INTERVIEWthe bay area ska page

1. How'd LGB get its start?

I played in an earlier ska band called The Khyber Rifles from '81 - '85. After that band broke up in the summer of '85 the trumpet player and I found Darren Fletcher and rounded up a few other guys and had our first rehearsal in Feb. '86. We really liked the sound we had and the rest just fell into place.

2. Why the name "let's go bowling"?

The name Spinal Tap was already taken.

3. Do any of you actually bowl?

Yes. Some of the guys even play in a local league. I have a high score of 196.

4. Who are the current members, and how long have they been with the band?

5. Do you have any contact with the original members of the band, like Jerry Mora?

We haven't heard from Jerry in about 4 years. Last I heard he had his own hair salon in L.A. and was doing very well.

6. How does it feel to have bands that have opened for you, like No Doubt, make it "big" while LGB has not?

They worked hard and got the breaks. We just weren't in the right place at the right time. Bands that play well and have good songs I don't have a problem with. It's the bands that are very mediocre and not very talented that get signed really piss me off!!!

7. Was making it "big" ever a real priority for the band?

Not really. We just want to be able to make music that people really enjoy and will remember for years to come. If we make some money along the way cool. If not, Who cares.

8. What is your favorite venue to play and why?

Metro in Chicago and The Fox Theater in Boulder, CO. They both have great sound and are small enough to be intimate, but still hold 800 - 1000 people. Always great crowds at both venues that love the band!

9. Was there ever one concert that just sticks out as being the best show you have played?

Earthday Festival at The Greek Theater in Berkeley '90/'91(I forget what year). 14,000 people. We come on stage and start with "Hare Tonic" Thousands of people come streaming out of the stands and start to go nuts on the dance floor. I'll never forget all of those people scrambling for a space to dance.

10. Why do a big fest for your 16th anniversary? How did this all come together?

It just felt like the right time to do it. We've been talking about doing this kind of thing for the last four years. This year we actually got off our ass and made it happen. If all goes well. We want to make it a yearly festival & scooter ride.

11. Where do you think ska is heading?

I've been listening too and playing ska for 21 years. Every 4 or 5 years a new rise in popularity happens. I think ska will be "underground" for a while and then it will get big again. As for the music styles, I say let the individual bands play what makes them happy. If you're not pleasing yourself and having fun, GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE BUSINESS!! Do it for yourself dammit!! If you can make people happy and make them dance. Right On!!

12. What we heard on "Stay Tuned" was a definite departure from what most people consider to be the "LGB Sound." Is the band done experimenting with its sound now, or what should we expect in future releases?

Ya, I would have to say were done with most of the experimenting. Although I don't think any of us really know where the music may take us. We have been working on new music. It's going to encompass a little of everything. Ska, rocksteady, reggae and a little two-tone and of course the "LGB" sound.

13. Are there any future releases in the works?

We're looking to have something ready to go by the late summer. We're also looking at re-releasing "Music To Bowl By" with bonus tracks and the ultra rare "LGB does the spiral live" EP on CD. it was only released on cassette format and we only printed 1000 of them.

14. If so, what are you going to do label-wise? Do you anticipate heading back to Asian Man, or will you make your own label?

Right now were looking at putting everything out on our own label Spare Records. I love Mike Park so don't count out Asian Man. You never know what he'll pull out of his bag of tricks.

15. 16 years... how many more?

As long as we can keep making good music, we'll keep on playing. Look out 25 here we come!!

16. Anything else that you want to comment on regarding the 16th anniversary show?

I hope everyone that can make it will come out and support us. We own all of our longevity to the support of the fans. We love you guys!! Thanks for 16 great years!! Look for a few of the "Old Time" bowlers to be at one or both of the shows. Maybe we'll have 14 guys on stage at one time!! You never know what can happen.

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Be sure to check out Let's Go Bowling's 16th anniversiary ska fest and watch for future dates in the Bay Area. For More Information about Let's Go Bowling, go to their site:
www.letsgobowling.com