Fred Durst
{{Short description|American musician (born 1970)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Fred Durst
| image = Fred Durst 2021 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Durst in 2021
| birth_name = Frederick Allen Mayne III
| alias = William Frederick Durst
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|8|20}}
| birth_place = Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
| origin = North Carolina, U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| instrument = {{flatlist|
- Vocals
- guitar
}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Musician
- rapper
- singer
- songwriter
- director
- actor
}}
| years_active = 1990–present
| current_member_of = Limp Bizkit
| spouse = {{plainlist|
- {{marriage|Rachel Tergesen|1990|1993|end=div}}
- {{marriage|Esther Nazarov|2009|2009|end=div}}
- {{marriage|Kseniya Beryazina|2012|2019|end=div}}
- {{marriage|Arles Durst
|2022}}
}}
| website = {{URL|freddurst.com}}
}}
William Frederick Durst (born Frederick Allen Mayne III; August 20, 1970){{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/limp-bizkit-how-significant-other-saw-the-nu-metal-anti-heroes-take-over-the-world/|title=Limp Bizkit: How Significant Other Saw The Nu-Metal Anti-Heroes Take Over The World|author=Sam Law|work=Kerrang|date=June 22, 2020|accessdate=March 16, 2021|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625210111/https://www.kerrang.com/features/limp-bizkit-how-significant-other-saw-the-nu-metal-anti-heroes-take-over-the-world/|url-status=live}} is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and director. He is the frontman and lyricist of the nu metal band Limp Bizkit, formed in 1994, with whom he has released six studio albums.
Since 2006, Durst has worked on a number of independent films. He co-starred in Population 436, and made his directorial debut in 2007 with The Education of Charlie Banks. He followed with The Longshots in 2008. His latest film, The Fanatic, came out in 2019.
Early life
Durst was born Frederick Allen Mayne III in Jacksonville, Florida, but soon moved to Orlando and then to a farm in Cherryville, North Carolina, at one year old. His mother Anita had him rechristened as William Frederick Durst after remarrying Bill Durst, a local police officer. Shortly after, Durst's parents had another child, his half-brother Cory Durst. In the fifth grade, he moved to Gastonia, North Carolina, where he graduated from Hunter Huss High School.{{cite web|url=https://www.hamovhotov.com/celebrities/?p=923|title=Fred Durst: <<< All About Celebrities}}{{cite web | url=https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2013/05/24/how-being-bullied-at-gastonia-nc-school-helped-durst-form-limp-bizkit/30028658007/ | title=How being bullied at Gastonia, NC, school helped Durst form Limp Bizkit }}{{cite web |url=http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/092299/dsr_0922bizk.html |title=Jacksonville.com: No. 1 son 09/22/99 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020828063850/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/092299/dsr_0922bizk.html |archive-date=August 28, 2002 |access-date=February 28, 2020}}{{Cite book |last=Cepeda |first=Raquel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KFUyjave3gUC&q=fred+durst+cherryville&pg=PA221 |title=And It Don't Stop: The Best American Hip-Hop Journalism of the Last 25 Years |date=September 29, 2004 |publisher=Farrar, Straus and Giroux |isbn=978-1-4668-1046-4 |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Media |first=Bernie Petit / Halifax |title=Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst reflects on growing up in Cherryville and Gastonia |url=https://www.shelbystar.com/article/20130523/lifestyle/305239773 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228022908/https://www.shelbystar.com/article/20130523/lifestyle/305239773 |archive-date=February 28, 2020 |access-date=February 28, 2020 |website=Shelby Star |language=en}} As a child, Durst was bullied, which he incorporated into his music. At the age of 12, Durst took an interest in breakdancing, hip hop, punk rock, and heavy metal. He began to rap, skate, beatbox, and DJ. Leaving the Navy after two years (1988–1990), Durst moved back to Jacksonville with his father where he worked as a landscaper and a tattoo artist while developing an idea for a band that combined elements of rock and hip-hop.{{Cite book |last=Devenish |first=Colin |url=https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/1 |title=Limp Bizkit |publisher=St. Martin's |year=2000 |isbn=0-312-26349-X |pages=[https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/1 1–20]}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/fred-durst-p240084/biography |title=Fred Durst Biography |last=Ankeny, Jason |website=Allmusic |access-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210051812/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/fred-durst-p240084/biography |url-status=live }}
Career
=Formation of Limp Bizkit (1994–1998)=
{{see also|Limp Bizkit|Limp Bizkit discography}}
In 1994, Durst, Malachi Sage bassist Sam Rivers, and Rivers' highschool friend John Otto jammed together and wrote three songs. Guitarist Wes Borland later joined. Durst named the band Limp Bizkit because he wanted a name that would repel listeners.{{Cite book |last=Devenish |first=Colin |url=https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/21 |title=Limp Bizkit |publisher=St. Martin's |year=2000 |isbn=0-312-26349-X |pages=[https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/21 21–51]}} Limp Bizkit developed a cult following in the underground music scene when its covers of George Michael's "Faith" and Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" began to attract curious concertgoers.
Later, when Korn performed in town as the opening act for Sick of It All, Durst invited Korn to his house. He was able to persuade bassist Reginald Arvizu to listen to demos of the songs "Pollution", "Counterfeit", and "Stalemate". Korn added a then-unsigned Limp Bizkit to two tours, which gave the band a new audience.{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p213327/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Limp Bizkit – Biography |last=Bush |first=John |year=2006 |website=Allmusic |access-date=January 27, 2008}} DJ Lethal, formerly of the hip hop group House of Pain, joined the band as a turntablist. During this time Durst's disagreements with Borland led the guitarist to briefly leave the band, but re-join soon after.
In 1997, Limp Bizkit signed with Flip Records, a subsidiary of Interscope Records, and released their debut album, Three Dollar Bill, Y'all to moderate response. On October 23, 1997, Durst met the band Staind, but friction quickly emerged between the two over the cover art of Staind's album. Durst unsuccessfully attempted to remove Staind from a concert bill shortly before their performance, but after hearing the band play,{{Cite book |last=Devenish |first=Colin |url=https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/127 |title=Limp Bizkit |publisher=St. Martin's |year=2000 |isbn=0-312-26349-X |pages=[https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/127 127–153]}} he was so impressed that he signed them to Flip/Elektra, recorded a demo with the band, and co-produced their next album, Dysfunction.
