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Interviews archive - L
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Interview with:
LA Guns members, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin!
We'll start with our interview with Stacey Blades:
Photo by: Alice Brunello
Courtesy: Stacey Blades
Interviewer: Tawny Khat
Interview date: 11/26/2008
Hi Stacey,
Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I wish I could be conducting this in person, but things are very hectic right now with the deadline looming for our launch on Dec. 1, and I know you are very busy as well. First, before I get started, I just wanted to make a comment on a personal note. I've been an LA Guns fan from the start, and I want to let you know that "Tales from the Strip" is among my top three favorite Guns albums. I saw you guys in 2004 when you opened for Dokken (personally I think Dokken should have opened for LAG) and I was extremely impressed. There was much speculation on how well you would do in filling Tracii's shoes, and I, along with most fans, were pleasantly surprised by how well you've filled the role as lead guitarist. You guys were so tight. I was amazed. There's a maturity in the album and the live shows that is usually only seen from bands whose members have been together for many, many years. With that, let me get started:
1. Since your history and how you came to be a part of LA Guns has already been covered elsewhere, I'm going to primarily concentrate on the present and future, with the exception of this question. With the release of the first LA Guns album without Tracii Guns, were you nervous about how "Tales from the Strip" would be received by critics and fans?
Well not really because we had gotten pretty good reviews of the "Rips The Covers Off" album and everyone more or less knew Tracii wasn't coming back to the band. With Tales we knew we really wrote a strong record, so we were really confident when it was released.
2. It's obvious that a lot of heart and soul went into "Tales from the Strip". How do you guys collaborate when writing songs? What is your songwriting process?
We spent an entire year writing and demoing for that record. Someone in the band usually comes up with a riff or song idea. We then build on it, Phil will write some lyrics and then we will demo it. With Tales we really wrote about 25 songs and then chose 14 and completely put them under a microscope in pre-production. Everybody in this band contributed to the writing which was really awesome.
3. With fans hungry for more after hearing "Tales from the Strip", when might a new album be released?
We are pretty ready to do another record except there just really isn't any labels releasing stuff from our kind of bands. With the industry taking a shit the independent labels have taken the brunt of it. We will probably put some stuff on ITunes. We really want to do another record though 'cause we have written some incredible new stuff.
Photo by: Todd Gay
Courtesy: Stacey Blades
Courtesy: Stacey Blades
4. Glam and sleaze rock seems to be making a comeback with a new generation of young fans, especially in Europe, but in areas of the U.S. as well, like Hollywood. Not only do these new fans love 80's rock, but they are forming bands with similar looks and sounds to those 80's bands they are influenced by. Do you see a change coming about, such as a return to the heyday of sleaze in Hollywood (from your and my generation)? And, which up and coming young glam/sleaze bands do you like?
Now if all the kids were into 80's metal we would have a full blown comeback. (laughing) It's really refreshing to see these small pockets of kids totally trying to recreate that, it's awesome and it's not just here in Hollywood. I think Borlange Sweden has the youngest population of young Glam Sleaze Rockers, HA!
New Bands, hmm Snakes of Eden are cool and Scarlet Haze but they broke up. I don't go out that much so I haven't seen any hot new young rock bands in a while.
5. Which countries have you been to (while touring with a band), and which is your favorite to tour?
Let's see...Canada, U.S., Europe, Australia, Japan and Scandanavia. All these countries are my favorite so far, really like Japan which we are going back to in January and I loved playing in Australia. Sweden is Killer too!
6. What was the most embarrassing, or funniest, moment you've ever had while playing on stage?
Probably falling onstage in Pennsylvania, I tripped and went ribs first into the drum riser in front of a packed house.
7. What was the best moment you've experienced when playing a show?
We played this Arena in Bloomington, Illinois, and during "Ballad of Jayne" the whole floor and rafters had their lighters out. It was fuckin' awesome.
Photo by: Kelly Coombs
Courtesy: Stacey Blades
8. Now I'm going to ask some slightly more personal questions, if you don't mind. I know you like to cook. What is your favorite, or the best, dish that you cook?
Photo by: Kelly Coombs
Courtesy: Stacey Blades
8. Now I'm going to ask some slightly more personal questions, if you don't mind. I know you like to cook. What is your favorite, or the best, dish that you cook?
My best dish hands down is homemade gourmet pizza. I make it from complete scratch, yeast and flour and then roll out the dough and add the magic. (laughing) I have some pretty good pork chop and chicken dishes I make as well.
9. On your MySpace page you list "Logan's Run" as one of your favorite movies (it's one of mine, too). A lot of younger fans may not have seen or heard of this film. However, my question is, are you a sci-fi fan?
Logan's Run RULES! So yes, a total Sci-fi fan. Phil and I always talk about the old Doctor Who episodes from the early seventies which are killer, too.
10. Finally, which video games do you like to play, and are you any good at them?
I like the kind of shooting thriller type games like "Resident Evil", and I love the Tom Clancy stuff like "Rainbow Six" and "Rogue Spear".
Thank you so much for taking time to complete this interview. I wish you, your wife, and family, a very happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Tawny looking forward to seeing the first issue!
