Meeting Sevendust front man Lajon Witherspoon for the first time, he's a bit imposing. His dreadlocks flow about, seemingly ready to come to life, like Medusa's snakes. He looks like he spends a few hours a day in the gym, with his thick biceps and washboard stomach. He sports a ring-pierced nose, which makes him look like a bull ready to charge. To top it off, his ripped muscles are covered with tattoos. It's a lot to take in. All that flows away in a moment as he flashes a
smile that fills the room. He's as nice as they come, full of Southern charm and wit, and
a sincere appreciation that someone wants to speak to him, of all people. Lajon is more
than accommodating and he's happy to address any subject. It's obvious that fame hasn't
gone to his head. "We never thought we’d be selling albums and being
successful," offers Once Sevendust hits the stage, forget the smile and the charm, too. Lajon stalks about the stage like a gray wolf on the prowl. The stage is his territory, and the crowd his prey. They remain in his grasp for the balance of the evening, under the spell. After a few minutes, he's drenched in sweat and in a self-induced trance like Mr. Hyde, the music flowing from him and band mates Morgan Rose, Clint Lowery, John Connolly and Vinnie Hornsby. It's an evening that takes all the energy the crowd has. No one is left wanting. After sets from Kittie and Sevendust, it's a night to remember. Prior to all the happenings at the esteemed House of Blues in Los Angeles, where Sevendust was out in support of their latest release, Home (TVT), VOX spent some time with the Dr. Jeckyl side of Lajon Witherspoon. We were happy to be on his good side for the evening. Read on… |
Ashes to Ashes,
Lajon,
quick to minimize the accomplishments, "If that’s what you want to call
it." He's very self-effacing and we quickly forget he can snap most people in two
like a twig.