Interview with He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named

Interview by: Dod M.
Big Wheel Overseas Staff Reporter


With a new album out and now with his own band, I managed a few words with He-who-cannot-be-Named who has been playing Punk rock for 25years mostly with the Dwarves I put some questions to him about one of music’s controversial bands, a hoax death and his new album.

What’s the origin of the bands name?
     
I guess it’s because I couldn’t seem to keep a name for more than a year or two. First they just called me “Realgone”, probably because I wasn’t really all there most of the time, then it was “Vietnam”. I’m not sure exactly why, I remember hearing something about a hideous disfigurement on account of the war. Eventually I realized that this would most likely become an endless series of names that probably would have gone on and on, so I realized that my name could only be Hewhocannotbenamed.

Who were your major influences?
 
My first musical influence was my Dad. He played the piano for fun and, as a young child, I would watch him, fascinated by this. He was mostly into classical music, (loved Beethoven) and show tunes. He was kind of a showman too, he would make big dramatic movements with his arms and sway his body back and forth when he played. When I got older I took piano lessons. Later, around the time I started playing guitar, I discovered The Beatles. I bought the “Complete Beatles” book of sheet music and taught myself to play by learning their songs.

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

I’m not sure how to answer this one. Since Hewhocannotbenamed is pretty much a spinoff of The Dwarves, I’ll refer to the first time I met Blag. I was in my college dorm room when I got a knock on the door. It was this tall hippy looking kid. He had heard that I owned an old Farfisa organ (which I still have today). He had a psychedelic band (Suburban Nightmare) and they needed an organ player. They were trying to be real authentic so they used old gear. I think I passed the audition more because I had this cool old keyboard than anything I played on it.

Who writes your songs?

I write them all, although Saltpeter has one on the upcoming record. In The Dwarves its pretty much all the members, although Blag and I cowrote quite a few, especially in the early years.

What originally attracted you to Punk?

I think Punk means different things to different people. I always liked heavy sounding music with distorted guitars. I guess that’s part of it for me, but I really connected to punk as an art form that creates a feeling of true danger and criminality, the first time I saw The Cramps. It was in Chicago in the early 80s at a fairly small venue. When Lux Interior pulled his pants down and jumped into the crowd, I remember the adrenaline pumping and thinking things like “Can he do this?” “Isn’t this against the rules?” But I loved it.

In 1993 it was spread around that you had died but it was a hoax and you were dropped from label, is this true?

Well no, I didn’t die, and yes we were dropped from the label.

How much do you think Punk has changed in the last 30 years?

It has almost completely lost the ability to express danger and criminality, thus becoming almost completely limp and ineffectual. Of course its much easier to market this way.

You often only ever wear a wrestling mask and a jock strap or nothing, how did this come about?

The first show I ever played was on Halloween night. So I wore a mask as a costume. I guess I liked it so I decided to keep wearing it. As for the naked guy or jock strap thing, its kind of similar. Back in the 80's The Dwarves had a show at this little club in New Jersey that was supposed to be on cable TV or something. Anyway there was a whole crew of camera people to shoot this program. The problem was that there was almost no audience. This wasn’t too unusual in those days. We all decided that the best way to salvage this TV appearance would be for the entire band to play the show naked. So we did that and I must have enjoyed it, because I kept playing naked after that for the next 20 years or so. Eventually I started putting on a jock strap and it evolved into more of a weird metal guy wrestler thing.

And does it cause many problems with venues?

Sometimes, I’ve had a few narrow escapes. Cops could never really Identify me very well because of the mask.

What’s the maddest thing you have done on stage or seen while you have been playing?

One time a naked guy who was completely covered in blood jumped up on the stage and started hugging me.

What’s your favourite band song to perform and why?

“Demonica” with The Dwarves and “Zombieland” with HWCBN.



What’s your coolest band story?

I don’t know exactly what counts as a cool story. There have been a lot of years and a lot of band members. One of the more memorable moments was visiting GG Allin in a Michigan State Prison. I remember as we walked out of the visiting room full of inmates, GG yelled “Rock and Roll is criminal!”
 
What do you think about downloading music online?

Its really changed the business. Ultimately I think its better for smaller bands because they are much more able to get there stuff out there.

What's your outlook on the record industry today?

Its an interesting time. I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I’ve never relied on the industry as a major portion of my income, but if I did I’d probably be worried. I’m mostly interested.

Now you have your own band, what made you decide to do that?