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And now, our interview with Scotty Griffin:
Photo by: Christy Borgman Courtesy: Scotty Griffin
Interviewer: Tawny Khat
Interview date: 11/28/2008
Hi again Scotty,
Thanks so much for agreeing to do this interview on such short notice. It would be great if I could be conducting the interview in person, but things are very hectic right now with the deadline for our launch coming up on Dec. 1, and I'm sure you're quite busy as well. I've heard nothing but great things about you, so I'm glad to see you as a part of one of my favorite bands. OK, let's get started:
1. Tell me a little about your musical history, your previous bands, etc.
I grew up out in L.A. and played in hundreds of local bands that went nowhere. I didn't really have too much going on musically until I started playing in cover bands such as Star Fuckers and Hookers N' Blow who had members that were already out there so to speak. People like Dizzy Reed, Eric Singer, Slim Jim Phantom, Alex Grossi, Eric Dover, Ryan Roxie. Just people at various levels of success, but all above me. Before I knew any of those guys I'd go down to the Cat Club, where the Star Fuckers played, with a pen and write down on a bar napkin every song they played, then go home and learn them. When I had their whole set down, I then got to know them and waited for the day they were in a pinch and needed a guitar player, that's when I got my chance.
2. How did you become the new bassist for LA Guns following Adam Hamilton's departure?
Well, in addition to learning that it was a good thing to play in cover bands, I also had to come to terms with the fact that there was a lot more work for bass players than guitarists. So I started playing bass anytime I could get paid doing it. I grew up playing guitar, but I had bought a bass just for recording demos at home. Some guitar players have a problem with playing a different instrument and that's cool. I was probably the same way back in the day, unfortunately for me. It only wasn't until later that I gave in and started playing it because I needed the fuckin' money. It's different when you're younger and getting kicked out of places because you can't make rent, and sleeping on couches. But you can only do that for so long. Anyways, to get back on track, I had played a show with Stacey in a cover band called the 100 Proof All-Stars or something like that, with Jizzy Pearl, also. I played rhythm guitar. Anyways' we kept in touch and I think he knew I also played some bass, so when Adam left he called and asked if I would have a problem playing bass. I said, "Dude, are you kidding?Send me the set list and the date of the first show. I'll be ready!" Just to add, I love playing bass. I actually feel more comfortable playing it than guitar. I don't miss guitar one bit, although I do still play it.
3. Glam and sleaze rock seems to be making a comeback with a new generation of young fans in Europe, especially Sweden, and in areas of the US, like Hollywood. Not only are these young rockers fans of 80's bands, but they are creating their own bands with a similar look and sound to those bands from the 80's that have inspired them. Have you listened to any of these new bands, and if so, do you have any favorites?
I really only hear the bands that open for us. Of course, I love it. Bands like Snake Of Eden, Vains Of Jenna, Towers Of London. The "of" bands seem to be pretty popular right now. (ha ha) As much as some people hate it, I think it's great when bands have a common link, you need that band camaraderie I think to make a movement. Like when there was Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly, Led Zeppelin, etc. Or, all the "The" bands of the 60's, and now. It's kind of a secret code for fans to know about other bands. Remember the "W" bands, it was like, "Hey, if you like Warrant and White Lion you might like this new band called Winger". (laughing)
Photo copyrighted by Moonshayde Photography
www.myspace.com/moonshaydephotography
Courtesy: Scotty Griffin
4. Who are your influences and how would you describe your style?
Well since I grew up playing guitar mostly, a lot of my influences would be guitarists, obviously, like Ace Frehley, Joe Perry, Johnny Thunders. I'd say bassists in particular who I dig are Sid Vicious, Mick Jones, Dee Dee Ramone, Tom Petersson, Nikki Sixx. But, regardless of instrument, I'm mostly a band guy. All those guys I mentioned, I'm a fan of their band. I don't care how good a bass player is, if I don't like the band and the songs I really don't care about the bass player. Conversely, if I like the band and the songs, I don't care how well anybody plays. There's obviously something I like about it. I'd be more interested in how cool the fucker dressed, or how cool his bass looked, than whether or not he could play a C major scale or not.
5. What kind of gear do you use?
Well, most of the gigs we play are fly-outs, so I use what the club provides, which is usually Ampeg. I have an old Hartke right now for local gigs, and an Ampeg cab. I don't want to jinx myself, but I might be getting an endorsement deal with one of my favorite amp companies pretty soon. I can't say who, but it would rule if I got it! As far as bass goes, my main bass is a cheap Epiphone Thunderbird. My main bass used to be this cheap Fender P-Bass, I think it was made in Mexico. But I smashed it onstage at the Whisky. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and it was pretty rad looking, actually. But, I got really depressed for about two weeks after. I went to a party at one of the guys from Snake Of Edens house a while ago. He had part of it on his wall. It was nice seeing it, and that it was on someones wall like a piece of art or something, and not in a garbage can. That gave me some closure at least.
6. How has it been collaborating on new music with LA Guns?
We've written a few songs. It's really just in the beginning stages for that right now. We've really just been concentrating on touring, because with all that's going on...we have to make sure people see us and know that we're around. Plus, the music industry is changing and we haven't figured out just the right thing to do right now. Hopefully it'll all come together at the right time. I personally have been writing like a fiend, although I've only shown a few songs to the guys at this point. It's fun trying to write for a particular situation. I never try to write like anybody else, but I will try to write FOR something, like with L.A. Guns for instance, I'll keep writing little riffs until I can hear Phils singing in my head and then I'll work on it and file it away as a potential L.A. Guns song. If I write something I like but I can't hear his voice singing over it, I'll file it away as something that I could possibly use for some other situation, like maybe if someone needs a song for an indie film or something.
