Filter set to rock Victory Live's WMMS Buzzard Fest

Hey, Richard Patrick, nice shot.

It was 30 years ago that the original Nine Inch Nails band member — and Northeast Ohio native — left the influential alternative band to carve his own musical and platinum path.

That, of course, would involve founding Filter, which in the latter half of the 1990s scored major radio hits with “Hey Man, Nice Shot” and “Take a Picture.”

Patrick — a 1987 Bay High School graduate whose older brother is Hollywood actor Robert Patrick (“Terminator 2,” “The Sopranos”) — soon will back in the area, as Filter is set to play the WMMS Buzzard Fest, the first half of the two-day Victory Live, taking play Aug. 4 at Victory Park Ohio in North Ridgeville.

We recently caught up with Patrick to chat about Filter’s upcoming album, “The Algorithm,” the 30th anniversary of his biggest life-changing decision and last year’s Nine Inch Nails reunion at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls.

Q Can you tell us about the “The Algorithm”?

A I’ve been working on it for seven years, since (2016 album) “Crazy Eyes.” I just wanted something that was heavy, fun and Filter-esque. I wanted to do something that definitely sounded like Filter in the present day and Filter in the future. I love heavy music. I love deep guitar sounds. I love rock, metal guitar sounds, and I love interesting melodies and lyrics. It’s just a continuation of all of the hard work I’ve done in the last 30 years since I created Filter.

Q Speaking of which, what was going on exactly three decades ago this summer?

A I was ballsy as a (expletive). I quit the sure thing that was Nine Inch Nails, struck out on my own and took a massive risk. I’m glad I did it because I’m the king of my own domain. Kudos to that little kid for making such a big decision. Kudos to that little whippersnapper that was I back in 1993 when I quit.

Q What do you hear when listening to Filter’s 1995 debut, “Short Bus?”

A I don’t really listen to it, but I’m proud of that crazy little record. It’s like two kids with a drum machine and a big-time record contract go off and make some crazy record that doesn’t have a drummer. We kind of stuck it to the studio system. We went out and built a little studio of our own in some house in Rocky River. We were alcoholic and belligerent and funny and laughing at everything. It was a great time back when I did “Short Bus.”

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Q Then last year you made a surprise reunion appearance at Nine Inch Nails’ Blossom Music Center show.

A That was an absolute career high, for sure. I’m proud of the fact I was in Nine Inch Nails. I’m proud Trent (Reznor) asked me to come back and play one night. I’m super grateful. Trent and I have been friends. For him to ask me back and give me the spotlight for five songs was amazing. He had me sing the second verse to “Head Like a Hole.” He had me singing “Eraser.” I was crying because I was so blown away by the crowd’s reaction to me showing up. I kind of (expletive) up the beginning of the song. I was emotionally blown away by the generosity of Nine Inch Nails and the forgiveness. The fact that they forgave me for quitting. Then we played “Hey Man, Nice Shot.”

Q How cathartic was hearing Trent singing your song?

A It was just unbelievable. They spent the time and learned this song that was one of the reasons why I split. Yeah, it was a groundbreakingly wonderful, amazing experience. My friend Trent is a great guy. I love him, and I’m super proud of him and Nine Inch Nails.

Q Perhaps the only thing left is a Filter/Nine Inch Nails tour?

A That would be awesome. I would love that, come on and do a tight 40-minute set. Just rock out and have a blast with his audience.

Q Let’s up the ante and think about Trent singing “Take a Picture.”

A Wouldn’t that be (expletive) something?

What: WMMS Buzzard Fest (Day One)

Featuring: Incubus, Bush, LIVE+, Filter and Welshly Arms.

When: 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4.

Where: Victory Park Ohio, 7777 Victory Lane, North Ridgeville.

Tickets: Starting at $82.50 (single day) and $139 (two-day pass) for an adult.

Info: Victorylivefest.com.

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