It's so rare for people to not only meet their hero, but have them live up their expectations. Glad you had that experience!
Something that has been bugging me about the "Don't blame me, blame my autism" excuse that's been going around is that we're relying on proven bad actors to be honest about their intentions. In general, it's good to take people's intentions into account, but that's more for people who bump into you in the grocery store. When we're talking about sexual assault (and it is assault, regardless of whether physical force was involved) or straight up Nazism, I think it's fine to be more skeptical of people's motivation. Autism doesn't magically exempt people from being assholes.
Thanks for saying, Joe. The Fake Seizure Guy thing has been such a tricky thing to cover - but essentially, my beliefs are summed up in what you just said. I tried to be as fair as possible, but did not want to just "both sides" things for the sake of it. I feel it is pretty clear what is going on... and by now I have talked to a LOT of victims in person.
Yeah, it's a fine line. And to clear, I wasn't criticizing your article or the episode. I thought it was good you stopped and considered if you had all the facts, especially as Fake Seizure Guy isn't a celebrity millionaire/billionaire. And we don't know if he actually HAS autism, or even claims to have it for that matter.
As for Kanye and Elon, I think it's just a shiny object they can use to distract their remaining fans from all the giant, red, Swastika-shaped flags. Their critics are not really the target audience.
Kath's comment was real. I was initially open to the idea that the behavior could be related to autism and didn't want to jump to conclusions. But I cannot imagine doing the things men do, saying it's because I'm autistic, and getting away with it.
Yeah, I can't help it when I have a meltdown, need to leave a place asap because of sensory overload, or totally miss social cues. Those are directly caused by autism. But autism sure as fuck doesn't make someone a Nazi or sexual predator. There's some other shit going on psychologically or that person is choosing evil.
👍👏Most autistic people I know don't INVITE strangers hugging them - it is one of my social problems that I have had trouble "masking" from early childhood 😱
Gotta admit, I've never been able to listen to much of Chris Cornell's work because I tend to be really into lyrics and his hit too hard emotionally. Same with NIN to a degree. But his fucking voice.
I live for music and sing incessantly. Luckily, my husband's mom is a voice teacher, so he can make it through me, for example, working on a piece from Puccini's Madama Butterfly this afternoon. His tuning out skills are well honed lol
Warm, low baritones are my favorites. But his mixing! Chris's technical ability and nearly four octave range were impressive, but combined with his emotional depth—magic.
Whoa, big amounts of deep breathing as I finish watching that. Great interview, thank you. Big emotions at being able to see him again. I stopped working in the music industry in 2005, the industry was in a state of flux at that time. It was interesting hearing Chris talk about the changes. Both Bandcamp and Spotify didn't begin until 2008, but it took many years after that before musicians started to make real money off those platforms. Those musicians (and there was a lot of them) who killed themselves at that time in 2016/17/18 etc was also a time of flux in the industry (well aware there was a hell of a lot more happening in their lives, just talking about how shitty the industry as a whole was in that era), It was a hell time. It is only just the last couple of years where you can change a world economy by touring, as Taylor Swift has done. That is a brand new way.
His eyes looked so sad. Always notice sad eyes.
Looking forward to hearing and seeing the Seattle stuff.
Saw a headline that Kanye West is now saying his diagnosis of bi-polar is wrong he has been re diagnosed with autism. Neither of these diagnosis, just like that Aussie fuckwit, can ever be used as an excuse for being a C..t .
They looked *so* fucking sad, right? I mean - maybe we are just reading into that, and it's just genetics or whatever - but I felt that too. I know it's not the most amazing interview in the world - but he's real, and it's earnest and at times even a little funny. Thanks for taking the time to watch it.
My normally sweet & introverted daughter once said about her sister's ex/Niece's sperms donor 'Just because he's got MS doesn't mean he can be a c*** towards you!' & also 'oh well he'll be dead soon'
It really threw me but she had just had to pick up her baby niece & take her away from him screaming at her sister as she was sobbing 😭
I loved that quote from Frank Guan—my husband and I talked about it the whole way back to our car after the show.
Thanks to you and Rob for hosting such an incredible night Saturday! There’s this post I saw on tumblr awhile back (yes I’m on tumblr in 2025, I don’t wanna hear it 😂) it said something along the lines of “we need to be weirder and so earnest now more than ever.” That’s what the live show felt like to me, heck that’s what Webworm is to me too—and please know, I mean that as a compliment.
The world grows rapidly more overwhelming, but to sit for awhile and laugh together; to be challenged in contemplating the strange and wonderful (and strange and disturbing like Gary)… I’m struggling to find words that capture the meaning it held for me.