I think it was because I had all these songs that I had written that didn’t really fit with The Dwarves. I like having the control over the album production also.

And is it permanent or will you be back with the Dwarves again?

I like doing my own band. I have especially enjoyed working with Saltpeter again. I have the greatest respect for all the members of The Dwarves and I wish them success. I enjoyed working with them on their latest release “Born Again” and I always get a few of those guys to come in the studio and play on my stuff. Wholly Smokes   as well as Saltpeter play on every song of my upcoming release. Its hard to say what the future will bring, but right now I have no plans to tour with the Dwarves.

You have a new album out in now, for those who don’t have it yet tell us about it?

Its called “Sunday School Massacre” and is a collection of songs that I wrote while I was working at a residential treatment facility for juvenile delinquents. Its got a bunch of Dwarves playing on it including: The Fresh Prince Of Darkness, Saltpeter, Rex Everything (Nick Oliveri), and Blag. I also was fortunate enough to get my friend Andy Selway from KMFDM and The Spittin Cobras to play all the drums.

I saw you at Rebellion Punk festival this year, did you enjoy it and do you hope to play next year?

I had a great time. People are very friendly and the sheer magnitude of the acts they book mean that there is never a dull moment.  Yes I would love to play there next year. I know some great English musicians that I did a couple shows in the UK with last year. Its pretty much Spike T Smith and his band “Headfuct” backing me up. It works quite well. We want to do a few shows in the UK next August. I’m hoping to get up to Scotland this time as well.

What do you do to relax?

Read, write songs and hang out with my lovely wife Jennifer. I do lots of home recording for fun.

And if you weren’t a musician what would you be?

Insane.

 

 

 

 

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Punk Rock Academy Fight Song – The Fun Was Never Ending

So as most of you have noticed my brilliant musings have been missing in action for close to a month and a half. It hasn’t been by choice and it hasn’t been because of a lack of ideas but rather quite the opposite. The ideas and memories have been bouncing around my brain like a Chinese gymnast on speed. However every time I flipped open the computer and attempted to get started I’d wind up scrapping whatever I was doing and head over to Surfline and see what the waves were like in Costa Rica or i’d kill some time on Facebook. But I just couldn’t focusand whatever words came out just didn’t feel right. To me writing is just like making music if it doesn’t feel right then don’t waste your time going through the motions and who cares if everything is perfectly punctuated if you want perfection read the New Yorker and listen to Steely Dan. And after all we’ve all seen what happens when a band is just going through the motions and not playing from the gut for the fans. Not that I'm claiming to be some great artist but If your gonna take the time to read this I might as well give you what what deserve. Because once again Punk rock is first and foremost about heart and soul and not about virtuosity or perfection.

So a few weeks ago as I was stuck in my rut trying to figure out what to get out of my brain I hit the digital crack pipe known as Facebook and came upon a post from my cousin stating that it was the 15th anniversary of her brothers passing. So this ones for him. My cousin Carlos was killed in a car accident at the age of 21 but he packed more life into those short years than most people do in several lifetimes.If my friend Herman was my partner in crime then Carlos was my partner in good times. He always had a cat eatin’ smile a sharp comeback and would give you the shirt off of his back. He might not have been into Punk but he was as punk as they come. Always up for a good time, or no good, and always willing to back up his family. Our adventures and escapades are far too numerous to ever put on paper but that’s probably for the best cause half the stuff we did deserves to be kept under wraps and words just wouldn’t do justice to the rest. Although among other things he did teach me that in Mexico the best use for your seat belt is as a bottle opener. He also taught me that our families unofficial family motto was No Somos Machos Pero Somos Muchos-which roughly means we may not be tough guys but there’s a lot of us- trust me in spanish and when uttered at just the right time it’s funny as hell and makes plenty of sense. He was the type of guy that I pictured growing old with and bullshitting over beers-well we did that anyway- and visiting his family every summer just the way he did when we were kids.  The irony about his death is that I found out about it after a night of partying and it felt like some kind of hungover nightmare and as soon as I sobered up I’d find out he was alive and well and waiting for me to head down to Mexico and join him for a couple of ice cold Pacificos. The reality is that I miss him like hell and feel ripped off that i never said good bye but I also feel infinitely  grateful to have had all the crazy memories with him and I know he’s been looking over me like the mischievous guardian angel that he is. As much as this is about me finally paying tribute to some one its also for everybody else that's had a Carlos in their life come and go way too quickly. So like most of our favorite songs this ones gona be short, sweet and from the heart. Now go crank up Bro Hymn, have an Ice cold one and live like Carlos.