After Limp Bizkit finished a tour with the band Deftones, Durst and DJ Lethal were asked by Max Cavalera, formerly of the band Sepultura, to appear on "Bleed", a song from the self-titled debut of his new band Soulfly. Cavalera stated that producer Ross Robinson recommended that he work with Durst.{{Cite book |last=Devenish |first=Colin |url=https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/51 |title=Limp Bizkit |publisher=St. Martin's |year=2000 |isbn=0-312-26349-X |pages=[https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve/page/51 51–78]}} Durst also made an appearance on Korn's album Follow the Leader. Jonathan Davis had intended to write a battle rap with B-Real of Cypress Hill, but the latter's label wouldn't let him do it, and Durst was tapped instead. Davis and Durst wrote the lyrics for "All in the Family", which featured the two vocalists trading insults. Davis and Durst would often offer suggestions for each other's lyrics; a lyric written by Durst as "tootin' on your bagpipe" was changed to "fagpipes" by Davis, who stated "I helped him bag on me better".
Durst began to take an interest in filmmaking, directing the music video for Limp Bizkit's single "Faith" in promotion for its appearance in the film Very Bad Things; he was unsatisfied with it and made a second video which paid tribute to tour mates Primus, Deftones and Mötley Crüe, who appeared in the video.
=Mainstream success (1998–2005)=
File:Fred Durst at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.JPG at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival]]
Limp Bizkit achieved mainstream success with the albums Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000). In June 1999, Durst was appointed Senior Vice President of A&R at Interscope.{{cite web |author=MTV News Staff |title=Limp Bizkit's Durst Gets VP Post With Interscope |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431286/limp-bizkits-durst-gets-vp-post-with-interscope/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001010905/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431286/limp-bizkits-durst-gets-vp-post-with-interscope/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |website=MTV News |language=en}} Durst utilized his connections through the label and scouted numerous bands; landing record deals for Cold, Staind, Puddle of Mudd, and She Wants Revenge. Durst would also aid in attracting other bands such as 30 Seconds to Mars and Taproot,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvDSfBJ-vOQ&t=92s|title=Diary of Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock [Limptropolis Tour 1999] (Full Episode)|website=YouTube |date=August 26, 2017 }} though Durst would pass on 30 Seconds to Mars, and he later engaged in a minor feud with Taproot after they rejected his original offer to sign the group to interscope in 1999.Rolling Stone, [https://web.archive.org/web/20071113111241/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/taproot/articles/story/5934724/taproot_laying_down_new_album "Taproot Laying Down New Album"], Posted March 6, 2002.
In the summer of 1999, Limp Bizkit played at the highly anticipated Woodstock '99 festival in front of approximately 200,000 people. The concert was tarnished by violent behavior from the crowd, much of which occurred during and after their performance, including fans tearing plywood from the walls during the song "Break Stuff". Several sexual assaults were reported in the aftermath of the concert.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/july99/woodstock29.htm |title=Police Investigate Reports of Rapes at Woodstock |date=July 29, 1999 |access-date=July 21, 2011 |work=Washingtonpost.com |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219071649/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/july99/woodstock29.htm |url-status=live }} Durst stated during the concert, "People are getting hurt. Don't let anybody get hurt. But I don't think you should mellow out. That's what Alanis Morissette had you motherfuckers do. If someone falls, pick 'em up. We already let the negative energy out. Now we wanna let out the positive energy". Durst later stated in an interview, "I didn't see anybody getting hurt. You don't see that. When you're looking out on a sea of people and the stage is twenty feet in the air and you're performing, and you're feeling your music, how do they expect us to see something bad going on?" Les Claypool told the San Francisco Examiner, "Woodstock was just Durst being Durst. His attitude is 'no press is bad press', so he brings it on himself. He wallows in it. Still, he's a great guy." "It's easy to point the finger and blame [us], but they hired us for what we do — and all we did is what we do. I would turn the finger and point it back to the people that hired us," said Durst, in reference to original Woodstock co-founder, Michael Lang.{{cite web|last=Herman|first=James Patrick|date=August 23, 2019|title=Fred Durst Has No Woodstock '99 Regrets: 'Limp Bizkit Is an Easy Target So Bring it On'|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/limp-bizkit-woodstock-99-fred-durst-no-regrets-1203312851/|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901101348/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/limp-bizkit-woodstock-99-fred-durst-no-regrets-1203312851/|url-status=live}}
In June 2000, Limp Bizkit's tour was sponsored by the controversial file sharing service Napster. Durst was an outspoken advocate of file sharing. During the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, Durst performed Limp Bizkit's song "Livin' It Up", as a duet with Christina Aguilera. In response to the performance, Filter frontman Richard Patrick claimed that "Fred getting onstage with Christina Aguilera embarrassed us all."{{cite web|date=October 3, 2000|title=Limp's Durst Explains Aguilera Duet|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424786/20001003/aguilera_christina.jhtml|access-date=December 17, 2011|publisher=MTV News|archive-date=December 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225011804/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424786/20001003/aguilera_christina.jhtml|url-status=dead}} In response to the negative reactions to the performance, Durst remarked, "People always just wanna talk about Britney or Christina. What's the problem? Because they make a type of music we aren't allowed to like? Or you think they are the nemesis of what our music is about? Why segregate? Why be so musically fuckin' racist? What do you mean, I can't hang out with these types of people? Clearly I didn't give a fuck, which fed a lot of it, too. I mean, someone that's not going to give in and apologise... it's gonna make people carry on talking."{{cite web|author=Metal Hammer|date=August 20, 2020|title=Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst: "I'm Dr Frankenstein and the guy in the red cap is my creature"|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/limp-bizkit-the-gospel-according-to-fred-durst|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=loudersound|language=en|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901101350/https://www.loudersound.com/features/limp-bizkit-the-gospel-according-to-fred-durst|url-status=live}}
During a 2001 tour of Australia at the Big Day Out festival in Sydney, fans rushed the stage in the mosh pit, and teenager Jessica Michalik died of asphyxiation. In Auckland, New Zealand, on the same tour, Durst threw water over the head of a security personnel tasked with defusing a similar situation.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/doublej/music-reads/features/how-the-big-day-out-lost-its-innocence/11606956 |title='I had her hand, then I let it go': the Big Day Out loses its innocence |last=Paul Donoughue |first=Gabrielle Burke and Mike Williams |date=October 17, 2019 |website=Double J |language=en |access-date=October 21, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020150912/https://www.abc.net.au/doublej/music-reads/features/how-the-big-day-out-lost-its-innocence/11606956 |url-status=live }} During the Big Day Out crush, Durst has been accused of taunting security guards intervening in the situation.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77648/report-critical-of-bizkit-in-big-day-out-death |title=Report Critical Of Bizkit In Big Day Out Death |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 21, 2019 |archive-date=October 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021162216/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77648/report-critical-of-bizkit-in-big-day-out-death |url-status=live }} In court, Durst, represented by his long-time attorney, Ed McPherson, testified he had warned the concert's organizers Aaron Jackson, Will Pearce and Amar Tailor and promoter Vivian Lees of the potential dangers of such minimal security.