I wouldn’t describe Webworm or Flightless Bird as spaces to escape from the world; rather, I think what makes them both special is the genuine and unapologetically human way these communities explore the complexities of it.
Our curiosity connects us and it was inspiring to experience that energy live and in-person on Saturday, thanks again 🤍
This is basically dream feedback to hear, Brenna? Just in that that's exactly what I wanted the night to be like. You plan these things, but you never know how it's gonna go in these live settings. But yeah, the audience made it work. It gelled. Really happy.
THANK YOU.
And yeah - Frank's essay always blew my mind. I went back and forth on whether to read it that day, but once we got there it was clear I needed to.
I’m 1000% with Kath. Why should these awful men who use autism as an excuse for shitty behavior get a pass, when we as autistics have to deal with so much pushback for stimming (that affects NO one) that’s meant to keep us safe? It’s so frustrating.
A bit of a pivot here: I LOVED your interview with Chris Cornell. I still can’t believe he’s not here.
One of my happiest music memories is watching Chris Cornell sing Black Hole Sun alone with an acoustic as the sun set at a BDO in Auckland. It was magical. Thank you, David, for sharing that interview.
Stay off the pipe has to be the best advice ever 😁 I loved this interview David, thanks for sharing it. I am a huge Audioslace, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog fan, grunge is my era. He is a musical hero of mine as well ❤️
Oh my goodness thank you SO much for uploading this!! I remember chatting with you about Chris (and this interview) at the Hollywood last July, I think you took a picture of my CC tattoo. Can’t wait to watch this after work. Thank you 🤍
Chris Cornell was probably *the* defining voice of my teenage years. I came to Soundgarden by way of Audioslave, and when I got my driver’s licence around 2003 I’d drive the dark roads of country New South Wales at 2 in the morning, blasting A-sides and the self-titled Audioslave album from the tinny speakers of my mum’s ‘95 Corolla hatchback. I had one of those cassette tapes that connected to your iPod with a cable.
When I got home, bleary-eyed, I had three posters on my bedroom walls: Viggo Mortensen, Chris Cornell, and Shakira (what can I say). I got my ears pierced to try and look like Chris. I lived and breathed Cornell, Chester Bennington and Maynard Keenan. I still feel rocked that only one of those guys is still with us, and I never got to see the others. It’s a weird, parasocial grief that feels unearned but still very tangible.
Anyway, this hits home, David. I’m jealous that you got to speak with him.
"...Viggo Mortensen, Chris Cornell, and Shakira (what can I say). I got my ears pierced to try and look like Chris. I lived and breathed Cornell, Chester Bennington and Maynard Keenan."
Flightless Bird Live was DELIGHTFUL. I drove up to Seattle after work in Portland on Friday night and went by myself but left the theater with three new friends, which was lovely. So glad I could briefly tell you afterwards how much I adore Webworm. Thanks for being you and doing great work. 💕
It was *really* great you could make it, and I am so glad you said hi. And even more glad you made some buddies. It was such a warm, nice crowd - and having people go "I'm a Webworm person!" was just such a nice vibe. You get me.
💜 Thanks for sharing the interview 👍 - I will save it to savour later as a reward for doing my planned chores. The only time I met a musical "hero" was in Riverton NZ when Ray Columbus was performing at the soundshell (not sure if the Invaders were there 🤷) but my sister hustled me back stage & collared him (👀) & told him how much of a fan I was while I stood silently by & grinned 😁 Then she insisted I took a photo - so backstage with only a normal light & no flash on the camera 🤔😱 I have the memory but no photo! He was so kind & patient 😇 & that is what we want from those we admire eh🤷 I did also meet & spend time with Scottish singer/performer Andy Stewart (of "Donald where's your trousers?" fame) but bit of a let down in that case, & he wasn't so much a "hero" as "famous" - if you know what I mean?
Really looking forward to the live show podcast - sounds like a Webworm Weird World festival 😁 (I keep playing the Cryptid Factor sting for "Weekly Weird World News" in my head when reading about your guests 😂)
🔥Kath had it right on about using austism for an excuse for bad behaviour by these men - don't know about your Aussie creep, but likes of Quelon & others trying to blame it (or their apologists are at least) for their lack of moral fibre or awareness of wrongdoing are the antithesis of those I know "on the spectrum". I really feel worried that some who see them as role models will think being "autistic" might give them licence to be similar 🤬💩💩💩🦆's and of course it will get them into trouble 🥹
Ha, I remember us recording that Weekly World Weird News - so long ago now! Glad you liked it. Also, Ray sounds like a really outstanding guy. Good to hear. It's nice when our heroes end up being quality humans.