Photo by: Glen LaFerman Courtesy: Scotty Griffin
7. You guys are heading to Japan in January to do some shows. Have your been there before and how do you feel about going?
Never been there. I'm totally looking forward to it no matter how cold everybody tells me it's gonna be. (laughing) Japan has always seemed like such a rock 'n' roll place. I can't wait to rock Tokyo!
8. I'm asking Stacey and Phil these last two questions, too.
What was your most embarrassing, or funniest, moment on stage (with any band)?
I forget what song it is, but there's one song where we sing the last chorus and then stop singing, and Stacey goes into the final solo to the end of the song. There's a bunch of times I forget that he solos and I keep on singing, and then I'll look over at Phil because I can tell he's not singing anymore and he'll just smile, and then I realize what the hell I'm doing and, yeah, it feels a little ridiculous.
9. Finally, what was the best, most memorable moment you've experienced while playing a show?
There's sooooo many, that it's really impossible to say. On a personal level, probably playing the Whisky with L.A. Guns since L.A.s my hometown and the Whisky was a special place growing up. It kind of gave me a sense of accomplishment I guess you could say. Especially considering I've paid to play there so many times! (ha ha) I'm actually keeping track of how much money they still owe. (laughing) I think a couple more shows and I'll have finally gotten all my money back!
Thanks again for taking time to do this interview.
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And now, our interview with Scotty Griffin:
Photo by: Christy Borgman Courtesy: Scotty Griffin
Interviewer: Tawny Khat
Interview date: 11/28/2008
Hi again Scotty,
Thanks so much for agreeing to do this interview on such short notice. It would be great if I could be conducting the interview in person, but things are very hectic right now with the deadline for our launch coming up on Dec. 1, and I'm sure you're quite busy as well. I've heard nothing but great things about you, so I'm glad to see you as a part of one of my favorite bands. OK, let's get started:
1. Tell me a little about your musical history, your previous bands, etc.
I grew up out in L.A. and played in hundreds of local bands that went nowhere. I didn't really have too much going on musically until I started playing in cover bands such as Star Fuckers and Hookers N' Blow who had members that were already out there so to speak. People like Dizzy Reed, Eric Singer, Slim Jim Phantom, Alex Grossi, Eric Dover, Ryan Roxie. Just people at various levels of success, but all above me. Before I knew any of those guys I'd go down to the Cat Club, where the Star Fuckers played, with a pen and write down on a bar napkin every song they played, then go home and learn them. When I had their whole set down, I then got to know them and waited for the day they were in a pinch and needed a guitar player, that's when I got my chance.
2. How did you become the new bassist for LA Guns following Adam Hamilton's departure?
Well, in addition to learning that it was a good thing to play in cover bands, I also had to come to terms with the fact that there was a lot more work for bass players than guitarists. So I started playing bass anytime I could get paid doing it. I grew up playing guitar, but I had bought a bass just for recording demos at home. Some guitar players have a problem with playing a different instrument and that's cool. I was probably the same way back in the day, unfortunately for me. It only wasn't until later that I gave in and started playing it because I needed the fuckin' money. It's different when you're younger and getting kicked out of places because you can't make rent, and sleeping on couches. But you can only do that for so long. Anyways, to get back on track, I had played a show with Stacey in a cover band called the 100 Proof All-Stars or something like that, with Jizzy Pearl, also. I played rhythm guitar. Anyways' we kept in touch and I think he knew I also played some bass, so when Adam left he called and asked if I would have a problem playing bass. I said, "Dude, are you kidding?Send me the set list and the date of the first show. I'll be ready!" Just to add, I love playing bass. I actually feel more comfortable playing it than guitar. I don't miss guitar one bit, although I do still play it.
3. Glam and sleaze rock seems to be making a comeback with a new generation of young fans in Europe, especially Sweden, and in areas of the US, like Hollywood. Not only are these young rockers fans of 80's bands, but they are creating their own bands with a similar look and sound to those bands from the 80's that have inspired them. Have you listened to any of these new bands, and if so, do you have any favorites?
I really only hear the bands that open for us. Of course, I love it. Bands like Snake Of Eden, Vains Of Jenna, Towers Of London. The "of" bands seem to be pretty popular right now. (ha ha) As much as some people hate it, I think it's great when bands have a common link, you need that band camaraderie I think to make a movement. Like when there was Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly, Led Zeppelin, etc. Or, all the "The" bands of the 60's, and now. It's kind of a secret code for fans to know about other bands. Remember the "W" bands, it was like, "Hey, if you like Warrant and White Lion you might like this new band called Winger". (laughing)
Photo copyrighted by Moonshayde Photography
www.myspace.com/moonshaydephotography
Courtesy: Scotty Griffin
4. Who are your influences and how would you describe your style?
Well since I grew up playing guitar mostly, a lot of my influences would be guitarists, obviously, like Ace Frehley, Joe Perry, Johnny Thunders. I'd say bassists in particular who I dig are Sid Vicious, Mick Jones, Dee Dee Ramone, Tom Petersson, Nikki Sixx. But, regardless of instrument, I'm mostly a band guy. All those guys I mentioned, I'm a fan of their band. I don't care how good a bass player is, if I don't like the band and the songs I really don't care about the bass player. Conversely, if I like the band and the songs, I don't care how well anybody plays. There's obviously something I like about it. I'd be more interested in how cool the fucker dressed, or how cool his bass looked, than whether or not he could play a C major scale or not.