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1148637.stm |title=Limp Bizkit 'devastated' by fan death |date=February 1, 2001 |work=BBC News |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-date=June 5, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605235934/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1148637.stm |url-status=live }} After viewing video and hearing witness testimony, the coroner said it was evident that the density of the crowd was dangerous at the time Limp Bizkit took the stage and Durst should have acted more responsibly when the problem became apparent.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458584/aussie-court-easy-on-bizkit.jhtml |title=Organizers Blamed in Limp Bizkit Mosh-Pit Death |last=D'Angelo, Joe |date=November 8, 2002 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624013516/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458584/aussie-court-easy-on-bizkit.jhtml |url-status=dead }} Durst stated that he was "emotionally scarred" because of the teenager's death.{{Cite news |last=Glendinning |first=Lee |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/17/1023864403550.html |title=Limp Bizkit singer tells of emotional scars from Big Day Out tragedy |date=June 18, 2002 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne |access-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-date=May 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519185052/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/17/1023864403550.html |url-status=live }}
In 2002, Durst was tapped to write songs for Britney Spears, and later said that he was in a relationship with her. Spears denied Durst's claims. In a 2009 interview, he explained that "I just guess at the time it was taboo for a guy like me to be associated with a gal like her."{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607309/20090319/spears_britney.jhtml |title=Fred Durst Looks Back at His Relationship With Britney Spears |last=Jacks |first=Brian |date=March 19, 2009 |publisher=MTV |access-date=June 6, 2010 |archive-date=August 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813112042/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607309/20090319/spears_britney.jhtml |url-status=dead }} In February 2005, a sex tape featuring Durst was released on the Internet. Durst filed a $70 million lawsuit against ten websites that posted the video.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497523/20050225/limp_bizkit.jhtml?headlines=true |title=Fred Durst Says Sex Video Stolen From His PC |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=February 25, 2005 |publisher=MTV |access-date=March 6, 2008 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623032813/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497523/fred-durst-sex-video-stolen-from-his-pc.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-03-08-fred-durst-lawsuit_x.htm |title=Limp Bizkit rocker sues over Web sex tape |date=March 9, 2005 |work=USA Today |access-date=July 19, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=May 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525150124/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-03-08-fred-durst-lawsuit_x.htm |url-status=live }}
In May 2003, it was reported that Durst was working on a New Wave side-project alongside Limp Bizkit's Results May Vary album. The band, named Pacifica, was reportedly in its "very early stages" and had a sound reminiscent of Duran Duran and Soft Cell.{{cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|title=Wild Boy Fred Durst Working On New Wave Solo Project|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1471842/wild-boy-fred-durst-working-on-new-wave-solo-project/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032310/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471842/wild-boy-fred-durst-working-on-new-wave-solo-project/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2021|website=MTV News|language=en}} News about the band stopped quickly and no releases ever surfaced.
In July 2003, Limp Bizkit participated on the Summer Sanitarium Tour, headlined by Metallica.{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=James |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1497672/03022005/mudvayne.jhtml |title=Mudvayne Lose The Makeup, Find Inspiration in Isolation |date=March 2, 2005 |access-date=January 5, 2009 |publisher=MTV News |archive-date=September 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907052837/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1497672/03022005/mudvayne.jhtml |url-status=dead }} In the days preceding the tour's stop in Chicago, local radio personality Mancow Muller mocked Durst and suggested that listeners who were attending the concert should heckle the singer and throw debris.{{Cite magazine |last=Susman |first=Gary |date=July 29, 2003 |title=Throw Stuff |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/07/29/chicago-concertgoers-boo-bizkit-stage/ |magazine=EW.com |access-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022054444/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,471517,00.html |url-status=live }} With the crowd chanting "fuck Fred Durst" and pelting the stage with garbage, Durst erupted after six songs, threw the microphone down and walked off stage.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1474912/20030728/limp_bizkit.jhtml |title=Limp Bizkit Walk Offstage After Chicago Crowd Gets Hostile – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=July 28, 2003 |publisher=MTV |access-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-date=February 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210105747/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1474912/20030728/limp_bizkit.jhtml |url-status=dead }} Durst was eventually sued for breach of contract (for not completing the show) by Chicago lawyer Michael Young in a class-action suit.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3178492.stm |title=Fans sue Limp Bizkit over walkout |date=October 9, 2003 |work=BBC News |access-date=May 23, 2009 |archive-date=May 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520041641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3178492.stm |url-status=live }}
In May 2005, The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) was released. Sammy Siegler took over drumming duties for the band for much of the album. At Durst's insistence, the album was released as an underground album, without any advertising or promotion.{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1514094/20051118/limp_bizkit.jhtml |title=Music Ruined Wes Borland's Life, So He's Formed A New Band |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=November 18, 2005 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=December 14, 2011}}{{dead link|date=November 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526158/borland-casts-doubt-on-limp-bizkits-future.jhtml |title=Bye Bye Bizkit? Wes Borland Says Limp Are Pretty Much Done |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=March 17, 2006 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=December 14, 2011 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101130958/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526158/borland-casts-doubt-on-limp-bizkits-future.jhtml |url-status=dead }} The album sold over 2,000,000 copies worldwide, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/ |title=Limp Bizkit: What Happened? |last=Moss |first=Corey |publisher=MTV News |access-date=December 14, 2011 |archive-date=May 25, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525034504/http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://allmusic.com/artist/limp-bizkit-p213327/charts-awards |title=Limp Bizkit – Charts & Awards |website=Allmusic |access-date=December 14, 2011 |archive-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727230023/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/limp-bizkit-mn0000290502/awards |url-status=live }} Durst later announced that despite the album's title, no sequel to The Unquestionable Truth would be produced.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/gold-cobra-r2210421/review |title=Gold Cobra – Limp Bizkit |last=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas |website=Allmusic |access-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-date=December 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206042217/http://www.allmusic.com/album/gold-cobra-r2210421/review |url-status=live }} Later in the year, the band released a Greatest Hitz album.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1512963/11032005/limp_bizkit.jhtml |title=Fred Durst Says Limp Bizkit Are About To Bring on the Gravy – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=November 3, 2005 |publisher=MTV |access-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-date=May 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527093029/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1512963/11032005/limp_bizkit.jhtml |url-status=dead }}