I don't get star struck or really have heroes. People are people. But if I ever got to meet Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen King, or Oscar Wilde, I might die on the spot. Only two of these are even remotely possible and they're unfortunately not young, so I think I'm safe.
(If I ever get to meet David Farrier, I might go so far as to blush.)
Chris Cornell was magic in a bottle that we all got to be present with for a short time. Beautiful voice, talented musician and lyricist, and it seemed like a good bloke. That's the thing with life isn't it, none of us live forever and we end up losing all our heroes, some of them far too early. The fact that we got him for so much longer than we got some of his peers is a blessing.
Thanks for sharing something that means so much to you.
I'm just so happy how it was received here - a lot of readers who like his music, and appreciated this old convo that I sort of assumed would never find an audience.
I remember this interview, how awesome to have the opportunity to meet such talented humans as a job. I last saw Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) at westfest 2015. They came on after Faith No More who played a half hearted set and Mike Patton called the crowd "kiwi cunts" dropped the mic and walked of stage in a huff (played only thier new music none of the bangers). Before the crowd turned septic Chris Cornell came on stage and just blew the whole place up with an epic performance. Unforgettable. Purely delightful. We didnt know how lucky we were, he was gone 2 years later😶 thanks for sharing this David👏👏👏
Westchester 2015 was the first and last time I saw him play too! Absolutely amazing and a true bucket list moment for me! He is and always will be my favourite voice in Rock! Thanks so much for sharing this David! I was about a month out from travelling to Seatlle when he passed and I truly grieved, it made my trip so much more poignant to be in the City it all started in when I went there 4 weeks after he passed. Still find it difficult to believe he's gone. This was just so great to watch, thank you!!
It's so rare for people to not only meet their hero, but have them live up their expectations. Glad you had that experience!
Something that has been bugging me about the "Don't blame me, blame my autism" excuse that's been going around is that we're relying on proven bad actors to be honest about their intentions. In general, it's good to take people's intentions into account, but that's more for people who bump into you in the grocery store. When we're talking about sexual assault (and it is assault, regardless of whether physical force was involved) or straight up Nazism, I think it's fine to be more skeptical of people's motivation. Autism doesn't magically exempt people from being assholes.
Thanks for saying, Joe. The Fake Seizure Guy thing has been such a tricky thing to cover - but essentially, my beliefs are summed up in what you just said. I tried to be as fair as possible, but did not want to just "both sides" things for the sake of it. I feel it is pretty clear what is going on... and by now I have talked to a LOT of victims in person.
Yeah, it's a fine line. And to clear, I wasn't criticizing your article or the episode. I thought it was good you stopped and considered if you had all the facts, especially as Fake Seizure Guy isn't a celebrity millionaire/billionaire. And we don't know if he actually HAS autism, or even claims to have it for that matter.
As for Kanye and Elon, I think it's just a shiny object they can use to distract their remaining fans from all the giant, red, Swastika-shaped flags. Their critics are not really the target audience.
Kath's comment was real. I was initially open to the idea that the behavior could be related to autism and didn't want to jump to conclusions. But I cannot imagine doing the things men do, saying it's because I'm autistic, and getting away with it.
Yeah, I can't help it when I have a meltdown, need to leave a place asap because of sensory overload, or totally miss social cues. Those are directly caused by autism. But autism sure as fuck doesn't make someone a Nazi or sexual predator. There's some other shit going on psychologically or that person is choosing evil.
👍👏Most autistic people I know don't INVITE strangers hugging them - it is one of my social problems that I have had trouble "masking" from early childhood 😱
This post was a wild ride, even for Webworm.
*raises hand in response to Kath*
Gotta admit, I've never been able to listen to much of Chris Cornell's work because I tend to be really into lyrics and his hit too hard emotionally. Same with NIN to a degree. But his fucking voice.
I live for music and sing incessantly. Luckily, my husband's mom is a voice teacher, so he can make it through me, for example, working on a piece from Puccini's Madama Butterfly this afternoon. His tuning out skills are well honed lol
SAME on his voice and also singing incessantly. I have a Dan Forrest solo piece to rehearse today before I go off to choir tonight!
When I heard that he passed, I cried for a few minutes. We don't get to hear voices like his very often in life.
Warm, low baritones are my favorites. But his mixing! Chris's technical ability and nearly four octave range were impressive, but combined with his emotional depth—magic.
Have fun at choir!!
