Marcus Rafferty – Mudvayne – Interview

Marcus Rafferty – Mudvayne – Interview – by Jesse Skinner.

On September 10th, 2024, the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth is hitting Albany’s MVP Arena as part of their Destroy All Enemies Tour. They’ll be joined by the progressive metal group Mudvayne and heavy metal favorites All That Remains kicking things off. With Dave Mustaine at the helm, it’s like having General Patton leading the charge in WWII. This tour is definitely one of the biggest events of the year, making a serious splash across the country.

I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Marcus Rafferty, the newly appointed guitarist of Mudvayne. Originating from Peoria, Illinois, Mudvayne is initially recognized as a four-member ensemble known for their intricate musical compositions that blend elements of nu-metal, progressive rock, and hard rock, complemented by jazzy bass lines and uniquely chaotic vocals. The Grammy-nominated band took a brief hiatus to enable its members to pursue various other projects, one of which included the band Hellyeah, featuring the legendary drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott.

In 2021, when Mudvayne made their comeback, they brought on a second guitarist to enhance the richness of their live performances. This new addition is none other than Marcus Rafferty, hailing from the Syracuse area. Marcus boasts an impressive background in the touring music scene. Before his role with Mudvayne, he served as the stage manager and guitar technician for Hellyeah. His experience also includes working as a guitar technician for notable bands such as Hatebreed, Saxon, Lamb of God, and Fozzy. When he’s not on the road, Marcus excels as a car salesman at a local dealership.

Marcus Rafferty carved out some time from his hectic agenda to provide us with an exclusive glimpse into the life and experiences of the newly added guitarist, allowing us to learn more about the person behind the face paint.

RRX: Who or what was your biggest Influence on your musical career path?

MR: My mom was my earliest influence. She taught me the basic chords. I always looked up to my brother , because he was the musician in the family.

Later on in life. My Uncle Don would sit with me and show me more advanced playing techniques, Uncle D is phenomenal!

But as far as known players go, I was a big Dime fan, Zakk as well. Those two , I fed off the most!

RRX: What strengths do you believe make you a great musician? What weaknesses do you have that you are working to improve?

MR: The strengths are the same thing that are the weaknesses. Hyperfocusing on every little thing. It’s a blessing and a curse!

RRX: What guitar gear do you use while touring with Mudvayne?

MR: My main guitar is my Gibson 80’s V I love that thing! I also bought an Epiphone V for a back up! But I always play the Gibson. It’s a part of me!

RRX: On May 18th 2024 at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket CT, Mudvayne Guitarist Greg Tribbett was absent due to a family emergency. Leaving you as the sole axe man/guitarist. Did you feel any extra added pressure performing the show without Greg Tribbett? Any highlights from that show you would like to share?

MR: I mean, anytime that something that is normally 2 people is solely put on you, there is always added pressure. The highlight for me was learning all of the parts that I never played before, sitting with Ryan for 15 hours straight , just learning. That is an experience that money cannot buy, and knowledge that will last me a lifetime!

RRX: What inspires the different face paint for the Mudvayne Performances every night?

MR: Honestly, if I could figure that part out, I’d be set! I start around my eyes, with the black makeup. Look around the room, look at the colors, look up landmarks of the city I’m in , or sports team, or famous musicians. And sometimes I just start with a single line and figure it out!

A few shows ago, I had a whole design done, “I looked like a Panda” and said… “This is not gonna work” so I mixed all the white and black together with some green, covered my face , threw some white lines down under my eyes and walked to the stage.

RRX: Referring to your time with Hellyeah, how was it working next to the Legendary Vinnie Paul Abbott from Texas based band Pantera? And did he share any type of sacred knowledge or any stories about his former band or Brother Dimebag Darrell Abbott with you?

MR: Vince was one of a kind. I spent a lot of time with him . That camp was really like a family. He never really got mad about much. When he did, you knew it. But generally he was a very happy “Big Kid” most generous, kind person I’ve ever met. I watched several people take advantage of him, all the time. He knew it, and just kinda went with it. I think it was more of a “ehh whatever” kinda thing for him. He would talk about his brother often. But more like “that’s something Dime would do” or he would bring up a story about him . I think Vinny was just kinda living with his brother by his side, which is what he needed most.

RRX: What’s the craziest story you can share spanning your entire career in the music business?

MR: My Crazy stories are all from my early tech days. And more about work than anything else.

Hellyeah had a curse. The bus would always break down usually at Mile Marker 1 on the Florida Panhandle picking “Vinnie’s drum tech, Luke “Hellyeah Merch” and I would have to drive a U-Haul for like a week or so, every tour. Chad even rode with us , sometimes. And would help cross load the gear.

Welp , heading to Austin or San Antonio one day, bus broke down “Shocker… I know” but we got to the gig eventually, backed the truck up to the stage with something like 43 minutes until show time, hustled our asses off, got the whole gig set up, and Hellyeah Crushed it!!!! Hard work was always #1 , Party comes after the truck is locked!

RRX: Do you have any music or material your working on outside of Mudvayne?

MR: I have my band with my brother Mikey, Jimmy and Joe called Fall Of Humanity , we are talking about new music. In due time!

RRX: Any recommendations on local talent or bands from your area?

MR: The whole scene is great in Syracuse ! Get up to the Lost Horizon or The Jugg and see some bands!

Marcus Rafferty will be in Albany NY at the MVP arena performing with Mudvayne on September 10th. Be sure to check out this outstanding local musician touring with a national act.

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