Having been bullied while growing up, Durst disliked seeing people "using my music as fuel to torture other people"; feeling that his music was being misinterpreted, he would later cite this as the reason for the band taking a hiatus.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fred-durst-limp-bizkit-was-used-as-fuel-to-torture-other-people-108646/ |title=Fred Durst: Limp Bizkit Was Used as "Fuel to Torture Other People" |last=Greene |first=Andy |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=June 18, 2009 |access-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424220056/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fred-durst-limp-bizkit-was-used-as-fuel-to-torture-other-people-108646/ |url-status=live }}
Durst also said that he created a character for his music, but that he was also misunderstood by the public: "I always knew the guy in the red cap was not me. I'm Dr Frankenstein and that's my creature. Being a breakdancer, a graffiti artist, a tattoo artist and liking rock and hip hop was too much; it was a conscious effort to create Fred Durst and eventually I had to bring that guy out more than I wanted to. It took on a life of its own. I had to check into that character – the gorilla, the thing, the red cap guy. It's a painful transformation, but I do it 'cos that's what I was taught to do when you have people pulling at you".{{cite web |author=Metal Hammer |date=August 20, 2020 |title=Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst: "I'm Dr Frankenstein and the guy in the red cap is my creature" |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/limp-bizkit-the-gospel-according-to-fred-durst |access-date=May 6, 2022 |website=Louder Sound |language=en}}
=Start of film career (2006–2009)=
While Limp Bizkit was on hiatus, Durst began working in independent films. In 2006, Durst costarred in the film Population 436. His directorial debut, The Education of Charlie Banks, was released the following year. The film, which starred Jesse Eisenberg, Chris Marquette and Jason Ritter, received mixed reviews; Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a score of 48% based on reviews from 31 critics. The website's consensus stated, "Unevenness and earnestness mire this otherwise sweet, surprising coming of age drama."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/education_of_charlie_banks/ |title=The Education of Charlie Banks |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-date=December 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209185734/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/education_of_charlie_banks/ |url-status=live }} A second directorial effort, The Longshots, starring Ice Cube and Keke Palmer, was released in 2008. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a score of 41% based on 71 reviews, with the site's consensus indicating that the film was "a largely formulaic affair, rarely deviating from the inspirational sports movie playbook."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/longshots/ |title=The Longshots |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=December 17, 2021 |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620231849/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/longshots/ |url-status=live }} The same year, Durst appeared as a bartender in two episodes of the television medical drama House, M.D.{{Cite magazine |last=Romero |first=Michelle |date=May 13, 2008 |title='House': Head Case |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20199656,00.html |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019072711/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20199656,00.html |url-status=dead }}
=Limp Bizkit reunion (2009–present)=
In 2009, the original lineup of Limp Bizkit reunited and began touring. Durst announced that they had begun to record a new album, Gold Cobra.{{cite web |url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/11/world_exclusive_limp_bizkit_na.html |title=World exclusive! Limp Bizkit name new album |last=Simon |date=November 30, 2009 |website=Kerrang.com |publisher=Bauer Performance |access-date=November 30, 2009 |archive-date=December 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203112253/http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/11/world_exclusive_limp_bizkit_na.html |url-status=live }} The album was released on June 28, 2011, receiving mixed reviews.{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/gold-cobra |title=Gold Cobra at Metacritic |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 26, 2011 |archive-date=July 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703174900/http://www.metacritic.com/music/gold-cobra |url-status=live }} It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200.
In 2012, Durst appeared on the Insane Clown Posse cover album Smothered, Covered & Chunked on a cover of AMG's "Bitch Betta Have My Money".{{youTube|JU8fwgGMiGU|Insane Clown Posse – The Mighty Death Pop – Infomercial}} In February 2012, Lil Wayne announced in a radio interview that Limp Bizkit had signed to his label, Cash Money Records, which Durst confirmed on his Twitter page.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-cash-money-signs-limp-bizkit-20120224 |title=Lil Wayne: Cash Money Signs Limp Biskit |magazine=Rolling Stone |location=New York |access-date=August 22, 2017 |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730183257/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-cash-money-signs-limp-bizkit-20120224 |url-status=live }} A few months later Durst was featured alongside Lil Wayne and Birdman on the Kevin Rudolf song "Champions", which peaked in the top 10 on iTunes.
Originally, Durst was to direct and produce the film Pawn Shop Chronicles, starring Paul Walker;{{Cite magazine |last=Kit, Borys |date=February 12, 2011 |title=Paul Walker to Star in Fred Durst's 'Pawn Shop Chronicles' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paul-walker-star-fred-dursts-98917 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528002925/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paul-walker-star-fred-dursts-98917 |url-status=live }} but Wayne Kramer was later chosen to direct the film.{{Cite magazine |last=Fleming |first=Mike |title=Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, Elijah Wood, Vincent D'Onofrio Join Wayne Kramer's 'Pawn Shop Chronicles' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/matt-dillon-brendan-fraser-elijah-wood-vincent-donofrio-join-wayne-kramers-pawn-shop-chronicles-281632/ |magazine=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=September 16, 2012 |archive-date=August 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809025437/http://www.deadline.com/2012/06/matt-dillon-brendan-fraser-elijah-wood-vincent-donofrio-join-wayne-kramers-pawn-shop-chronicles/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://thefilmstage.com/news/wayne-kramer-assembles-huge-cast-for-pawn-shop-chronicles-paz-vega-a-brief-lover-of-almodovar/ |title=Wayne Kramer Assembles Huge Cast for 'Pawn Shop Chronicles'; Paz Vega A 'Standby Lover' for Almodovar |date=June 4, 2012 |publisher=Thefilmstage.com |access-date=September 16, 2012 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012010232/http://thefilmstage.com/news/wayne-kramer-assembles-huge-cast-for-pawn-shop-chronicles-paz-vega-a-brief-lover-of-almodovar/ |url-status=live }} In 2014, Durst shot three commercials for the website eHarmony,{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-eharmony-commercials/ |title=LIMP BIZKIT'S FRED DURST DIRECTS HUMOROUS NEW EHARMONY COMMERCIAL |last=Childers |first=Chad |website=Loudwire |date=July 21, 2014 |access-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424192836/https://loudwire.com/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-eharmony-commercials/ |url-status=live }} In February 2018, Durst began filming The Fanatic, starring John Travolta.{{Cite news |url=https://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/02/fred_dursts_movie_moose_filmin.html |title=Fred Durst's movie, 'Moose,' filming in Birmingham with star John Travolta |work=AL.com |access-date=May 19, 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519120521/https://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/02/fred_dursts_movie_moose_filmin.html |url-status=live }}
