Slayer guitarist Kerry King recently shared a lighthearted yet poignant reflection on his iconic guitar solo for the Beastie Boys’ 1987 hit “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” In a candid interview with Border City Rock Talk, King revealed that he took a one-off payment for his performance, a decision he now humorously regrets given the song’s immense success.
“No Sleep Till Brooklyn” was part of the Beastie Boys’ debut album, Licensed To Ill, which sold over 10 million copies and achieved ‘diamond’ certification. Despite his successful career with Slayer, King joked about how much wealthier he could have been had he asked for a share of the song’s profits instead of a flat fee.
“The simplicity of it is what’s funny about it,” King said. “We were doing what became the Reign In Blood album, and the Beastie Boys were working on Licensed To Ill in the same studio, just down the hall from each other. Rick Rubin was producing both projects, and they needed a lead for ‘No Sleep Till Brooklyn.’ I thought, ‘Yeah, why not? I can use a couple hundred bucks.'”
King reminisced about his financial situation at the time, noting that he was not well-off. “I went in there and did it. In hindsight, I wish I didn’t get paid a flat fee. I wish I took a quarter point or something because now I would be a rich man!”
The interview highlights King’s humor and humility, acknowledging his pivotal role in one of the Beastie Boys’ most famous tracks. While he might joke about the missed financial opportunity, his contribution to the song remains a significant moment in both rock and rap history.
King, who recently released his first solo album, From Hell I Rise, continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry. His detailed breakdown of the new album’s songs was featured in a recent issue of Metal Hammer magazine.
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