Dead Boy Productions

 

06/11/07
Hell Cesar

Dead Boy Productions with Bobby Steele of The Undead

Hello please introduce yourself?

I'm Bobby Steele. I play guitar.

Tell a little about your history that led you to The Undead?

I got into Punk very early - 1976, and started my first Punk band in 1977. We were one of the first bands to play Punk outside of New York City - where it was safer. I wanted to play the more 'dangerous' places, so we played at Country And Western bars in New Jersey. It was a sneaky move, because the 'word' was that punks can't play well. So we'd warm them up with classic rock, like Rolling Stones, Kinks, Yardbirds, and Hendrix - so they couldn't say we couldn't play, and then once we had them dancing we'd start playing Ramones, Sex Pistols, Jam covers and some originals. We were able to introduce a lot of people who went on to minor success in the early hardcore scene, to Punk Rock. I actually met Steve Zing when we played his 8th Grade dance. From there, I managed, and then joined THE WHORELORDS - which featured a lead singer, Bobby Snotz -who was the apex of Punk. He spent most of his life in prison, and lived a very violent existence. We became best friends quickly. Then, I ended up playing in THE MISFITS, and recorded some of the most classic music of the era, and when they kicked me out - I started THE UNDEAD.

How long has The Undead been around?

We formed in November 1980, and have been playing ever since. I've gone through more lineup changes than any other band, and if we had a real reunion we could pack Madison Square garden with just former band members.

What would you call the sound that comes from The Undead?

I guees it's our own sound. Whether we play 50s RocknRoll - influenced songs, or Heavy metal-influenced songs you always know it's THE UNDEAD.

It's been a long time since the Misfits. Do you still get asked about it?

You just asked... It comes with the territory. I get asked MISFITS questions several times each week. Some questions get tired, like the usual, 'what's your favorite color' type questions, but now and then, someone comes up with one that even I have to think about.

How does it feel to be a part of the Misfits legacy?

It's like a dream. It would be nice to see my fair share of the money, but then, Glenn and Jerry might demand a fair share of hair from me.

What kind of music influenced you growing up?

I was born in 1956, so I grew up on Rock'nRoll music. I can remember seeing THE BEATLES first TV appearance, and my best friend's father worked for the DAVE CLARK FIVE. They'd stay at the house down the street when they were in the New York area, instead of a hotel. I was 7 or 8, and playing stickball with the guys that knocked THE BEATLES out of the #1 slot.

How different is the music that you listen to now?

I listen to a variety of music. Over the last few years, I've gotten into the old Standards - dating back to the 1920s, and I'm working on a solo album of some of those songs. It blows peoples minds to hear me sing Sinatra, Martin, Jolsen... but I've actually got a voice. It's given me some new ideas for UNDEAD songs, too. I'll probably release a 45 in the next year.

What keeps you going when things get tough?

FANS. Almost any time I'm feeling like shit, and it gets to where I'm doubting myself, I get some email from someone who tells me how I've changed their life in some way, and it renews my sense of purpose.

Do you talk with your fans?

I'm surprised they're not sick of me. Somehow, I make myself available to my fans. It can take me 2 hours to walk a few blocks, sometimes, because people want to talk with me and I like to get to know what my fans are thinking. If I’m in a hurry to get somewhere, I have to avoid the streets that people use the most frequently. Fans can email me directly, and my hands are usually sore from typing replies.

In your music career what sticks out as one of the craziest things you’ve seen, done or heard?

That could either be puking on John Lennon, or showing Iggy where my newly severed toe used to be.

So you support marijuana; do you also use on occasion?

I'm a medical marijuana user, so I speak to Government legislators regularly. Sooner or later, they'll come around.

What is your favorite horror flick?

That's a tough one to call. I've seen too many.

So what's next for The Undead this year?

We're about to release STILL UNDEAD AFTER ALL THESE YEARS in the U.S. and Spain; and I'm negotiating a deal for DAWN OF THE UNDEAD in Brazil. We started recording a new 45, and then we'll start work on the new album for a 2008 release. I'd like to do major touring in 2008, if at all possible, but a lot of that is riding on my health, which has been a little shaky lately.

Thanks a lot it was an honor; any last words or things I left out?

Thanks. Yeah... Check out our new website www.undeadpunk.com