Page 13 - IAV Digital Magazine #590

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Ministry’s Al Jourgensen Reveals Dave Navarro’s $20,000 Offer For His Amputated Toe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezOFBXtthtc
Al Jourgensen, the long-time frontman of indus- trial metal
band Ministry, recently shared a peculiar story about his life in a detailed interview with The Guardian. Jourgensen, known for his bat- tle with substance abuse, recounted a bizarre incident where he had to undergo a toe
amputation after stepping on a hypodermic nee- dle.
In the interview, Jourgensen men- tioned that his friend, Dave Navarro, guitarist for Jane’s Addiction, offered him $20,000 for the amputated toe. Navarro apparently col- lects curios, including body
parts, and was keen on adding the toe to his col- lection. However, Jourgensen had to inform Navarro that his doctors wouldn’t allow him to keep the amputated toe.
Jourgensen, who entered rehab for alcoholism in 2014, reflected on his past struggles with substance abuse, including
overcoming crack cocaine and hero- in addiction. He mentioned a criti- cal moment when he realized he had hit rock bot- tom, leading him to seek help and make significant changes in his life.
In addition to dis- cussing his per- sonal experi- ences, Jourgensen
talked about Ministry’s new album, “Hopiumforthema sses,” and the decision to retire the band after recording their next album. He explained that previous state- ments about retir- ing were made during a challeng- ing time when he was facing health issues, including a perforated ulcer
that led to his temporary death and the passing of his best friend, Mikey Scaccia. Despite these challenges, Jourgensen emphasized that he is now healthy, and the band, with a stable line- up for the past 10 years, is produc- ing great work. However, there is a shared senti- ment among the band members to wrap up Ministry’s journey.
Jourgensen also mentions Ministry’s upcom- ing tour in the US, where they plan to revisit their synthpop-influ- enced debut album, “With Sympathy.” Jourgensen hint- ed at the possibil- ity of re-recording some tracks from the album to infuse them with
a more aggres- sive, recognizable Ministry tone.
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