Whoa, big amounts of deep breathing as I finish watching that. Great interview, thank you. Big emotions at being able to see him again. I stopped working in the music industry in 2005, the industry was in a state of flux at that time. It was interesting hearing Chris talk about the changes. Both Bandcamp and Spotify didn't begin until 2008, but it took many years after that before musicians started to make real money off those platforms. Those musicians (and there was a lot of them) who killed themselves at that time in 2016/17/18 etc was also a time of flux in the industry (well aware there was a hell of a lot more happening in their lives, just talking about how shitty the industry as a whole was in that era), It was a hell time. It is only just the last couple of years where you can change a world economy by touring, as Taylor Swift has done. That is a brand new way.
His eyes looked so sad. Always notice sad eyes.
Looking forward to hearing and seeing the Seattle stuff.
Saw a headline that Kanye West is now saying his diagnosis of bi-polar is wrong he has been re diagnosed with autism. Neither of these diagnosis, just like that Aussie fuckwit, can ever be used as an excuse for being a C..t .
They looked *so* fucking sad, right? I mean - maybe we are just reading into that, and it's just genetics or whatever - but I felt that too. I know it's not the most amazing interview in the world - but he's real, and it's earnest and at times even a little funny. Thanks for taking the time to watch it.
Omg I so agree with you on that one Jasmine.
My normally sweet & introverted daughter once said about her sister's ex/Niece's sperms donor 'Just because he's got MS doesn't mean he can be a c*** towards you!' & also 'oh well he'll be dead soon'
It really threw me but she had just had to pick up her baby niece & take her away from him screaming at her sister as she was sobbing 😭
It doesn't excuse a damn thing alright.
I loved that quote from Frank Guan—my husband and I talked about it the whole way back to our car after the show.
Thanks to you and Rob for hosting such an incredible night Saturday! There’s this post I saw on tumblr awhile back (yes I’m on tumblr in 2025, I don’t wanna hear it 😂) it said something along the lines of “we need to be weirder and so earnest now more than ever.” That’s what the live show felt like to me, heck that’s what Webworm is to me too—and please know, I mean that as a compliment.
The world grows rapidly more overwhelming, but to sit for awhile and laugh together; to be challenged in contemplating the strange and wonderful (and strange and disturbing like Gary)… I’m struggling to find words that capture the meaning it held for me.
I wouldn’t describe Webworm or Flightless Bird as spaces to escape from the world; rather, I think what makes them both special is the genuine and unapologetically human way these communities explore the complexities of it.
Our curiosity connects us and it was inspiring to experience that energy live and in-person on Saturday, thanks again 🤍
This is basically dream feedback to hear, Brenna? Just in that that's exactly what I wanted the night to be like. You plan these things, but you never know how it's gonna go in these live settings. But yeah, the audience made it work. It gelled. Really happy.
THANK YOU.
And yeah - Frank's essay always blew my mind. I went back and forth on whether to read it that day, but once we got there it was clear I needed to.
I’m 1000% with Kath. Why should these awful men who use autism as an excuse for shitty behavior get a pass, when we as autistics have to deal with so much pushback for stimming (that affects NO one) that’s meant to keep us safe? It’s so frustrating.
A bit of a pivot here: I LOVED your interview with Chris Cornell. I still can’t believe he’s not here.
Same.
Same.
One of my happiest music memories is watching Chris Cornell sing Black Hole Sun alone with an acoustic as the sun set at a BDO in Auckland. It was magical. Thank you, David, for sharing that interview.
Oh, what a fuckin' treat. What year was that?
Stay off the pipe has to be the best advice ever 😁 I loved this interview David, thanks for sharing it. I am a huge Audioslace, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog fan, grunge is my era. He is a musical hero of mine as well ❤️
Oh my goodness thank you SO much for uploading this!! I remember chatting with you about Chris (and this interview) at the Hollywood last July, I think you took a picture of my CC tattoo. Can’t wait to watch this after work. Thank you 🤍
I did! And I am glad I finally got this thing encoded and uploaded! I hope I did it justice.
What a lovely interview. He was such a beautiful and talented person. So glad you shared this ❤️
Thanks, Tegan.
Chris Cornell was probably *the* defining voice of my teenage years. I came to Soundgarden by way of Audioslave, and when I got my driver’s licence around 2003 I’d drive the dark roads of country New South Wales at 2 in the morning, blasting A-sides and the self-titled Audioslave album from the tinny speakers of my mum’s ‘95 Corolla hatchback. I had one of those cassette tapes that connected to your iPod with a cable.
