Post by tackhead311 on Aug 26, 2009 16:18:46 GMT -5
legendary
The Queers are an American pop punk band formed in 1982 by Portsmouth, New Hampshire native Joe King (A.K.A. Joe Queer). Supposedly, the name 'Queers' was used simply to poke fun at what he called the "Art Fag" community in New Hampshire. The band originally broke up in 1984, but reformed with Joe Queer and a new line-up in 1990. That year, the band signed with Shakin' Street Records and released their first album Grow Up. The album earned the band notoriety within New England, but with the release of their next album 1993's Love Songs for the Retarded, on Lookout! Records, their following grew to larger proportions.[1]
In 2006, after releasing six albums on Lookout!, the band rescinded their master rights from the label, citing breach of contract over unpaid royalties. Later that year they signed with Asian Man Records.
1 What is behind the name the Queers?
Eh we just wanted a goofy name people would remember. Thought of it and
stuck with it. It works.
2 For my readers that may not know your band can you describe your sound?
Hmm Ramonesy-Beach Boys style punk rock. With a sense of humor.
3 The Queers have toured with so many great acts, what are some of the best bands you toured with?
Oh man yeah-Screeching Weasel-The Hard Ons-The Muffs-The
Independents...they're some of my faves though most of them I love. The
Hot Toddies were great-we just toured with them and they're on Asian Man
Records with us. Great band!
4 I'm a huge fan of the Ramones which is probably is why i became a fan of yours , you did the Rocket to Russia album in its entirety but in your style let me say that is one brilliant record and you remade brilliant as well. What was the idea behind that album?
at that point we needed more stuff to sell on the road. So we did it. I
thought it was kind of a stupid thing to do as you can't improve on The
Ramones-and certainly not on any of the first 3 albums. We just banged it
out quick-it was fun.
> 5 How was working for the record label Lookout? Did you form any bonds with some of the bands there?
Oh yeah shit we were pals with all the bands. It was a big family.
MTX-Green Day-Screeching Weasel-The Hi-Fives-us.......The Smugglers-Cub-we
loved them all and still do. I'm in touch with almost all of them still.
6 What are your favorite venues to play at? What are the worst?
Eh I like the smaller punkier places as opposed to the bigger ones. We are
on the downside of the hill as far as popularity. I'm more into my studio
than playing live and haven't pushed the band as much so we're playing
smaller places lately. They're all pretty much fun though.
7. What is your view of the state of music today?
Pretty sad, Punk has been ruined due to greed and stupidity. When bands
like Good Charlotte got big and The Warped Tour came around all the
integrity in the scene went out the window. There are still lots of great
young bands but they have a hard time making it out of the basement. Cause
if they don't shop at Hot Topic and wear eyeliner and play stupid music
they won't make it.
8What are your favorite song to do live? What are your favorite songs you cover to do live ?
Hmm Kicked Out Of The Webelos and Fuck The World are 2 faves. Slug by The
Ramones is my fave cover.
9 What is the biggest crowd The Queers played in front off?
Hmm probably about 35,000 down in Brazil when we were opening for Marky
Ramone.
10 Have you played rockband and guitar hero? What is your take on the music games? Would you like your music in those games?
Never played them. If I could make money sure I'd like my music on there.
11 What is your favorite food on the road?
Let's see-probably Raisin Bran cereal.
12 What are you enjoying musically today?
Jesus and Mary Chain Psychocandy and The Beach Boys Today. Black Flag
Damaged has been playing a lot lately as well.
13 What is on the horizon for Joe Queer?
Well I have a studio going-Monster Zero Studios-down in Atlanta. So I'm
kind of edging into that side of things. I love producing bands.I have
been so busy the past few years I haven't had a chance to finish the
book I started. It's really bugging me lately so I plan on doing that
this winter.
14 What goes into your song writing process?
Usually picking up my guitar and getting my notebook and sitting on the
couch and doing it. I'm pretty basic. We'll do the new album finally this
winter.
15 How do you feel about the the recent Warped Tour lineups?
I have personally have stopped going because i felt some how its lost its roots.
Yeah it's all commercial. I never played it. Turned it down a few times.
just not my thing. All the bands acting like rock stars. Believing their
own bullshit. Fuck that shit.
16 Joe Queerpalooza who would be on that bill?
Screeching Weasel-The Independents-The Leftovers and The Riptides.Thanks Ron!