Personal life
= Relationships & Children =
While serving in the Navy, Durst was stationed in Oakland, California, where he married his first wife Rachel Tergesen in 1990. They had a daughter named Adriana Durst, born on June 3, 1990. Durst and Tergesen divorced in 1993 following a domestic disturbance in which the couple engaged in a heated argument. Durst was later arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, receiving a fine of $5,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L-dMUv5I7g&t=919s|title=VH1 Driven: Fred Durst|website=YouTube |date=October 25, 2012 }}
Durst has a son named Dallas born August 30, 2001, with his ex-girlfriend, actress Jennifer Thayer.{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123851 |title=Limp Bizkit'S Fred Durst Gets Married |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net |access-date=July 19, 2009 |archive-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723181205/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123851 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/fred-durst/news/durst-slams-press-for-son-mistake |title=Durst Slams Press For Son Mistake |date=January 28, 2004 |publisher=contactmusic.com |access-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810123727/http://www.contactmusic.com/fred-durst/news/durst-slams-press-for-son-mistake |url-status=live }}
In 2009, Durst married Esther Nazarov and split after three months.{{Cite news |last=Everett |first=Cristina |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-09-29/gossip/17931925_1_networking-site-las-vegas-fred-durst |title=Fred Durst confirms split with wife of three months, Esther Nazarov, on Twitter |date=September 29, 2009 |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=September 30, 2011 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025231510/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-09-29/gossip/17931925_1_networking-site-las-vegas-fred-durst |url-status=dead }} Durst married his third wife,{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/8effe2dc3b8347cea7d7c830baca0166 |title=Fred Durst finalizes divorce |website=APnews.com |date=February 28, 2019 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=April 29, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430032247/https://www.apnews.com/8effe2dc3b8347cea7d7c830baca0166 |url-status=live }} make-up artist Kseniya Beryazina, in 2012. They filed for divorce in September 2018{{cite web |url=https://people.com/music/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-files-divorce-kseniya-beryazina/ |title=Limp Bizkit Frontman Fred Durst Files for Divorce from Kseniya Beryazina: Report |last=Zauzmer |first=Emily |website=People |access-date=April 29, 2019 |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927175326/https://people.com/music/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-files-divorce-kseniya-beryazina/ |url-status=live }} and finalized it in 2019.{{cite web |title=Fred Durst finalizes divorce |url=https://apnews.com/article/8effe2dc3b8347cea7d7c830baca0166 |website=AP News |date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=March 18, 2020}} Durst married Arles Durst in 2022.{{cite web|author=Chad Childers |url=https://loudwire.com/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-married-fourth-time-arles/ |title=REPORT: Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst Has Married for a Fourth Time |publisher=Loudwire.com |date= August 7, 2022|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}
= Arrests =
On July 13, 1999, Durst was arrested for kicking a stage security guard in the head. Durst was released on $50,000 bail and was later fined in exchange for reduced charges.{{cite web |title=Fred Durst arrested for Allegedly kicking security guard |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/mi8j63/limp-bizkits-fred-durst-arrested-for-allegedly-kicking-security-guard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927071402/https://www.mtv.com/news/mi8j63/limp-bizkits-fred-durst-arrested-for-allegedly-kicking-security-guard |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |website=MTV}}
In 2007, Durst pleaded no-contest to seven misdemeanor charges, including battery, assault and reckless driving. According to court documents, Durst hit two Los Angeles residents with his car on October 25, 2006. He was given a 120-day suspended sentence, 20 hours community service and a $1,500 fine.{{cite web |date=September 14, 2007 |title=Fred Durst pleads no contest to assault, battery and reckless driving charges |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2007/09/14/fred-durst-pleads-no-contest-to-assault-battery-and-reckless-driving-charges/ |access-date=December 13, 2021 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US}}
= Russia =
In 2015, Durst stated his interest in obtaining a Russian passport and spending half of the year in Crimea.{{Cite magazine |last=Kozlov |first=Vladimir |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6722889/fred-durst-films-russia-crimea |title=Fred Durst Wants to Make Films for the 'Great Future' of Russia and Annexed Crimea |date=October 9, 2015 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424115017/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6722889/fred-durst-films-russia-crimea |url-status=live }} On October 8, 2015, the Russian newspaper Izvestia reported that Durst responded positively to Sergey Aksyonov's call to settle in Crimea. He wrote a letter stating that Vladimir Putin is "a great guy with clear moral principles and a nice person".{{Cite news |last=Shamanska |first=Anna |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-separatists-ready-for-limp-bizkit/27318706.html |title=DNR Ready For Limp Bizkit And Its 'Hot Dog Flavored Water' |date=October 21, 2015 |work=Radio Free Europe |access-date=October 26, 2015 |archive-date=October 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026101746/http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-separatists-ready-for-limp-bizkit/27318706.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2015 |title=Лідер Limp Bizkit хоче переїхати до Криму, а Путіна вважає "хорошим хлопцем" |url=https://tsn.ua/glamur/lider-limp-bizkit-hoche-pereyihati-do-krimu-a-putina-vvazhaye-horoshim-hlopcem-508891.html |access-date=January 4, 2025 |website=ТСН.ua |language=uk}} Additionally, at a concert during the 'Money Sucks Tour' in Voronezh, Russia, he picked up a flag thrown on stage, which he did not realize had an anti-Ukrainian slogan on it. Because of these controversies, he was banned by the Security Service of Ukraine from entering Ukraine for five years starting in November 2015 "in the interests of guaranteeing the security" of the country.{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2019 |title=NewsOne заявив про скасування телемосту з Росією {{!}} Український тиждень |url=https://tyzhden.ua/newsone-zaiavyv-pro-skasuvannia-telemostu-z-rosiieiu/ |access-date=January 4, 2025 |language=uk}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35155170/limp-bizkits-fred-durst-is-banned-from-ukraine-for-five-years-for-security-reasons |title=Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst is banned from Ukraine for five years for security reasons |date=December 21, 2015 |publisher=BBC |access-date=December 30, 2015 |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224101759/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35155170/limp-bizkits-fred-durst-is-banned-from-ukraine-for-five-years-for-security-reasons |url-status=live }} In an official statement, Durst denied reports of asking to acquire Russian citizenship.{{cite web |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/7332 |title=Limp Bizkit front man Fred Durst banned from Ukraine; singer thinks decision unfair |date=December 22, 2015 |publisher=Kyiv Post |access-date=April 8, 2024 }}
= Miscellaneous =
During the 2018 California wildfires, Durst's house burned down and he lost a majority of his possessions. His bandmate, Wes Borland, also lost several pieces of equipment in the fire due to them being stored in Durst's home in anticipation of a scheduled recording session.{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-house-burn-down-california-fires/ |title=LIMP BIZKIT FRONTMAN FRED DURST'S HOUSE BURNS DOWN IN CALIFORNIA FIRES |last=Sharp |first=Tyler |website=Loudwire |date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427001232/https://loudwire.com/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-house-burn-down-california-fires/ |url-status=live }}