5. What kind of gear do you use?
Well, most of the gigs we play are fly-outs, so I use what the club provides, which is usually Ampeg. I have an old Hartke right now for local gigs, and an Ampeg cab. I don't want to jinx myself, but I might be getting an endorsement deal with one of my favorite amp companies pretty soon. I can't say who, but it would rule if I got it! As far as bass goes, my main bass is a cheap Epiphone Thunderbird. My main bass used to be this cheap Fender P-Bass, I think it was made in Mexico. But I smashed it onstage at the Whisky. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and it was pretty rad looking, actually. But, I got really depressed for about two weeks after. I went to a party at one of the guys from Snake Of Edens house a while ago. He had part of it on his wall. It was nice seeing it, and that it was on someones wall like a piece of art or something, and not in a garbage can. That gave me some closure at least.
6. How has it been collaborating on new music with LA Guns?
We've written a few songs. It's really just in the beginning stages for that right now. We've really just been concentrating on touring, because with all that's going on...we have to make sure people see us and know that we're around. Plus, the music industry is changing and we haven't figured out just the right thing to do right now. Hopefully it'll all come together at the right time. I personally have been writing like a fiend, although I've only shown a few songs to the guys at this point. It's fun trying to write for a particular situation. I never try to write like anybody else, but I will try to write FOR something, like with L.A. Guns for instance, I'll keep writing little riffs until I can hear Phils singing in my head and then I'll work on it and file it away as a potential L.A. Guns song. If I write something I like but I can't hear his voice singing over it, I'll file it away as something that I could possibly use for some other situation, like maybe if someone needs a song for an indie film or something.
Photo by: Glen LaFerman Courtesy: Scotty Griffin
7. You guys are heading to Japan in January to do some shows. Have your been there before and how do you feel about going?
Never been there. I'm totally looking forward to it no matter how cold everybody tells me it's gonna be. (laughing) Japan has always seemed like such a rock 'n' roll place. I can't wait to rock Tokyo!
8. I'm asking Stacey and Phil these last two questions, too.
What was your most embarrassing, or funniest, moment on stage (with any band)?
I forget what song it is, but there's one song where we sing the last chorus and then stop singing, and Stacey goes into the final solo to the end of the song. There's a bunch of times I forget that he solos and I keep on singing, and then I'll look over at Phil because I can tell he's not singing anymore and he'll just smile, and then I realize what the hell I'm doing and, yeah, it feels a little ridiculous.
9. Finally, what was the best, most memorable moment you've experienced while playing a show?
There's sooooo many, that it's really impossible to say. On a personal level, probably playing the Whisky with L.A. Guns since L.A.s my hometown and the Whisky was a special place growing up. It kind of gave me a sense of accomplishment I guess you could say. Especially considering I've paid to play there so many times! (ha ha) I'm actually keeping track of how much money they still owe. (laughing) I think a couple more shows and I'll have finally gotten all my money back!
Thanks again for taking time to do this interview.
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Interview with:
The members of Lipstick - 80s Hair Metal Tribute
Interviewed by Tawny Khat
Interview completed: June 5, 2009
Photos used with permission.
Courtesy of Lipstick.
This interview with the members of Lipstick is a lot of fun. They did the interview in character, just like they do their shows. This should give you an idea of why their shows are so entertaining for their fans. It's not just about the music, which is great, it's about the whole show, so enjoy!
EP (Electric Pussycat): Let's start off with how long you've been together and how Lipstick formed.
Rybones: Of all things Lipstick formed at an Air Guitar contest. I took second place that night. I met with Shannon who was djing the event and we struck up a conversation about starting a band that would put the fun back in seeing a live show.
Shannon: Yeah, I was Djing and the winner and runner up were like, "How cool would it be to put together a 80's metal band?" I was like, "Hell yeah, you know how much ass we could get in a band like that?"
Dioz: Lipstick was an idea that had been discussed previous times by Shannon and Rybones. They met one day to discuss just how they would do such a band and I just so happened to be working that day. We started having a band meeting right then and there. We've been rocking out for the last two years with no regrets.
Bruce: I have only been with the band for a short time. I met them via the internet from overseas. Being from Wales I had a lot of preconceived notions about the states, but blimey, I was wrong. These blokes were as messed up in the guliver as I was. We wrote back and forth for about a month and then I stowed away on an ocean liner, and the rest is history.
EP: If I came to one of your shows, what's an example of the songs I would hear you perform?
Rybones: You would hear the most ass shaking, body grooving rock and roll that everyone is familiar with. The real question is what you would SEE at a Lipstick show!!
Shannon: The very best music every made!! The kind of music, honey, you would shake your ass to all night, the kind of music your mother said was no good. The best music to make that sweet, sweet love to!!
Dioz: We give people a taste of all the top songs of the day. The girls will remember high school boyfriends with Poison ballads, and the guys will remember banging there heads to Motley Crue and Quiet Riot.
Bruce: Anything from G'N'R and Poison, to Judas Priest and Billy Idol, L.A. Guns, Skid Row, all the greatest and nastiest of the 80s. Too many to list off, ya know?
EP: You guys stay very busy performing shows throughout Indiana and Ohio, for the most part. Where is the farthest you've travelled to do a show?
Rybones: We have played to the Tri-state area in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky now. We have traveled to places small and big bringing the rock everywhere we go. If you have electricity and a good crowd...we're there!
Shannon: Ahhh, I would say Ft. Wayne area..getting ready for a road trip to Ccolumbus to a club called Vegas 161.