-Daniel N-

 

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Riot Fest 2011 – Festival Recap – October 5 – 9, 2011 – Chicago, IL

The Midwest's biggest and baddest music festival is once again back for another weekend of Punk mayhem and is set to take place in none other than the windy city of Chicago! Spread out across a number of venues within the city, Riot Fest is expected to draw thousands of Punk rockers from all over the globe in town for a party that boasts a variety of bands from Punk's classic era to new school and more.
 

Riot Fest 2011 – X – at Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL

Coming from the West Coast, we have a smorgasbord of festivals to choose from throughout the year. FYF, Punk Rock Bowling, Hootenanny, and Awesomefest are just a handful that comes to mind. Having so many options we are able to pick and choose which ones to attend. In the Midwest there is only one festival that should be mandatory for all residents and music lovers alike; that one is Riot Fest.  Read more

 

Social Distortion – The Tossers – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Congress Theatre – Neutron Bombs – Banner Pilot – The Pavers -All – Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL

Thursday we made our way to the Congress Theatre to check out Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. They opened night two and got the crowd going with their cover of "Mama's Fried Tomatoes". This three-piece band was the perfect start for this line up. At the end of their set, the woman playing the washboard lit it on fire. FIRE! That's what I call a riot. Read more

 

Teenage Bottlerockets – at The Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL

On Friday October 7th, fans came from long and far to catch "Danzig Legacy" featuring Danzig, Samhain, and Misfits experts with special guest Doyle. This was to be the closest thing to a Misfits reunion this side of the Midwest. Danzig, who is known to have a no-photo policy during his sets, demanded that the entire show be camera-free (instead of just his set).  This was announced 20 minutes before the doors were set to open.
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Descendents – Suicide Machines – Leftover Crack – Strike Anywhere – Flatfoot 56 – Menzingers – Flatliners – Shot Baker – Larry & His Flask – The Copyrights – Cheap Girls – at Congress Theatre – Chicago, IL

Saturday at Congress Theatre was set to be the longest day of Riot Fest, with doors opening at 2 p.m.  The first band, Cheap Girls, took the stage as the masses lined up around the block. The crowd started filling in as The Copyrights were playing; they responded with cheers and The Copyrights delivered an excellent set.
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Weezer – Urge Overkill – Teenage Bottlerockets – White Mystery – Congress Theatre – Chicago, IL

The fiery redheaded siblings, White Mystery, began the day on Sunday. Alex White and Francis Scott Key White comprise this widely acclaimed brother/sister duo. Alex came with a deep voice and guitar skills to boot.  Brother Francis plays the drums and, together, the duo is taking the Chicago club circuit for a ride.
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Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg – at AAA – Chicago, IL

After bidding a bittersweet, yet fond, farewell to Weezer, the Congress Theatre, and Riot Fest, we headed a few miles down the street to see Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg. Not only was this the cherry on top of the weekend, but it was the coup d'état of the entire festival. Although the entirety of the days leading up to Sunday night was amazing and almost without words, Marky Ramone on drums and Michale Graves on vocals blew the rest of the festival away.
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No Violence in Our Scene Music Festival – at Yost Theater – Santa Ana, CA

Originally scheduled to take place on May 7th of this year, the 2011 No Violence in Our Scene Music Festival arrived on Saturday at the newly refurbished Yost Theater in downtown Santa Ana. The event was produced by Concrete Jungle Entertainment and consisted of two stages and 20 live bands.
The all day event commenced at 1 p.m. and finished by 9 p.m, however, ins and outs were allowed and this offered concert goers the leisure and freedom to come and go throughout the day. The all ages event provided food, a full bar for those of legal age, and merchandise vendors that sold hair bows, accessories, patches, and t-shirts. The event also served as a CD release gathering for La Pobreska's newest release, "Estamos Unidos."

The 20 band line-up consisted primarily of Ska/Skacore bands from the Los Angeles Area, though some Orange County locals such as Anaheim's Mafia Rusa and Garden Grove's Not A Chance also performed. The two stages for the event were both located inside the venue, with one being built upstairs, and the other being the main stage in the venue. The bands performing the event were split between the two stages all day, with some bands playing at the same time. Some of the better known bands performing consisted of Union 13, Left Alone, Viernes 13, Red Store Bums, Chencha Berrinches and La Pobreska.
 

