It’s less than an hour before showtime at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, and chaos reigns backstage for Vended. Lead singer Griffin Taylor—overalls slung low and face streaked with black and blue makeup—adds finishing touches to his theatrical look. Around him, remnants of their pre-show rituals cover walls, sinks, and couches in what Griffin jokingly calls “the Vended Virus.”
Tonight marks the second of two sold-out shows opening for Slipknot and Knocked Loose—but don’t mistake this for a family reunion. Despite Griffin being the son of Corey Taylor and drummer Simon Crahan following in the footsteps of his father, Shawn “Clown” Crahan, Vended is on a mission to prove their success isn’t a hand-me-down.
Forging Their Own Path
Vended’s lineup—rounded out by bassist Jeremiah Pugh (JJ) and guitarists Cole Espeland and Connor Grodzicki—isn’t riding coattails. They’ve built their name through relentless touring and their raw, self-titled debut album, silencing critics who label them “nepo babies.”
“My dad told me, ‘I wouldn’t put you on a tour if you weren’t good,’” says Simon Crahan.
The band’s grind is far from glamorous. They travel in a Sprinter van, pulling their own gear and handling much of the driving themselves. Their dressing room tonight, affectionately dubbed “the kids’ room” for its playful decor, is a stark contrast to Slipknot’s polished production.
“This isn’t a vacation,” Griffin says. “This is work.”
A Musical Identity Shaped by Chaos and Tragedy
Griffin’s journey started far from metal, singing in school choirs and even dabbling in a barbershop quartet. It wasn’t until high school, inspired by David Gunn of King 810, that he began perfecting the guttural screams that now define Vended’s sound.
Simon’s path was less direct. Once dreaming of a career in MMA fighting, he eventually turned to drums—pushing the band toward heavier, faster sounds.
But tragedy shaped Simon’s outlook. In 2019, his older sister, Gabrielle Crahan, died of an overdose.
“I felt like I became an adult that day,” Simon says.
Her name is now tattooed on his chest, a permanent reminder as he pounds the drums with purpose.
Clawing Through Criticism and Doubt
Vended’s rapid rise hasn’t come without skeptics. Critics frequently accuse them of benefiting from their parents’ legacies—a claim Griffin admits stung in the band’s early days.
“I was a teenager with a lot of feelings and emotions, and it depressed the f*** out of me,” he says.
Online trolls occasionally heckle them during shows, demanding Slipknot covers. Griffin handles it with humor.
“I’ll just grab the mic and say, ‘Wrong band, dude.’”
Despite the noise, their self-released debut album speaks for itself. Tracks like “Nihilism” and “The Far Side” carry echoes of Slipknot’s ferocity while showcasing Vended’s own identity—blending blistering riffs with melodic moments influenced by Green Day, Paul Simon, and even Broadway musicals.
From Basement Jams to Arena Shows
Vended began as a high school talent show idea between Griffin and Cole before Simon insisted on joining. They cut their teeth in Des Moines’ Vaudeville Mews, packing 250 fans into their debut show just before COVID-19 shut down the world.
Instead of slowing down, they used quarantine to sharpen their sound, rehearsing for hours in an unairconditioned warehouse and recording their EP, What Is It//Kill It in Clown’s basement.
“We just practised six to eight hours a day in that sweaty box,” Cole recalls.
The grind paid off, leading them to record their debut album at Jonathan Davis’ (Korn) studio with producer Chris Collier. Davis even stopped by during sessions for a preview.
The Nightly Rituals and Real Work Ahead
Minutes before hitting the stage, Griffin leads the band in an adrenaline-pumping huddle.
“Are you boys fing ready? Let’s go out there and show these motherfers a good time!”
Their opening track, “Nihilism,” explodes with raw energy, sweat and makeup dripping as the Vended Virus spreads through the crowd. From brutal breakdowns to radio-ready hooks like those in “Serenity,” the band demonstrates versatility and hunger.
But even after the show, there’s no rockstar partying—just showers, quick meals, and early drives to the next city. They stick around to watch Knocked Loose and Slipknot, soaking up lessons from their mentors.
Simon lingers near his dad’s drum setup, catching a thumbs-up from Clown before Slipknot’s encore. It’s a fleeting but symbolic exchange—not just father and son, but two drummers sharing the stage.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the Shadows
Vended knows the spotlight comes with expectations, but they’re determined to stand on their own.
“We’re a good band. We play good music. That’s why we’re here,” Simon says.
They’re still early in their journey, but with raw talent, tireless work, and the scars to prove their grit, Vended isn’t content to live in Slipknot’s shadow. They’re ready to carve out their own legacy—one scream, one riff, and one sold-out show at a time.
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