Dioz: So far, the farthest we have traveled has been to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. We do have some upcoming dates in Columbus, OH, and even South Carolina.
Bruce: Erlanger, Kentucky at a club called Peecox. They had no fucking dressing room, so we froze our bollocks off in the trailer, so to speak. But, fuck it, it's all for the show!!! And, we didn't even get corn-holed!! {LOL!!!}
EP: Congratulations are in order. I understand you recently won the G101.3 Battle of the Cover Bands contest. Tell me a little about that competition.
Rybones: The battle was very fun for us. We played with a lot of talented people that night. It was rather fun because we were the only bad who got the crowd chanting our name multiple times, and we made sure when we left we were the band you were talking about.
Shannon: The battle was soooo much fun. We turned on alot of young kids to very best in music history and I think I got aksed 20 times where I got my outfit, and I know I gave away 20 gel braclets to some of the young fans!!
Dioz: The competition was a side contest to the Battle of the Bands for all the local originals. It was voted on by crowd reaction, and that is exactly what the judges got. The Lipstick Army marched in, voted, and screamed their voices out for us.
Bruce: We entered not really knowing what to expect. All the other bands were good, but nowhere near as sleazy. {LOL} We just went on and played like any other gig and they loved it. Deep down people still like to be entertained, as well as hear good music! We were more than obliged to provide that, and any other services. {
SLY SMILE}
EP: Does Lipstick have any original songs, and if so will we possibly see an album from you in the future?
Rybones: Originals are something we have been working on. For now we have concentrated on doing the best covers we can, being the most accurate at playing songs people remember, and there is a sense of familiarity with that in and of itself.
Shannon: You know, orginals are really cool, but the cover work is fricking so killer. I would love to do some and do a killer 80's style (CD) cover, maybe some half naked chicks on the cover in nothing but lipstick and a smile.
Dioz: We have one or two that we are working on at the moment, but we are booked so much on the weekends, and then busy with our regular day to day lives so much, we don't have a lot of time to devote to them...at least not as much as we would like. It wouldn't be a stretch, though.
Bruce: We are currently working on some material. Keep your ear to the ground and nose in the gutter for further details. Dioz, Rybones, Shannon and I are writing, but right now it's all about the live shows.
EP: I noticed that you share lead vocal responsibilities. Can you tell me how you decide who sings a particular song, and which vocalists are each of your specialties, in other words who do each of you do the best at emulating?
Rybones: I do the songs that require the high pitched singing. I have a higher vocal range. Bruce and I do the majority of the singing and most times its easy to figure out who will sing what. It depends on the vocal range and how intricate the guitar parts are. If the guitar part is harder to play and sing, then Bruce will take over and do his magic.
Shannon: I personally don't sing and thats a good thing. The boys work it out among themselves who sings.
Dioz: Rybones usually takes care of all the high end stuff. Bruce brings up the middle, and tops off all of the harmony work. I bring in the low end, and sing a song or two just to shake things up and give the boys a break.
Bruce: Whoever has the balls to try it. I mostly cover the long winded songs {ballads, Ozzy, Skid Row, shit like that}. Dioz and Rybones sing lead on a few songs, as well. Shannon isn't allowed, because he sounds too much like a cat in a tin can. {LOL!!!} But seriously, we just kind of know who is going to do it, kind of an unspoken thing really, unless one of us completely tolechocks {that means "fucks up" for you Americans} a song.
EP: I assume you guys have been at the rock 'n roll game for many years, not unlike myself. Whichever member has the wildest rock 'n roll story to tell, please share that story with us.
Rybones: The wildest story has to be not from the band itself, but our lighting crew. His name is Jay, and we were playing Dayton, Ohio one night. He had a VERY interested female fan who kept repeating she wanted to go into a room alone with him and have "7 minutes of heaven!"
Shannon: I would say the wildest would be that night in Nashville. It was me, this chick, a donkey named Kelly, 3 midgets and a drunk stripper. I really can't say much more due to legal reasons, sorry!
Dioz: It was just about a year ago. We were playing at a place up in Ft. Wayne. The bar itself was a dimly lit dust bar, with the smell of ancient tobacco and stale beer just ground into the carpet after many, many years of abuse. The show started off fine for the other band--people were showing up, it was looking good. Our crew crashed in the booths, which use to belong to a long forgotten Long John Silver's restaurant.
The night progressed, and as we began to get ready all hell broke loose. Our original rhythm player fell off stage, my bass broke a string before the first note and the center mike stopped after the first song. At this point I was ready to go home and we had only just started. At the end of one of our songs it is known that I breathe fire. I did my trick as usual, disinfecting about 10 feet of the bar when I did it, some of my facial hair had caught fire, and as I went to spit the rest of my mix out...a huge ball of fire went up into my face. Show over...I was done for the night.
Bruce: I plead the 5th on that one....Let's put it this way, what I haven't seen is the reason I'm in this.
EP: Have any of you ever met one of your rock 'n roll idols and how did that meeting go, for example were they cool or a jerk?
Rybones: I have met many rock stars in my lifetime. Living in Las Vegas for awhile, it kind of becomes secondary when you live in a city like Vegas. I've met the like of Zakk Wylde, Marty Friedman, Slaughter, George Lynch, Kerry King and I've met Randy Rhoads family multiple times. I see them usually once a year. They are really good people.
