Photos: Album Cover|Wikimedia Commons
July 24, 2026 – Today, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and funk pioneer Bootsy Collins releases his new collaborative album, Metal Health, available now via FUGA. Created alongside acclaimed guitarist Buckethead, the 16-track project brings together an eclectic lineup of collaborators including Robert Trujillo, Victor Wooten, Samuel L. Jackson, Eric Gales, Jennifer Batten, Billy Sheehan, Tobotius, Nate Alien, Barbie T, Ouiwey Collins and more.
Blending funk, rock, and metal, Metal Health explores themes of creativity, emotional wellbeing, and personal evolution through a collection of genre-defying records. The album pairs Bootsy’s unmistakable bass-driven sound with Buckethead’s signature guitar work, resulting in one of the most expansive and collaborative projects of Bootsy’s career.
Produced by Bootsy Collins, Metal Health serves as both a musical statement and an extension of Bootsy’s ongoing Metal [Mental] Health initiative. Originally launched during Mental Health Month in May, the initiative uses music as a platform to encourage conversations around emotional wellbeing, self-expression, and community support.
The first single released from the album, “Manic Depression” featuring Eric Gales, an officially approved reimagining of Jimi Hendrix’s classic released with the blessing of the Jimi Hendrix Estate; “Metal Health Revibed” featuring Buckethead and Victor Wooten; “Water Walkin’” featuring Robert Trujillo; and “Afflictions” featuring Samuel L. Jackson. Across the project, Bootsy and Buckethead channel their shared spirit of experimentation into a body of work that moves fluidly across genres while remaining rooted in the groove and boundary-pushing creativity that have defined their respective careers.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Bootsy Collins remains one of music’s most influential and forward-thinking artists. From his groundbreaking work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic to collaborations with Keith Richards, Herbie Hancock, Kali Uchis, and Silk Sonic, Bootsy’s impact continues to shape generations of musicians and fans alike. Ranked among Rolling Stone’s Greatest Bassists of All Time, he continues to expand his cultural footprint beyond music through partnerships spanning fashion, gaming, and community initiatives.
Most recently, Bootsy partnered with Supreme, and continues to expand his cultural reach through music, gaming, and community partnerships, including the “Capture the Funk” Fortnite experience, promoting conversations around mental health.
To celebrate the release of Metal Health, Bootsy is inviting fans around the world to the “Funk Alert! Bootsy Collins Virtual Album Release Party” exclusively on the Bootsy Collins Network. The virtual event will feature a special live appearance by Bootsy on Saturday, 7/25 from 5:00–6:00 PM, including a fan meet-and-greet, plus live performances by Barbie T, performing music from the new album. Tickets are available now for $5.99, and every ticket holder will receive an exclusive Virtual Golden Bootsy Trading Card. Fans will also be entered for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind signed Buckethead bucket, a Supreme skateboard deck, and an exclusive live sketch of the Metal Health album cover.
Metal Health stands as the latest chapter in Bootsy Collins’ ever-evolving legacy—bringing together legendary musicians, new voices, and a message centered on creativity, connection, and the power of music.
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METAL HEALTH TRACK LIST
- “Funk Can Save You”
- “Total Psycho”
- “Metal Health Revibed” – Bootsy Collins & Buckethead featuring Victor Wooten
- “Game On Fire” – Bootsy Collins featuring Ouiwey Collins
- “Self Replicate” – Bootsy Collins & Buckethead
- “Water Walkin’” – Bootsy Collins & Buckethead featuring Robert Trujillo
- “Bucket Girls” – Bootsy Collins & Buckethead featuring Nate Alien and Barbie T
- “B3 Trilogy” – Bootsy Collins featuring Robert Trujillo
- “Full Goner” – Bootsy Collins featuring Tobotius
- “Bernie N Da Sky” – Bootsy Collins featuring Billy Sheehan
- “Space Bass Evolution”
- “Free Bucket” – Bootsy Collins, Buckethead and Jennifer Batten
- “Street People” – Bootsy Collins & Buckethead featuring Tobotius
- “Afflictions” – Bootsy Collins featuring Samuel L. Jackson
- “Manic Depression” – Bootsy Collins featuring Eric Gales
- “My Recovery Day” – Bootsy Collins & Buckethead