The newly refurbished Yost Theater provided a stunning new change, with an ample dance/pit floor, seating against the walls similar to the Key Club, and a bar at the very back similar to the Henry Fonda Music Box in Hollywood. The decor and overall look was in fact very similar to the Fonda Theater, yet The Yost Theater maintains a larger venue and more modern design. The large space on the floor allowed for full circle pits and endless skanking.



The Yost Theater's Ska event resulted in a mass of people who paid homage to the event's "No Violence" agenda by creating an atmosphere of music, festivity, with no regard for drama whatsoever. Indeed, the event provided grounds for kids who are thoroughly into their music, and have no other concerns except for what song they want to pit to all night. The No Violence in Our Scene Music Festival garnered support from people who care about maintaining peace and unity in the scene, ultimately providing a positive message for the kids.


 

-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Senior Staff Reporter

 
             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

 

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Iggy And The Stooges – Raw Power: In The Hands Of The Fans

Iggy and The Stooges are amongst the loudest live bands on the face of the planet, and now thanks to this brand new DVD, you can experience just that from the safety and comfort of your home. This concert is one hell of a ride as it is unlike any other live concert DVD you currently own, I really mean that, it’s innovative and unreal!

Just before their appearance the All Tomorrows Parties Festival (2010), The Stooges held a contest where their most die hard fans sent in home videos of why they should be selected to shoot this concert via hand held camera. (Those submissions are included on the DVD) The lucky winners would also get to interview the band right after the show, up close and personal. What you get here is like no other concert DVD yet - a live show shot from the point of view of lucky fans who live for The Stooges and all things rock n’ roll.

The variety of footage sliced together make for a great concert DVD, as many times the POV is that of what an average fan in the crowd sees with their own eyes. You get the feeling that you are there witnessing the concert alongside an army of Stooges fanatics. The set list is that of a dream concert where every hit and cult favorite gets played at maximum intensity, it’s the Stooges after all, you wouldn’t expect anything less!

As for the bands performance, it’s as stellar as it gets! You don’t for a minute even think that any of the Stooges are senior citizens getting up on stage with only retirement money on their mind. What you get is what fans have come to expect from Iggy and co. pure insanity! Iggy moves like that of his former self some 35 years ago, its Iggy mania! He stage dives and gets in his fans personal space singing right in their faces, all recorded from a a few short inches away. He also invites fans on stage to dance along with him, what a stand up guy! The Stooges still out perform bands half their age with ease, and this concert DVD is further proof, it’s an updated look at how The Stooges rock in their current incarnate. Pick up this concert DVD and turn it up to 11, if you keep the house shaking and your parents complaining, then you’re doing it right!

 

-Louie B.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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Show Preview: Shonen Knife – in Los Angeles, CA – November 1 and 3, 2011

Shonen Knife will be returning to the LA area this November, playing the Echo on Nov 1st, and Alex's bar in Long Beach on Nov 3rd.  The bubbly ladies of this Japanese pop punk trio are currently celebrating 30 years of writing infectiously catchy punk songs about fun, food, and barbie dolls.

Led by guitarist Naoko, they have perfected a sound that pays homage to early punk and surf rock, rolled together with an edgy DIY attitude and their sing along, cutesy style.  Their unique sound has gained them a cult following throughout the world, and they are loved and respected by many other musicians.  They had a large influence on the 90's grunge scene, and were loved by bands such as Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Red Kross.  Their music has appear in numerous shows and films, including Beavis and Butthead, and the Power Puff Girls.  Shonen Knife's live shows are full of energy, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get you dancing.  Be ready for pounding drums and driving bass lines, mixed with fun lyrics and punk rock guitars.  They do an excelling job of staying true to their DIY punk roots, while writing songs that are catchy and one of a kind.

This past July, they released a tribute album to one of their favorite bands, The Ramones.  The album is entitled Osaka Ramones, and features covers of all the hits, including "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "She's the One." 

Opening both shows will be Shannon and the Clams, a bay area trio with a punk rock meets do wop sound.  Lead singer Shannon has a voice that is full of volume and power, reminiscent of a soulful 60's R and B diva. If your looking for a fun filled night with catchy songs that get you moving and grooving then plan on hitting up one of these shows, because you won't be disappointed. 

November 1st- performing with Shannon and the Clams at The Echo in Los Angeles
                   
November 3rd-  performing with Shannon and the Clams, The Dollyrots, and The Bell Haunts at Alex's Bar  in Long Beach

www.shonenknife.net

www.shannonandtheclams.com


 

-Mindiana Jones-
Big Wheel Contributor

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