Drowning Pool’s Ryan McCombs: “We just want to have fun!”

In an unexpected turn of events, Drowning Pool will be joining Alien Ant Farm for a co-headline Australian summer tour, following CKY’s recent ‘ withdrawal. For McCombs, who now calls England home, the announcement comes as a welcome opportunity, despite his amusing reservations about the Australian heat.

“Since getting back together, the demand for the band has been amazing,” McCombs reveals from the comfort of his English home, during a rare two-week break from what has been a relentless touring schedule. The band has dominated the festival circuit throughout 2024, featuring at prestigious events including Sonic Temple, Aftershock, Welcome to Rockville, and Louder Than Life. They even made their Mexican debut at the New Metal Revolution festival in Mexico City.

“We’ve been just hammering the powers that be in our camp, the booking agents and stuff. In 2025, we really wanted to focus on territories outside of the United States, and Australia was one of those top destinations,” McCombs explains. This upcoming tour marks a significant milestone for the reunited lineup, who have spent the past two years predominantly touring the United States.

The timing of the tour wasn’t initially ideal for the vocalist, who playfully admits to his aversion to the sun. “I didn’t want to come to Australia in the summer,” he chuckles. “The other guys are Texans. They all live in Texas now. So when we got the email about inviting us, asking us if we’d be interested in this, the Texas boys were like, ‘Canada in February or Australia? Yeah, we’re doing it.'”

Despite the whirlwind preparations required for the last-minute addition to the tour, McCombs’ enthusiasm for performing with Drowning Pool is palpable. He speaks with genuine appreciation about the band’s current incarnation, particularly highlighting the musical prowess of his bandmates CJ, Mike, and Stevie.

“One of the things I enjoy the most about being back with the guys is just the talent level,” he explains. “These guys have been through some shit. They’ve been through it and been through it again. And at this point in their career and our career, we just want to have fun.”

This renewed perspective seems to have energised their live performances. McCombs notes that their extensive discography, combined with the band’s musicianship, allows them to switch up their setlist spontaneously. “These guys can pull out songs they haven’t played in 12 years with just a matter of clearing the cobwebs a little bit,” he says proudly. “That musicianship enables us to really change the setup from night to night if we so desire.”

Twenty-plus years into their career, McCombs maintains a humble appreciation for their longevity. “I’ve shared the stage with people a lot more talented than myself that never got the opportunity,” he reflects. “To still be here, man, I’m just grateful. I’m grateful for every time you get to put a toe on that stage.”

As for his plans while in Australia? Don’t expect to find him sightseeing. “It’s going to be summertime, dude. I’m going to be seeing the inside of hotel rooms,” he laughs. “The crew and the band are going to come back to the hotel where I’m still going to be soaking up the air conditioning and staying away from the sun.” He recalls his previous visit with his other band, Soil, during the Australian winter: “Everybody else, all the natives in Australia, was walking around with winter jackets on. I got a sweatshirt on enjoying life.”

Drowning Pool kick off their tour with Alien Ant Farm Friday February 7.

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