Shannon: I got to meet the boys from Dangerous Toys, really cool. Jason was a really cool dude. I also got to meet Gene and Paul from KISS. That was cool, but the one I remember the most was Jake E. Lee when he was playing in Badlands, him and Ray Gillan were some really cool dudes!!!
Dioz: I have not gotten a chance to meet any famous musicians, outside of meet and greets at the f.y.e. tents at Ozzfest.
Bruce: Yes, I met a few. Nice blokes, those guys....but, the birds {girls} are way more interesting. They can make any show worthwhile. {SLY SMILE}...
EP: If you could play with any band in history, who would it be?
Rybones: The "Blizzard of Ozz" lineup of the Ozzy Osbourne band. Randy Rhoads is a guitar hero of mine and I love Bob Daisley's bass playing.
Shannon: Crue, around the "Too Fast For Love" era...but, I don't really think I would of made it through those times. Hell, I am really surprised they made it!!!!
Dioz: I would love to have played with Zeppelin during the recording of 3. I would also love to have jammed with Jimi. But, if I couldn't jam with Zeppelin, it would be Red Hot Chili Peppers on their "One Hot Minute" album.
I thought that it had some amazing song work, and they never put out bad music.
Bruce: Lipstick, of course, and maybe Iron Maiden. I love their live shows, not really sleazy, but great performances, those blokes.
EP: Lipstick, of course, plays rock music from the great era of the 80s, but are there any new, original glam/sleaze bands that you like?
Rybones: There is a band out of Australia called Airbourne that I really dig. They have an AC/DC kind of sound with their own style on it. It just flat out ROCKS!
Shannon: I am really digging this band called Charm City Devils, not sure if they are really glam but I really like their sound.
Dioz: I never wanted to be one of those guys who would grow up to be a music snob, and look down on modern music, or culture, but the industry today isn't what it use to be, and it is all kinda re-manufactured. If it doesn't work this way, put a sideways ball cap on it, toss in a bass line. If that doesn't work, put a tattoo on it and make it scream. Kids today have crap for a real musical influence. Guitar hero may undermine the guitarist, but at least it showcases to some kids just what real music is.
Bruce: Faster Pussycat is still around. Those are some sleazy limey bastards. Great groupies, though! As far as new, I have to say Rob Zombie is one of my personal favourites. Now, there is sleaze with class.
EP: What do you make of the resurgence of glam/sleaze rock that is taking place around the globe?
Rybones: I think it's time. People are getting short-changed when they go to see a show and there is no show. I could sit at home and listen to an album. Bands have to have something in the live show worth seeing. Bands like ourselves, Steel Panther, and tribute acts in general, are out to play great music and give them a SHOW!
Shannon: It's so fucking kick ass that its coming back. People want to go to shows and hear good music and see a good show..and no one is doing that now! People are tired of paying good money for a show and all they get is...well, they get to watch paint dry to some good music and that sucks!!!
Dioz: I love the fact that the 80's are coming back. It was a good time for music, for the most part, and everyone was just about having a good time. People have spent the last ten years crying on every CD about how they feel. I think kids are ready to kick ass and have fun again and that's what happened in the 80s.
Bruce: Resurgence? What do you mean? I didn't know it bloody went out of style! Glam will always be around. What's wrong with looking good? Nothing! How else can we get...be....appreciated?
EP: I want to once again congratulate you for winning our "Favorite New Band" contest for the month of April, and for winning that Battle of the Cover Bands contest. Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
Rybones: I'll leave you with the best advice I've ever been given. "Never fry bacon naked," and thank you to all Lipstick fans around the world.
Shannon: Yeah, remember this...always party hard, and...well, just party party...oh yeah...remember to "put it on thick and let it smear."
Dioz: Get out of the house, go support local, live music...or we're coming into
your living room!
Bruce: We would like to thank all of our adoring fans and your readers for taking a moment with Lipstick. Remember to keep your Pussy..cat Electric, and support all sleaze and glam rock!!
I want to thank Lipstick for doing this interview. Get all the goods on them from their MySpace page, and I agree with Dioz. Get out and support local music wherever you are! Local music scenes, the bands and clubs, cannot exist without the fans of live music. So, if you don't want your local music scene to die and end up with all your local clubs just having djs, please get out and support live music.
Interview with:
The members of Lipstick - 80s Hair Metal Tribute
Interviewed by Tawny Khat
Interview completed: June 5, 2009
Photos used with permission.
Courtesy of Lipstick.
This interview with the members of Lipstick is a lot of fun. They did the interview in character, just like they do their shows. This should give you an idea of why their shows are so entertaining for their fans. It's not just about the music, which is great, it's about the whole show, so enjoy!
EP (Electric Pussycat): Let's start off with how long you've been together and how Lipstick formed.Rybones: Of all things Lipstick formed at an Air Guitar contest. I took second place that night. I met with Shannon who was djing the event and we struck up a conversation about starting a band that would put the fun back in seeing a live show.
Shannon: Yeah, I was Djing and the winner and runner up were like, "How cool would it be to put together a 80's metal band?" I was like, "Hell yeah, you know how much ass we could get in a band like that?"
Dioz: Lipstick was an idea that had been discussed previous times by Shannon and Rybones. They met one day to discuss just how they would do such a band and I just so happened to be working that day. We started having a band meeting right then and there. We've been rocking out for the last two years with no regrets.
Bruce: I have only been with the band for a short time. I met them via the internet from overseas. Being from Wales I had a lot of preconceived notions about the states, but blimey, I was wrong. These blokes were as messed up in the guliver as I was. We wrote back and forth for about a month and then I stowed away on an ocean liner, and the rest is history.
