Bootsy Collins, the legendary funk bassist known as Bootzilla, has finally opened up about the wild and messy life behind his iconic funky basslines.

At 73 years old, he confirms what many fans suspected: the price of funk was higher than anyone imagined.

Bootsy made music history playing with James Brown and transforming Parliament Funkadelic into a psychedelic funk playground.

But behind the scenes, his life was filled with struggles, including a fierce battle with LSD addiction that nearly destroyed him.

Legal troubles shadowed his career, from lawsuits over stolen bass designs to the downfall of his own restaurant venture.

Even his biggest hit, “Bootzilla,” sparked disputes over credit, revealing the dark side of the music business he never fully understood.

Bootsy admits that while music was 25% of his life, business was 75%, and that imbalance caused him endless headaches.

Now, with health issues ending his touring days, Bootsy reflects on a career full of highs, lows, and lessons learned the hard way.

Bootsy’s journey began as a young, talented bass player joining James Brown’s band in the early 1970s.

Playing with the Godfather of Soul was a dream come true but also a source of frustration.

Brown was strict, demanding, and resistant to change, which clashed with Bootsy’s desire to express his own musical ideas.

Money problems added to the tension, as Bootsy felt underpaid and undervalued despite his growing fame.

During this time, Bootsy started using LSD, a drug strictly forbidden by Brown, leading to a dramatic incident during a live show.

High on acid, Bootsy imagined his bass guitar turning into a snake and lost control of his performance.

James Brown was furious and immediately fired him, marking a painful end to their complicated relationship.

Despite this setback, Bootsy’s mother remained his greatest supporter, encouraging him to pursue his passion for music.

After leaving James Brown, Bootsy found freedom with George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, where creativity knew no bounds.

At just 21, Bootsy thrived in the wild, rule-breaking environment of Funkadelic, recording groundbreaking albums like *America Eats Its Young*.

However, life on the road wasn’t without trouble — an arrest in Toronto forced Bootsy to rethink his choices.

Bootsy’s artistic talents extended beyond music; he designed his own flamboyant costumes, sunglasses, and stage props, making his performances unforgettable.

By the 1980s, the pressures of fame and business weighed heavily on him, and he sought a break from the relentless grind.

Bootsy’s love for art also grew, and he began collecting paintings of icons like Michael Jackson, Sting, and Marilyn Monroe.

His friendship with Metallica’s bassist Robert Trujillo showed his influence crossed musical genres.

For over two years, Bootsy’s LSD addiction consumed him, but a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1984 became his wake-up call.

The crash left him bedridden and uncertain if he could ever play bass again, forcing him to confront his demons.

With the support of his wife Patty Collins, Bootsy committed to sobriety and returned to music with renewed focus.

He joined the band Dlight, enjoying a less stressful role away from the spotlight.

Bootsy’s early days were humble — born William Earl Collins, his mother gave him the nickname “Bootsie,” a name that would become world-famous.

He formed the Pacemakers with his brother and friends, a band that caught the attention of James Brown needing new musicians.

Renamed the JBs, they recorded classics like “Get Up,” “Super Bad,” and “Soul Power,” leaving an indelible mark on funk history.

After parting ways with Brown, Bootsy created the House Guests and later joined Parliament Funkadelic, cementing his place as a funk pioneer.

In 1976, he formed Bootsy’s Rubber Band, releasing hit albums and the iconic “Bootzilla,” which topped the R&B charts.

Bootsy’s wild costumes and alter egos like Casper the Funky Ghost and Bootzilla made him a larger-than-life figure.

He famously played the “space bass,” a star-shaped bass guitar that became his signature instrument.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Bootsy explored new sounds, collaborating with artists from jazz legend Herbie Hancock to rock icon Keith Richards.

He embraced experimentation, blending funk with electronic music, rap, and even bluegrass.

Bootsy’s adventurous spirit kept the funk fresh and relevant across decades.

In 2007, he opened a restaurant and nightclub called Bootsies in Cincinnati, aiming to create a vibrant hub for music and food.

Though initially popular, zoning and licensing issues forced the venue to close in 2010, marking another tough chapter in Bootsy’s business ventures.

Health problems forced Bootsy to retire from live performances in 2019, but he continues to contribute to music behind the scenes.

He mentors young musicians and remains active in the studio, sharing his vast knowledge and passion.

Bootsy’s legacy is not just in his music but also in his role as a teacher and peace advocate.

In 2023, he and his wife launched the Funk Not Fight Movement, promoting peace and unity through music and dance.

Bootsy Collins is a cultural icon, celebrated in songs, TV shows, and by fellow musicians like Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and rapper 2PAC.

His influence spans genres and generations, proving that funk is more than music — it’s a way of life.

From humble beginnings to global stardom, Bootsy’s story is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the enduring power of funk.

At 73, Bootsy Collins confirms what we all thought: the funk never dies, but it comes with a price.