It also includes a unique, limited-edition silver Mudagram necklace.
Key Takeaways
- Chad Gray offers a $3,000 pre-show makeup experience to one fan per city.
- The experience provides real access to his three-hour transformation process.
- A custom, sterling silver Mudagram necklace, limited to 32 pieces, is included.
- MUDVAYNE is currently on its "L.D. 50 25th Anniversary" tour.
- The band recently released two new singles after a 16-year hiatus.
An Unprecedented Backstage Opportunity
The "pre-show makeup experience" is designed to give fans a rare, in-depth look at what goes into Gray's stage persona. Unlike typical meet-and-greets, this interaction is a lengthy, personal session.
Gray emphasized the time commitment involved. He noted that the process of applying his signature stage makeup and prosthetics takes approximately three hours every night. This extended interaction allows for genuine conversation and a Q&A session.
"It's part of the process, man, and that process happens every single night. It takes three hours every single night… I don't think this has ever been done before, like somebody giving to somebody this much of their time."
The singer expressed his enthusiasm for these unique encounters. He recently completed his first session, describing it as a positive experience with a fan. They discussed music and engaged in a detailed Q&A while Gray began his transformation.
Experience Details
- Duration: Approximately one hour during Chad Gray's three-hour makeup process.
- Participants: One fan and a guest per city.
- Activities: Q&A, listening to Gray's pre-show music, observing makeup application.
- Cost: $3,000 per session.
The Exclusive Mudagram Necklace
Included in the $3,000 package is a custom solid silver Mudagram necklace from Room101. Gray confirmed that this necklace is an extremely limited edition item.
He revealed that he has been wearing a similar sterling silver necklace since MUDVAYNE's return to touring. These specific necklaces, personally signed by Gray and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, will only be available through this VIP experience.
The exclusivity is a key selling point. Gray stated that these necklaces will never be sold separately or released after the tour's meet-and-greet opportunities conclude. If all available experiences sell out, only 32 such necklaces will exist worldwide.
MUDVAYNE's Return and Recent Activity
MUDVAYNE, known for its distinctive sound and visual presentation, formed in 1996. The band has sold over six million records globally, with three albums achieving gold certification: "L.D. 50," "The End Of All Things To Come," and "Lost And Found."
The band recently ended a 16-year hiatus from releasing new music, dropping two new singles, "Hurt People Hurt People" and "Sticks And Stones." These tracks were released through Alchemy Recordings, a label co-founded by Dino Paredes and Danny Wimmer.
Before these new releases, MUDVAYNE's last new material was in 2009. The band's debut album, "L.D. 50," released in 2000, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and No. 85 on the Billboard 200, eventually earning gold status.
Tour Details and Band Lineup
The "L.D. 50 25th Anniversary" tour commenced on September 11 in Dubuque, Iowa. It is scheduled to conclude on October 26 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
During this tour, MUDVAYNE guitarist Greg Tribbett is not performing with the band. Reports indicate his absence is due to his wife's passing after a long battle with cancer.
MUDVAYNE has been active on the touring circuit in recent years. In 2022, they co-headlined the "Freaks On Parade" tour with Rob Zombie. The summer of 2023 saw them complete their first headlining tour in over 14 years, "The Psychotherapy Sessions," with support from bands like Coal Chamber, GWAR, Nonpoint, and Butcher Babies.
Chad Gray himself has a notable career beyond MUDVAYNE. He spent 15 years as the frontman for HELLYEAH, a band that released its sixth studio album, "Welcome Home," in 2019. That album marked the final work with drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, who passed away seven years ago.
Creating Lasting Memories for Fans
Gray's motivation for offering this unique experience is to create a truly memorable event for dedicated MUDVAYNE fans. He views it as a way to give back and offer something genuinely special that goes beyond a brief photo opportunity.
The intimate nature of the pre-show session allows for a deeper connection between the artist and the fan. Gray hopes these interactions will be once-in-a-lifetime experiences, emphasizing that such direct access to his pre-stage preparations is rare.
The high price point reflects the significant time commitment from Gray and the exclusivity of the included merchandise. For devoted followers, this could represent an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the band's creative process and own a unique piece of its history.