When I got home, bleary-eyed, I had three posters on my bedroom walls: Viggo Mortensen, Chris Cornell, and Shakira (what can I say). I got my ears pierced to try and look like Chris. I lived and breathed Cornell, Chester Bennington and Maynard Keenan. I still feel rocked that only one of those guys is still with us, and I never got to see the others. It’s a weird, parasocial grief that feels unearned but still very tangible.
Anyway, this hits home, David. I’m jealous that you got to speak with him.
EXCELLENT fucking taste in those pokers. 10/10. Would do again.
"...Viggo Mortensen, Chris Cornell, and Shakira (what can I say). I got my ears pierced to try and look like Chris. I lived and breathed Cornell, Chester Bennington and Maynard Keenan."
Excellent taste.
Flightless Bird Live was DELIGHTFUL. I drove up to Seattle after work in Portland on Friday night and went by myself but left the theater with three new friends, which was lovely. So glad I could briefly tell you afterwards how much I adore Webworm. Thanks for being you and doing great work. 💕
It was *really* great you could make it, and I am so glad you said hi. And even more glad you made some buddies. It was such a warm, nice crowd - and having people go "I'm a Webworm person!" was just such a nice vibe. You get me.
So excited to watch this, HUGE Soundgarden fan! Congrats on your first live show!
💜 Thanks for sharing the interview 👍 - I will save it to savour later as a reward for doing my planned chores. The only time I met a musical "hero" was in Riverton NZ when Ray Columbus was performing at the soundshell (not sure if the Invaders were there 🤷) but my sister hustled me back stage & collared him (👀) & told him how much of a fan I was while I stood silently by & grinned 😁 Then she insisted I took a photo - so backstage with only a normal light & no flash on the camera 🤔😱 I have the memory but no photo! He was so kind & patient 😇 & that is what we want from those we admire eh🤷 I did also meet & spend time with Scottish singer/performer Andy Stewart (of "Donald where's your trousers?" fame) but bit of a let down in that case, & he wasn't so much a "hero" as "famous" - if you know what I mean?
Really looking forward to the live show podcast - sounds like a Webworm Weird World festival 😁 (I keep playing the Cryptid Factor sting for "Weekly Weird World News" in my head when reading about your guests 😂)
🔥Kath had it right on about using austism for an excuse for bad behaviour by these men - don't know about your Aussie creep, but likes of Quelon & others trying to blame it (or their apologists are at least) for their lack of moral fibre or awareness of wrongdoing are the antithesis of those I know "on the spectrum". I really feel worried that some who see them as role models will think being "autistic" might give them licence to be similar 🤬💩💩💩🦆's and of course it will get them into trouble 🥹
Ha, I remember us recording that Weekly World Weird News - so long ago now! Glad you liked it. Also, Ray sounds like a really outstanding guy. Good to hear. It's nice when our heroes end up being quality humans.
Aww, that's such a cute story!
I don't get star struck or really have heroes. People are people. But if I ever got to meet Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen King, or Oscar Wilde, I might die on the spot. Only two of these are even remotely possible and they're unfortunately not young, so I think I'm safe.
(If I ever get to meet David Farrier, I might go so far as to blush.)
Aww David! Thanks!
Chris Cornell was magic in a bottle that we all got to be present with for a short time. Beautiful voice, talented musician and lyricist, and it seemed like a good bloke. That's the thing with life isn't it, none of us live forever and we end up losing all our heroes, some of them far too early. The fact that we got him for so much longer than we got some of his peers is a blessing.
Thanks for sharing something that means so much to you.
I'm just so happy how it was received here - a lot of readers who like his music, and appreciated this old convo that I sort of assumed would never find an audience.
Happy.
Tautoko Kath.
I remember this interview, how awesome to have the opportunity to meet such talented humans as a job. I last saw Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) at westfest 2015. They came on after Faith No More who played a half hearted set and Mike Patton called the crowd "kiwi cunts" dropped the mic and walked of stage in a huff (played only thier new music none of the bangers). Before the crowd turned septic Chris Cornell came on stage and just blew the whole place up with an epic performance. Unforgettable. Purely delightful. We didnt know how lucky we were, he was gone 2 years later😶 thanks for sharing this David👏👏👏
Westchester 2015 was the first and last time I saw him play too! Absolutely amazing and a true bucket list moment for me! He is and always will be my favourite voice in Rock! Thanks so much for sharing this David! I was about a month out from travelling to Seatlle when he passed and I truly grieved, it made my trip so much more poignant to be in the City it all started in when I went there 4 weeks after he passed. Still find it difficult to believe he's gone. This was just so great to watch, thank you!!
*Westfest