Durst is known for regularly wearing a red New York Yankees baseball cap.{{Cite news |last=DiVita |first=Joe |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Why Does Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst Wear a Red New York Yankees Hat? |url=https://loudwire.com/why-limp-bizkit-fred-durst-wears-red-yankees-hat/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Loudwire}}{{Cite news |last=Usher |first=Tom |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Becoming Old and Searching for Myself at a Present Day Limp Bizkit Concert |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/becoming-old-and-searching-for-myself-at-a-present-day-limp-bizkit-concert/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Vice}}{{Cite news |last=Lucia |first=Joe |date=August 16, 2024 |title=New SC Featured segment will examine the legacy of the New York Yankees baseball cap |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/mlb/sc-featured-new-york-yankees-cap.html |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Awful Announcing}}
Feuds
{{too detailed|section|date=February 2024}}
= Slipknot =
Following Slipknot lead vocalist Corey Taylor's (also known as "#8") publicly displayed distaste for Korn drummer David Silveria's magazine photo campaign for Calvin Klein, Taylor burned copies of the magazine issues during multiple Slipknot live performances, culminating in Durst taking offense to the gestures. Slipknot singer Corey Taylor responded during a February 2000 appearance in Sydney by claiming that the fans of Slipknot "for the most part, enjoy all kinds of music, like Limp Bizkit… maybe." Taylor went on to claim that insulting fans of Slipknot could also be insulting fans of Limp Bizkit.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431271/slipknot-has-issues-to-discuss-with-limps-durst/ |title=Slipknot Feud |date=December 9, 1999 |website=MTV |access-date=February 11, 2016 |archive-date=April 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430123746/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431271/slipknot-has-issues-to-discuss-with-limps-durst/ |url-status=dead }} During an interview with VH1 in October 2000, Durst praised Slipknot's music, expressing his desire to quell the tension between both sides, telling interviewers, "Man this band is super phat, man; we don't even know them. That's their whole thing, that's their chant, that's their thing, that's cool. Maybe all this hate that's going around the world, that's why I said 'It's all the world has even seen lately'". However, while Taylor responded with praise for Durst's financial ventures, he also attacked Durst's artistic motives and ability, claiming "Fred Durst is a great businessman, but he is not an artist".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKsvn3YLK1w|title=Slipknot Praises and Disses Fred Durst|website=YouTube |date=April 29, 2008 }} Despite the hostility between the two bands, they both shared numerous UK festival dates in 2000, with some reports of Durst supporting Slipknot's music.{{cite web|url=https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/music/reading-and-leeds-fest-2000-line-up-977498-20230822|title=People can't get over Reading And Leeds Fest 2000 line-up compared to this year|date=August 22, 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/reading-festival--33|title=August 25, 2000 Reading and Leeds Festival}}{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/festival/2000/live-105-bfd-2000-43d6a7cb.html|title=Live 105 BFD 2000 Setlists|website=setlist.fm }}
The two would find themselves on friendlier terms in 2010, while Limp Bizkit was recording their album Gold Cobra; Durst included lyrics on the album's song "90.2.10" as a shout-out to Taylor: "Corey Taylor got a harem chasin' him around / We ain't slippin' with his knot, then we goin' down".{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/Limp-bizkit-90210-lyrics|title=Limp Bizkit - 90.2.10 (lyrics)}} Taylor stated in a live interview in 2011 that Durst's children were allegedly fans of Slipknot.{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/slipknot-limp-bizkit-video-corey-taylor-fred-durst-2000|title=The Slipknot and Limp Bizkit bust up was one of the greatest feuds of the Early 00s|date=May 30, 2022 }} Limp Bizkit was later booked on the 2014 Japanese leg of Slipknot's Knotfest tour, along with Korn.{{cite web|url= https://loudwire.com/slipknot-knotfest-japan-2014-korn-and-limp-bizkit/|title=Japanese leg of Knotfest 2014 to include Korn and Limp Bizkit|website=Loudwire |date=April 24, 2014 }}
In 2021, after the death of ex-Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, Limp Bizkit paid tribute to him at one of their shows.{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=August 4, 2021 |title=Watch Limp Bizkit and their fans pay tribute to Slipknot's Joey Jordison |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-limp-bizkit-and-their-fans-pay-tribute-to-slipknots-joey-jordison-3010728 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} On May 19, 2024, Limp Bizkit brought Slipknot turntablist Sid Wilson and a fan dressed as Slipknot lead vocalist Corey Taylor on stage during their live performance at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio.{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/RUGcj-BSKnE?si=Pf8OCmRf4mwPLdrQ|title=Limp Bizkit - DJ Solo (feat Sid Wilson of Slipknot) @ Sonic Temple (May 19, 2024)|website=YouTube }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7LDWact59H/?hl=en|title=Columbus you guys were Amazing. You never know who you may see on our stage!#limpbizkit#sonictemplefestival#sidwilson}}
= Britney Spears =
Durst and Britney Spears were linked to have written numerous songs for her then-upcoming 2003 album In the Zone. At the time Spears was making numerous headlines as reports surfaced of her fractured relationship with former boyfriend Justin Timberlake (with whom Spears had split from in 2002), later linking her with Durst as the two were spotted together on numerous occasions. In response to initial allegations that Spears had engaged in an affair with Durst, Timberlake released the track "Cry Me a River" in November 2002, aimed at Spears. In January 2003, Durst claimed he and Spears were in a relationship stemming from their collaborations on three upcoming tracks for the album. Spears denied the two were in a relationship and said "I'm confused about that whole thing. We worked together for three days and he's a really cool guy, but there's no relationship...He's really sweet."{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/65un1s/new-limp-bizkit-song-disses-dursts-fizzled-flame|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611002319/https://www.mtv.com/news/65un1s/new-limp-bizkit-song-disses-dursts-fizzled-flame|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2023|title=New Limp Bizkit Song Disses Durst's Fizzled Flame|website=MTV }} Out of anger at Spears' denial of the affair; Durst scrapped his three songs for Spears' album and leaked the song "Just Drop Dead" on February 18, 2003, through Limp Bizkit's website. The song depicts Durst's vulgar recounting of their alleged relationship. Durst continued to expose numerous sexual encounters between the two during a later appearance on Howard Stern.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/limp-bizkit-s-durst-britney-is-playing-me-out|title=LIMP BIZKIT's DURST: BRITNEY Is Playing Me Out|date=March 2003 }} During a 2009 interview, Durst explained that "I just guess at the time it was taboo for a guy like me to be associated with a gal like her."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1607309/fred-durst-looks-back-at-his-relationship-with-britney-spears/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907004051/http://www.mtv.com/news/1607309/fred-durst-looks-back-at-his-relationship-with-britney-spears/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2014|title=Fred Durst Looks Back at His Relationship With Britney Spears|date=March 19, 2009|access-date=December 21, 2021|last=Jacks|first=Brian|publisher=MTV}} In 2013, Durst later made another derogatory reference aimed at Spears on Limp Bizkit's song "Ready to Go".{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/limp-bizkit-new-song-ready-to-go-55005398-60231363|title=New Limp Bizkit Song with Lil Wayne Mocks Britney Spears, Hits On Jessica Biel|date=March 25, 2013 }}
= Taproot and System of a Down =
