Paul Gray's Doctor Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

Daniel Baldi, a physician that helped run a pain management clinic, has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the deaths of 8 people. Included is Slipknot's Paul Gray, who was found dead in a hotel in 2010. According to the Des Moines Register, the documents released allege that Dr. Baldi “did unintentionally cause the death of Paul Gray by the commission of an act likely to cause death or serious injury, to-wit, continually wrote high-dose prescription narcotics to a known drug addict from 12/27/2005 until his death.” 

In the documents, 7 of 8 of the deceased were listed, including Paul Gray. In addition, the other people are Chad Martin (Sept. 16, 2011), Frederick Pritchard (May 29, 2011), Carla Davis (Feb. 25, 2011), Jason Spong (Sept. 16, 2010), Stoutenberg (Sept. 11, 2010), and Jeff Lilly (Aug. 21, 2009). The final person who is not listed is believed to be Kathleen Cronkwright (October, 2010). You may wonder why I included everyone here. I did it because it is tragic, no matter who they are and no matter if they happen to be famous, drug addicts, or anything like that. It also shows a patter for Dr. Baldi. This is a lot of people to be considered a fluke. 

Some family members of the other people have come forward to say that Baldi should have known that the patients were habitual drug abusers and taken steps to prevent their deaths and especially stop prescribing large amounts of prescription narcotics. Some patients allegedly only saw the doctor once each; however in at least one case, a family member has stepped forward to say that they personally accompanied the patients to his office on more than one occasion. 

Now, here's the thing. Generally, I'm all about personal accountability. And in this case, I am still in support of it; however, I believe that physicians have a lawful duty and a moral obligation to not take advantage of or feed into drug addiction. With prescription drug abuse spiking, it is more important than ever that they are cognizant of it, especially when dealing with someone who is a know drug addict (specifically, it was not a secret that Gray struggled with drug problems). Sure, I don't think he should be charged with murder, but involuntary manslaughter seems to fit. It will not help the 8 patients referenced in this case, but it could protect patients that may have seen him in the future and will make other physicians aware that they need to be safer and more cognizant of their patients' needs. 

Slipknot has released the following statement after the charges were announced: 

“As the loss of our brother Paul Gray is still very fresh for us in the Slipknot family, this new development has us all in a state of anger and sadness. The fact that this person took advantage of our brother’s illness while he was in a position to help others has outraged everyone in our family.

"We can only hope that justice will be served so this can NEVER happen to anyone else ever again! Our thoughts go out to the families of the other victims. We plan to cooperate as much as we possibly can to ensure this tragedy is never repeated, and to make sure this man pays for what he has done."

View the original Des Moines Register article here.

Interview with Phobia vocalist Shane "The Pain"

Shane "The Pain" MacLachlan Interview

By Nicki Stapleton
Originally published on The Blacktooth

After 22 years on the Grindcore scene, Phobia is still pushing forward. With a new album released and a tour on the horizon, they are as ruthless as ever. Front man and founding member Shane “The Pain” MacLachlan took time to speak to me about the album, the industry, and life in the band.

Nicki Stapleton: Tell me about the new album Remnants of Filth. What do you think sets it apart from Phobia’s other albums?

Shane MacLachlan: Everyone is going to have their favorites, just like I have my favorites. With this record, the lineup I’m working with is great. The music is faster and has more brutality than other records.  22 Random Acts of Violence was calmer and the lyrical content, passion and integrity is different than what we’ve done before.

NS: After  being around for more than 20 years, how do you keep the music fresh and different?

SM: When I write, I love what I’m doing. You need to have the passion to want it and its in my blood. I am the same person I was when I started. Well, I have grown I would hope because I’m not 19 year old anymore. The fan base will be picky, but you just have to keep going and enjoy the new stuff. I mean, we aren’t going to fix what isn’t broken and we’re just going to keep doing what we love.

NS:  I have seen Phobia described under many different genres and subgenres – punk, metal, grindcore, etc. What do YOU consider Phobia to be and why?

SM: We are a punk band, punk rock. Grindcore is often thrown around as slang being used loosely. Punk rock is more of a movement and grindcore was often played by punk rockers who wanted to make something more obnoxious.

NS: What do you hope for people to take away from your music?

SM: I want them to know that you can do what you want to do and to learn something. And if someone reads the lyrics and takes away from that, it’s great. I’m a lyricist so, I believe the lyrics are the most important part.  I believe in being open-minded and realizing everyone thinks differently, whether it’s politically or personally or whatever. Music is emotions. I guess I want people to feel that and I want to make people happy.

NS:  I’m sure you get asked about this a lot, but Phobia has a big turnover of members. How is it working out with the current lineup and do you expect it to stay this way for awhile?

SM: It is the best I’ve ever had. It’s a great mix of talent. Brian has been with me for almost 10 years, doing more touring and not as much recording stuff. It’s just a different vibe, not as much business with more fun. It’s more of a friendship, more family. Some people who are no longer with us are still involved in the band. Any band that has been around for so long will have a large turnover and it is often just the singer with a different lineup. They are really just “hired guns” in some bands, but not with us.

NS: Is there anything you do to get ready for a show? Any rituals or superstitions?

SM: Well, there’s not really anything specific. We just try to to drink so much, but I do like a few shots of whiskey. A couple of Jim Beam on the rocks. Some of us have a few beers. Cece is very disciplined and we try to just be professional. We know we’ll fuck up if we aren’t good. There have been disasters in the past, especially while touring.

NS: I know your lyrics and many other bands’ lyrics often focus on social and political issues and commentary. What would you say to people who believe heavy bands are just about violence and anger?

SM: Its kind of ignorant. I mean, no one knows what is going on in someone else’s mind. Everyone expresses their views and emotions in different ways. Anger is an emotion too, but in a song it may represent something else, something deeper. Music is emotion. Music is entertainment. All songs represent emotions and sometimes if I just want to relax I might put on Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. It’s all in how it makes you feel.

NS: If Phobia could tour with any band (current or past), who would it be and why?

SM: This is a hard one. It probably wouldn’t necessarily be a grindcore band or a death metal band. It might be someone like Willie Nelson. I’m a big fan and he’s brilliant and a great lyricist. I’ve seen him many times before. I don’t know if that would work out very well though. It may even be someone like Discharge. They are a huge influence. Or The Exploited.

NS: What do you do in your spare time.

SM: Well, I like to make t-shirts, like for other bands. I enjoy writing and playing music outside of the band. I do it all the time. I guess music is a hobby of mine. Calum likes to garden, Cece is a vegan cook and about to open her own business and Brian does a lot of construction things. We all just try to keep busy. I also like reading and I love to cook.

NS: With current events surrounding an incident with a member of another band, how do you feel about fans jumping on stage.

SM: It’s no problem for me if fans jump on stage. If they just want to sing or whatever, its fine. But, there is a limit to everything and limits can be surpassed. I mean, they don’t know if I’m drunk or something and sometimes they start throwing fists. The stage people just need to be on top of it and use their discretion.

NS: Anything you’d like to add?

SM: Check out the new record. It has cool artwork and cool music. We are expecting to start touring around October. The tour dates should be announced soon.

NS: Where can we expect the tour? U.S., North America, World?

SM: Right now we’ll be touring the Midwest. I love touring in the Midwest, it’s a lot of fun there.

Check out Phobia on Facebook and their new punishing grindcore album that is their heaviest yet. 

Originally posted on The Blacktooth