TAKING a cue from the band’s “Significant Other” album, Limp Bizkit is asking fans to “Show Me What You Got.”
The hard rock/hip-hop fusion band’s 22-city search for a guitarist to replace Wes Borland stops in Queens today, where scores of wannabe rockers are expected to strum their stuff.
“We’re going to comb the globe in search of the illest guitar player known to man,” frontman Fred Durst says on the band’s Web site.
“I don’t care what you look like, I don’t care if you’re a girl or a boy, I don’t care what age you are. I just care if you speak your soul through the strings on your guitar.”
The band kicked off its quest Jan. 10 in Fresno, Calif. Each audition – held at Guitar Center stores, a national chain – has attracted from 150 to 200 guitarists and up to 1,500 fans.
And so far, they haven’t been the raucous types you might expect.
“They’re incredibly well-behaved,” said Darren Feldman, marketing and promotions director for Guitar Center. “It’s like they’re going to a job interview.
“There are those who dressed in the vibe of Limp Bizkit, with the baggy jeans and snow caps on. But the manner and behavior is incredible.”
Auditions will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. A handful of lucky musicians will be asked back to jam with Fred and the crew, who show up around 8 p.m. to inspect the hand-picked talent for themselves.
Borland, who was often cited as the most musically adventurous member of Limp Bizkit, left the band in October to form his own group, Eat the Day.
“I think I had a good run,” he said. “I was with that band for five or six years, we did a lot of really neat things and I had a great time. It’s just time to move on for me.”
As for what it will take to fill his shoes – that’s anyone’s guess.
“The band has in mind what they’re looking for,” said Feldman. “They’re not looking for a hired gun to go on tour with. They’re looking for a replacement of someone who was a true function of the band – someone who can contribute original music.”
The contest ends in Hollywood Saturday.
You can sign up today from 7 to 11 a.m., on a first-come, first-served basis at Guitar Center, 34-17 48th Street, Long Island City.
