WES BORLAND On His Departure From LIMP BIZKIT: 'I Wanted To Get Away From This Set Sound'

Former LIMP BIZKIT guitarist Wes Borland recently spoke to Kerrang! magazine about his departure from the group.

"One thing about LIMP BIZKIT that I wanted to get away from was this set sound that I couldn't break out of," Wes explained. "Without giving any disrespect to those guys, I think the five of us had locked into a formula, and the only answer was to go and play with my brother who I'd almost lost touch with, but who's into more experimental music and, having never been in a band with a deal or expectations to meet, is much more of a wilder thinker. He brought in new influences, like RADIOHEAD, THE APHEX TWINS, SQUAREPUSHER, autechre groups with texture and sounds that can be tied in with hard rock and metal.

"I wish I could have brought some of [those influences] into LIMP BIZKIT. There was just no time. I just don't think it would have happened to the degree that I would have liked it to," he shrugged. "I totally wish those guys the best because they're pursuing a sound that is much more agreeable to their palettes, but so am I. I don't think [LIMP BIZKIT frontman] Fred [Durst] would like songs that are nine minutes long. He's just not interested in that."

"There was a certain amount of friction when I first left. I think that with any divorce there's going to be grief and ill will. But those feelings have mellowed somewhat. I ran into John, the bass player... [pausing, thoughtfully, mildly confused] I mean, I ran into John, and the bass player Sam," he laughed. "John is the drummer. I'm sorry, it's been a long time. So yeah, I ran into the bass player once and the drummer twice, just in the parking lot of the grocery store. We talked and it was kind of awkward, but nice. I told them that I missed them and they said the same. Then I saw the whole band in a restaurant once, but Fred and I didn't speak. I'd like to, but it won't happen for awhile."

With respect to Fred's claim that he came up with all the guitar parts for LIMP BIZKIT and he told Wes what to play during Borland's tenure in the group, Wes said, "That's not accurate. I have trouble thinking that he actually said that. I'm hoping that he was misquoted on that one. I don't... I mean, he's...maybe he meant he helped arrange the songs? I don't recall seeing him ever play guitar in the studio."