Taproot had been an up-and-coming band from Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1998, the band sent their demo to Durst who quickly befriended them, often invited them to various press releases in Los Angeles and occasionally bringing them to Limp Bizkit's concerts throughout the region.{{Cite web|url=https://100xr.com/artists/T/Taproot.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130154356/http://100xr.com/artists/T/Taproot.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=November 30, 2017|title=Taproot Biography|work=100 XR|access-date=March 19, 2020}} During this time; Taproot were simultaneously receiving attention from other labels, notably Arista Records and Atlantic Records. Durst was impressed with the band's material and had initially lined up Taproot to land a record contract through Interscope; however, executives from Interscope proved to be difficult to negotiate with as they wanted the rights to the 3 songs recorded by the band through their demo deal. The band eventually rejected the offer from Interscope and sought to sign with Atlantic Records through their new found friendship with System of a Down. Durst was enraged to eventually discover Taproot had defected to Atlantic, leading him to leave a threatening message on frontman Stephen Richards' mother's answering machine. Durst was later alleged to have personally removed System of a Down from the 1999 Family Values Tour as a retaliatory action.MTV.com, [https://web.archive.org/web/20010417210810/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1431278/19991006/limp_bizkit.jhtml "Did Durst Dump System of a Down from Family Values Tour?"], Posted October 6, 1999.{{Cite news |last=Archive-Rob-Mancini |title=Fred Durst Sounds Off on System of a Down-Family Values Split |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1431276/fred-durst-sounds-off-on-system-of-a-down-family-values-split/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501070406/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431276/fred-durst-sounds-off-on-system-of-a-down-family-values-split/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 1, 2017 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |newspaper=MTV |language=en}}
= Creed =
In June 2000, Limp Bizkit performed at the WXRK Dysfunctional Family Picnic in Holmdel, New Jersey, but arrived an hour late for their set.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427590/limp-creed-trade-barbs-at-krock-show.jhtml |title=Limp, Creed Trade Barbs at KROCK Show |last=Manning, Kara |date=June 26, 2000 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-date=December 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213215454/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1427590/limp-creed-trade-barbs-at-krock-show.jhtml |url-status=dead }} An Interscope spokesman later stated that there was confusion over the band's set time. During the band's performance, Durst criticized Creed and their lead singer Scott Stapp in a lengthy diatribe before the performance of 'Break Stuff', calling him "an egomaniac". Creed's representatives later presented Durst with an autographed anger management manual following the show, as described by Durst during an appearance on Total Request Live.
= Placebo =
A feud between Limp Bizkit and Placebo began at a show Durst was hosting at Irving Plaza in December 1998.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/limp-bizkit-184-1399152 |title=PURE MOANING |date=January 26, 2001 |website=NME.COM |language=en-GB |access-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503215941/http://www.nme.com/news/music/limp-bizkit-184-1399152 |url-status=live }} A side stage spat with Placebo singer Brian Molko led to Durst asking the crowd to chant "Placebo sucks!" prior to Placebo's performance. Molko later commented that nobody had told him that Durst would be hosting the show and that Placebo would have to follow opening act Kid Rock.{{cite web |url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2001/placebo_int2.asp |title=Interview with Brian Molko of Placebo (NY Rock) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031213609/http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2001/placebo_int2.asp |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=April 23, 2020}} Prior to introducing Staind as a part of K-Rock's Dysfunctional Family Picnic in Holmdel, New Jersey in 1999, Durst once again encouraged the crowd to chant "Fuck Placebo".{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/5lhYoFFF8o0|title=Staind – A Flat Live|website=YouTube}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The feud was reignited during Big Day Out 2001, on which Placebo were billed below Limp Bizkit. By 2004, the feud had supposedly ended.{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/placebo-accept-no-substitute-545316.html |title=Placebo: Accept no substitute |date=October 29, 2004 |website=The Independent |language=en |access-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215182854/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/placebo-accept-no-substitute-545316.html |url-status=live }}
= Trent Reznor and Marilyn Manson =
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails was noted by Durst as an influence during several interviews. Displeased by Durst's statements, Reznor repeatedly attacked Durst and Limp Bizkit during several interviews in response.Interview with Fred Durst by K-Rock New York. 2000.{{cite web |url=https://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/hall-of-fame-limp-bizkit-chocolate-starfish-and-the-hot-dog-flavored-water |title=Hall Of Fame: Limp Bizkit – Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water |access-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812163837/https://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/hall-of-fame-limp-bizkit-chocolate-starfish-and-the-hot-dog-flavored-water |url-status=live }} In a profile for Kerrang!, Reznor mocked Durst saying "It's one thing if you know your place; like, 'Hey, I'm an idiot who plays shitty music but people buy it – fuck it, I'm having fun. But it's another thing when you think you're David Bowie after you've stayed up all night to write a song called 'Break Stuff'. I mean, Fred Durst probably spelt the word 'break' wrong the first couple of times. Fred Durst might be a cool guy; I don't know him. But his 'art' – in the word's loosest sense – sucks."{{cite magazine|magazine=Kerrang!|date=July 1, 2000|page=14}} Durst in turn made several references to Nine Inch Nails in the Limp Bizkit song "Hot Dog", leading to Reznor earning a co-writer credit. Reznor said there was no issue, jokingly stating that "When his record was going to print, [Durst] realised 'Fuck, I'd better ask permission first or I might get sued!' I let him do it – I wasn't gonna hold his record up."{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/nine-inch-nails-182-1394215 |title=Reznor Nails New Record Down |website=NME |date=November 30, 2000 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812163837/https://www.nme.com/news/music/nine-inch-nails-182-1394215 |url-status=live }}
In 1999, Marilyn Manson insulted Limp Bizkit and their fans, calling them "illiterate apes that beat your ass in high school for being a 'fag' and now sell you tuneless testosterone anthems of misogyny and pretend to be outsiders...".{{cite web|date=November 23, 1999|title=He's a Macho Macho Man...|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/limp-bizkit-206-1391770|access-date=October 31, 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=October 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031082822/https://www.nme.com/news/music/limp-bizkit-206-1391770|url-status=live}}
Reznor and Manson once again took aim at Durst and Limp Bizkit during a 2000 interview when Manson was asked about his opinion of Nine Inch Nails' recent video for the single "Starfuckers, Inc." in which the two take aim at multiple artists ranging from Billy Corgan, Michael Stipe, and notably Durst. Manson later exclaimed: "With this video, we didn't wanna seem bitching like about somehow that Limp Bizkit's doing better than we are, in their mind." Reznor later exclaimed; "I don't have to say Limp Bizkit sucks, you know it, I know it, I shouldn't have to say it".{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/8FGrVbtOHYg|title=Trent Reznor with Marilyn Manson (Starfucker comment)|website=YouTube}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Durst responded to Manson and Reznor's insults: "I understand that Marilyn Manson is very unhappy that his career has gone in a shambles and he's alienated his fans so if he has to say things like that because he's very mad at himself, I would forgive him. And Trent Reznor's in the fucking same boat. Trent Reznor is obviously unhappy with how he's alienated the world, how long he took to make a record, and how he thought he was immortal. We're just here doing what we do and we have nothing to say about anybody. I wish them both luck and I feel sorry that they're so jealous and mad at themselves that they have to talk shit."