EP: If I came to one of your shows, what's an example of the songs I would hear you perform?
Rybones: You would hear the most ass shaking, body grooving rock and roll that everyone is familiar with. The real question is what you would SEE at a Lipstick show!!
Shannon: The very best music every made!! The kind of music, honey, you would shake your ass to all night, the kind of music your mother said was no good. The best music to make that sweet, sweet love to!!
Dioz: We give people a taste of all the top songs of the day. The girls will remember high school boyfriends with Poison ballads, and the guys will remember banging there heads to Motley Crue and Quiet Riot.
Bruce: Anything from G'N'R and Poison, to Judas Priest and Billy Idol, L.A. Guns, Skid Row, all the greatest and nastiest of the 80s. Too many to list off, ya know?
EP: You guys stay very busy performing shows throughout Indiana and Ohio, for the most part. Where is the farthest you've travelled to do a show?
Rybones: We have played to the Tri-state area in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky now. We have traveled to places small and big bringing the rock everywhere we go. If you have electricity and a good crowd...we're there!
Shannon: Ahhh, I would say Ft. Wayne area..getting ready for a road trip to Ccolumbus to a club called Vegas 161.
Dioz: So far, the farthest we have traveled has been to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. We do have some upcoming dates in Columbus, OH, and even South Carolina.
Bruce: Erlanger, Kentucky at a club called Peecox. They had no fucking dressing room, so we froze our bollocks off in the trailer, so to speak. But, fuck it, it's all for the show!!! And, we didn't even get corn-holed!! {LOL!!!}
EP: Congratulations are in order. I understand you recently won the G101.3 Battle of the Cover Bands contest. Tell me a little about that competition.
Rybones: The battle was very fun for us. We played with a lot of talented people that night. It was rather fun because we were the only bad who got the crowd chanting our name multiple times, and we made sure when we left we were the band you were talking about.
Shannon: The battle was soooo much fun. We turned on alot of young kids to very best in music history and I think I got aksed 20 times where I got my outfit, and I know I gave away 20 gel braclets to some of the young fans!!
Dioz: The competition was a side contest to the Battle of the Bands for all the local originals. It was voted on by crowd reaction, and that is exactly what the judges got. The Lipstick Army marched in, voted, and screamed their voices out for us.
Bruce: We entered not really knowing what to expect. All the other bands were good, but nowhere near as sleazy. {LOL} We just went on and played like any other gig and they loved it. Deep down people still like to be entertained, as well as hear good music! We were more than obliged to provide that, and any other services. {
SLY SMILE}EP: Does Lipstick have any original songs, and if so will we possibly see an album from you in the future?
Rybones: Originals are something we have been working on. For now we have concentrated on doing the best covers we can, being the most accurate at playing songs people remember, and there is a sense of familiarity with that in and of itself.
Shannon: You know, orginals are really cool, but the cover work is fricking so killer. I would love to do some and do a killer 80's style (CD) cover, maybe some half naked chicks on the cover in nothing but lipstick and a smile.
Dioz: We have one or two that we are working on at the moment, but we are booked so much on the weekends, and then busy with our regular day to day lives so much, we don't have a lot of time to devote to them...at least not as much as we would like. It wouldn't be a stretch, though.
Bruce: We are currently working on some material. Keep your ear to the ground and nose in the gutter for further details. Dioz, Rybones, Shannon and I are writing, but right now it's all about the live shows.
EP: I noticed that you share lead vocal responsibilities. Can you tell me how you decide who sings a particular song, and which vocalists are each of your specialties, in other words who do each of you do the best at emulating?
Rybones: I do the songs that require the high pitched singing. I have a higher vocal range. Bruce and I do the majority of the singing and most times its easy to figure out who will sing what. It depends on the vocal range and how intricate the guitar parts are. If the guitar part is harder to play and sing, then Bruce will take over and do his magic.
Shannon: I personally don't sing and thats a good thing. The boys work it out among themselves who sings.
Dioz: Rybones usually takes care of all the high end stuff. Bruce brings up the middle, and tops off all of the harmony work. I bring in the low end, and sing a song or two just to shake things up and give the boys a break.
Bruce: Whoever has the balls to try it. I mostly cover the long winded songs {ballads, Ozzy, Skid Row, shit like that}. Dioz and Rybones sing lead on a few songs, as well. Shannon isn't allowed, because he sounds too much like a cat in a tin can. {LOL!!!} But seriously, we just kind of know who is going to do it, kind of an unspoken thing really, unless one of us completely tolechocks {that means "fucks up" for you Americans} a song.
EP: I assume you guys have been at the rock 'n roll game for many years, not unlike myself. Whichever member has the wildest rock 'n roll story to tell, please share that story with us.
Rybones: The wildest story has to be not from the band itself, but our lighting crew. His name is Jay, and we were playing Dayton, Ohio one night. He had a VERY interested female fan who kept repeating she wanted to go into a room alone with him and have "7 minutes of heaven!"
Shannon: I would say the wildest would be that night in Nashville. It was me, this chick, a donkey named Kelly, 3 midgets and a drunk stripper. I really can't say much more due to legal reasons, sorry!
Dioz: It was just about a year ago. We were playing at a place up in Ft. Wayne. The bar itself was a dimly lit dust bar, with the smell of ancient tobacco and stale beer just ground into the carpet after many, many years of abuse. The show started off fine for the other band--people were showing up, it was looking good. Our crew crashed in the booths, which use to belong to a long forgotten Long John Silver's restaurant.
The night progressed, and as we began to get ready all hell broke loose. Our original rhythm player fell off stage, my bass broke a string before the first note and the center mike stopped after the first song. At this point I was ready to go home and we had only just started. At the end of one of our songs it is known that I breathe fire. I did my trick as usual, disinfecting about 10 feet of the bar when I did it, some of my facial hair had caught fire, and as I went to spit the rest of my mix out...a huge ball of fire went up into my face. Show over...I was done for the night.
Bruce: I plead the 5th on that one....Let's put it this way, what I haven't seen is the reason I'm in this.
EP: Have any of you ever met one of your rock 'n roll idols and how did that meeting go, for example were they cool or a jerk?
Rybones: I have met many rock stars in my lifetime. Living in Las Vegas for awhile, it kind of becomes secondary when you live in a city like Vegas. I've met the like of Zakk Wylde, Marty Friedman, Slaughter, George Lynch, Kerry King and I've met Randy Rhoads family multiple times. I see them usually once a year. They are really good people.
Shannon: I got to meet the boys from Dangerous Toys, really cool. Jason was a really cool dude. I also got to meet Gene and Paul from KISS. That was cool, but the one I remember the most was Jake E. Lee when he was playing in Badlands, him and Ray Gillan were some really cool dudes!!!
Dioz: I have not gotten a chance to meet any famous musicians, outside of meet and greets at the f.y.e. tents at Ozzfest.
Bruce: Yes, I met a few. Nice blokes, those guys....but, the birds {girls} are way more interesting. They can make any show worthwhile. {SLY SMILE}...
EP: If you could play with any band in history, who would it be?
Rybones: The "Blizzard of Ozz" lineup of the Ozzy Osbourne band. Randy Rhoads is a guitar hero of mine and I love Bob Daisley's bass playing.
Shannon: Crue, around the "Too Fast For Love" era...but, I don't really think I would of made it through those times. Hell, I am really surprised they made it!!!!
Dioz: I would love to have played with Zeppelin during the recording of 3. I would also love to have jammed with Jimi. But, if I couldn't jam with Zeppelin, it would be Red Hot Chili Peppers on their "One Hot Minute" album.
I thought that it had some amazing song work, and they never put out bad music.
Bruce: Lipstick, of course, and maybe Iron Maiden. I love their live shows, not really sleazy, but great performances, those blokes.
EP: Lipstick, of course, plays rock music from the great era of the 80s, but are there any new, original glam/sleaze bands that you like?
Rybones: There is a band out of Australia called Airbourne that I really dig. They have an AC/DC kind of sound with their own style on it. It just flat out ROCKS!
Shannon: I am really digging this band called Charm City Devils, not sure if they are really glam but I really like their sound.
Dioz: I never wanted to be one of those guys who would grow up to be a music snob, and look down on modern music, or culture, but the industry today isn't what it use to be, and it is all kinda re-manufactured. If it doesn't work this way, put a sideways ball cap on it, toss in a bass line. If that doesn't work, put a tattoo on it and make it scream. Kids today have crap for a real musical influence. Guitar hero may undermine the guitarist, but at least it showcases to some kids just what real music is.
Bruce: Faster Pussycat is still around. Those are some sleazy limey bastards. Great groupies, though! As far as new, I have to say Rob Zombie is one of my personal favourites. Now, there is sleaze with class.
EP: What do you make of the resurgence of glam/sleaze rock that is taking place around the globe?
Rybones: I think it's time. People are getting short-changed when they go to see a show and there is no show. I could sit at home and listen to an album. Bands have to have something in the live show worth seeing. Bands like ourselves, Steel Panther, and tribute acts in general, are out to play great music and give them a SHOW!
Shannon: It's so fucking kick ass that its coming back. People want to go to shows and hear good music and see a good show..and no one is doing that now! People are tired of paying good money for a show and all they get is...well, they get to watch paint dry to some good music and that sucks!!!
Dioz: I love the fact that the 80's are coming back. It was a good time for music, for the most part, and everyone was just about having a good time. People have spent the last ten years crying on every CD about how they feel. I think kids are ready to kick ass and have fun again and that's what happened in the 80s.
Bruce: Resurgence? What do you mean? I didn't know it bloody went out of style! Glam will always be around. What's wrong with looking good? Nothing! How else can we get...be....appreciated?
EP: I want to once again congratulate you for winning our "Favorite New Band" contest for the month of April, and for winning that Battle of the Cover Bands contest. Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
Rybones: I'll leave you with the best advice I've ever been given. "Never fry bacon naked," and thank you to all Lipstick fans around the world.
Shannon: Yeah, remember this...always party hard, and...well, just party party...oh yeah...remember to "put it on thick and let it smear."
Dioz: Get out of the house, go support local, live music...or we're coming into
your living room!Bruce: We would like to thank all of our adoring fans and your readers for taking a moment with Lipstick. Remember to keep your Pussy..cat Electric, and support all sleaze and glam rock!!
I want to thank Lipstick for doing this interview. Get all the goods on them from their MySpace page, and I agree with Dioz. Get out and support local music wherever you are! Local music scenes, the bands and clubs, cannot exist without the fans of live music. So, if you don't want your local music scene to die and end up with all your local clubs just having djs, please get out and support live music.
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