Durst's relationship with Manson had reportedly grown cordial as the two appeared on the cover of a Rolling Stone magazine issue in June 2003 alongside James Hetfield and Ozzy Osbourne.{{cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/Durst-Osborne-Hetfield-Marilyn-Manson/dp/B003S1LRHS|title=Durst, Osborne, Hetfield, Marilyn Manson{{cbignore}}}}
Despite this, Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland would join Manson's touring band in 2008. During a show in Seoul, South Korea on August 15, 2008; Manson would introduce Borland onstage and attacked Limp Bizkit, claiming to the crowd "Here's our new guitarist, he used to play for a really bad band…".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/wes-borland-denounces-marilyn-manson-as-a-bad-guy-who-needs-to-face-his-demons-2872467|title=Wes Borland denounces Marilyn Manson|website=NME |date=February 4, 2021 }} Borland would depart Manson's touring band after less than nine months.
= Puddle of Mudd =
Due to the notoriety surrounding Puddle of Mudd receiving a record deal through Durst in 2000, the band was often asked in regards to their relationship with him. Wes Scantlin criticized Durst in an interview in 2004 with Canada's Chart magazine:
"He doesn't write our songs, he doesn't produce our songs, he doesn't do anything for us. He doesn't do our videos anymore. He doesn't do anything for this band. I don't know what he's doing, I don't know what the guy's like. All I know is that he's like Mr Hollywood guy, Mr Celebrity. Like, 'I don't hang out with anybody except Hollywood celebrities'. Every single fucking interview I've ever fucking done, I get asked about that fucking guy... And for me to do interviews all the time and be asked about this certain individual... People think he writes music with me or something. He does not do that. I just don't get it. We have nothing in common. He doesn't even call us, he has his assistant call us to congratulate us on our record. Yeah, that's how pathetic he is."{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=7614 |title=Wes Scantlin of Puddle Of Mudd Slams Fred Durst – in Metal News |website=Metalunderground.com |access-date=2010-11-23}}{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=19253 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910075918/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=19253 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-10 |title=Blabbermouth.Net – Puddle Of Mudd'S Scantlin Unleashes On 'Pathetic' Fred Durst |website=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=2010-11-23 }}
On April 22, 2008, in an interview with Artisan News Service, Wes Scantlin retracted his previous criticism of Fred Durst:
"Fred got our foot in the door and helped us out tremendously. I think nowadays he's doing a lot of directing and we don't really speak to him too much but we appreciate everything he's ever done for our careers."{{cite web |url=https://artisannews.com/puddle-of-mudd-give-props-to-bizkit-vox-durst/ | title=Puddle of Mudd Give Props to Bizkit Vox Durst | work=Artisan News Service | date=April 22, 2008 | access-date=November 22, 2021 }}
Discography
{{see also|Limp Bizkit discography}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | FIN {{cite web |url=http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Soulfly |title=Discography Soulfly |website=finnishcharts.com |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=September 5, 2012 |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325065845/http://finnishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Soulfly |url-status=live }} ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | UK |
|---|
| scope="row" | "All in the Family"{{Cite AV media notes |author=Korn |date=1998 |title=All in the Family |type=track listing |publisher=Epic Records |id=ESK 41269}} (Korn featuring Fred Durst) | rowspan="3"| 1998 | — || — |
| scope="row" | "Go Away" (Cold featuring Fred Durst) | — || — | Cold |
| scope="row" | "Bleed" (Soulfly featuring Fred Durst and DJ Lethal) | 8 || 88 | Soulfly |
| scope="row" |"Get Naked" (Methods of Mayhem featuring Fred Durst, Lil' Kim, Mixmaster Mike, and George Clinton) | 1999 | — || — |
| scope="row" |"Them Girls" (Run-D.M.C. featuring Fred Durst) | 2001 | — || — |
| scope="row" |"Famous" (Rock featuring Fred Durst) | 2004 | — || — | Veteranz Day – The Best of Rock Volume 2 |
| scope="row" |"Here We Are (Champions)" (Kevin Rudolf featuring Limp Bizkit, Birdman and Lil Wayne) | 2013 | — || — |
| scope="row" |"Seamless" (Corey Feldman featuring Fred Durst) | 2016 | — || — |
| scope="row" |"Bang Ya Head" (Wargasm featuring Fred Durst) | 2023 | — || — | Venom |
| scope="row" |"So raus" (Alligatoah featuring Fred Durst) | 2023 | — || — | Off |
| colspan="13" style="font-size:90%" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
Filmography
{{pending films key}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of films and TV shows appeared in |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Notes |
|---|
| 2001
|Himself | |
| 2003
|Himself | |
| 2005
|Ogden |TV miniseries |
| 2005
|Evan Jealous | |
| 2006
|Deputy Bobby Caine | |
| 2008
|Bartender |Episode: "House's Head" |
| 2009
|Ledge | |
| 2018
|DJ Durst |Recurring character |
| 2023
|The Lost Century: And How to Reclaim It |Narrator |Documentary |
| rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"| 2024
| Frank | |
| Y2K
| Himself | |
| 2025
| Hello Neighbor: Welcome To Raven Brooks | Quentin | Voice Only |
| class="wikitable"
|+ Video games |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| 2001
| Himself | Playable character | |
| 2002
| Himself | Playable character | |
| 2004
| Himself | Playable character | |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Award ! Category ! Work ! Result ! {{Ref heading}} |
|---|
| 2020
| {{nom}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{Portal|Biography}}
- {{Official website}}
- [http://www.limpbizkit.com/ Limp Bizkit website]
- {{IMDb name|0004890}}
- {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p240084}}
{{Limp Bizkit}}
{{Fred Durst}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Durst, Fred}}
Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters
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Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters
Category:American heavy metal singers
Category:American male rappers
Category:American male singer-songwriters
Category:American music video directors
Category:American rock songwriters
Category:Film directors from Florida
Category:Film directors from North Carolina
Category:American male film actors
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Category:Rappers from North Carolina