Growing up in Long Beach, there were many influential punk bands in the LA/OC area. You know the names, Black Flag, X, The Gun Club, Germs, Adolescents, Vandals, TSOL, etc., and then there was Secret Hate. A band whose logo you saw everywhere, just as much as the Black Flag bars or Misfits skull. Billed as a heartfelt compilation honoring the late Secret Hate drummer Rick Selga, featuring unreleased tracks, post-Secret Hate projects, and bands shaped by his legacy. The album features 4 iconic Long Beach bands and musicians that helped shape the punk legacy in Long Beach.

Secret Hate the legends of the Long Beach scene whose influence can be heard in almost all the punk bands in Long Beach and whose song “The Ballad of Johnny Butt” has been a cover staple and made its way to the major label debut for Sublime. The tribute features the bands GlueFactory which features Mike Davis (Secret Hate), Greg “Mudd” Lowther (Falling Idols, Corn Doggy Dog, Perro Bravo, Hamapple), Randy Bradbury (Falling Idols, Pennywise, Tender Fury) and Chris Bradford (DeadBeat Dads, Carpit, 3rd Alley, Hamapple). Das Klown the street punk band fronted by A.J. Ransdell, Rick’s roommate at the infamous Castle in Long Beach. Hamapple which features members from The Vandals, Falling Idols, 3rd Alley, Perro Bravo. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Mudd and A.j. to discuss the project and the impact of Secret Hate.

In your opinion, what is the biggest impact Secret Hate had on the punk scene?

Mudd: Secret Hate was a major influence on The Falling Idols. Our singer, David Quackenbush, grew up in the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach. He and his sister went to Hughes Middle School before moving to the same neighborhood where Trey, Randy, and I lived. David and his friend AJ (later of Das Klown) were younger than the guys in Secret Hate and the Crewd, but they were influenced by the “war stories” passed down from the older kids. We started The Falling Idols around the same time Secret Hate was forming. Bands like The Stingers. Rhino 39 and the Suburban Lawns had already paved the way for kids to start bands and build a local scene. When Reggie Recktor joined the band on guitar, their songwriting took another leap forward. Reggie was a skilled guitarist who brought in suspended chords and unexpected voicings. Mike, in turn, pushed vocal melodies that were unusually sophisticated for a fledgling local punk band. Reggie, inspired by Bad Brains, even brought reggae into the mix with the original Ballad of Johnny Butt.

AJ: They made people think, and if you were truly listening, you knew it was something special. Intense, uniquely soulful, and kind of scary. Back then it went over most people’s heads, and they really didn’t get it till it was gone. In my eyes, they were the best in Long Beach and an inspiration for all the good ones to come after.

Where would you rank Secret Hate in the legacy of Long Beach punk?

Mudd: Eric, Bud, and Brad of Sublime were younger than us, and they may have been influenced by The Falling Idols in the same way we were inspired by Secret Hate, the Crewd, and the earlier Long Beach bands. Eventually, Sublime discovered those bands too—and went on to cover Ballad of Johnny Butt on their self-titled album. That exposure inspired Secret Hate to reform, with Blake and Bob on guitars, replacing Reggie, who had sadly passed away a few years earlier. Mike, Kevin, and Rick continued to inspire and influence music in Long Beach and beyond. In the early 2000s, Eric Wilson formed the band Shortbus, which recorded Odd Walking Man, a song written by Mike and Blake. Secret Hate had a demo of that track that was never officially released.

What impact did Rick have on your drumming style?

Mudd: Rick had been more than an inspiration—he was a mentor. He always encouraged The Falling Idols and generously let me use his drums because mine were junk. Rick embodied what it meant to be a “band guy.” He believed that a rising tide lifts all boats. He never tore other bands down; to him, music was a community not a competition. I also remember a Halloween party we played at Reggie Recktor’s house, where I used Rick’s drum kit. After the show, Rick and I talked about drumming. He complimented my approach and suggested some ideas for playing faster songs like using eighth notes on the cymbals instead of sixteenths, or trying non-surf-style beats. I told him I’d never taken lessons and was thinking about it. He said he hadn’t either, and maybe that’s why we both played in our own unique, unconventional ways which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Originality mattered, especially in the local scene. Great musicians are everywhere, but the standouts are those who are original and connect with people.

Living with Rick can you share a memory you have that made an impact in your life or always makes you smile?

AJ: I left home when I was fourteen. One of the houses we lived at was called “The Cave”, and Secret Hate practiced in the garage. I loved just sit and watch Rick play the drums. He had great style and did it with such ease. He grew up playing to R&B, so he knew all the moves. Rick was hilarious and definitely knew how to charm the ladies. I remember one time I didn’t want to go to school so I popped a hole in my bike tire. When he figured out what I did – he fixed the tire and made me go anyway. Rick was like a brother to me and always had my back even when I was wrong. He wanted me to be better and was always concerned about my wellbeing. I could count on him. We kept in touch till the very end. A few of us were there when he passed and I got to be there for him and his family. He held my hand and told me he was proud of me and that moment meant everything.

Can you tell a story about Rick or Secret Hate that has lasted with you?

Mudd: Before I learned about his health issues, I ran into Rick on the beach in Sunset Beach. We’d known each other for over 30 years. We had a great conversation, reminiscing about the old days. I thanked him for being such a genuine influence on me. In typical Long Beach fashion, he brushed it off, and we talked about Mike Davis and his remarkable ability to elevate an average musical idea into something much more. Rick told me that Mike was one of the brightest people he had ever known.

What does this album mean to you?

AJ: Being part of this tribute album is an incredible honor. Secret Hate wasn’t just a band I admired—they were a defining influence on my musical journey. Their music shaped me, and their presence was a huge part of my life.

Mudd: After Rick Selga passed away, Mike Davis reached out to Long Beach Records to see if they might be interested in releasing Odd Walking Man and a couple of other demo tracks. This tribute album was a joy to put together. Mike Woods of Hamapple really wanted it pressed on vinyl. I usually resist that due to the costs involved, but for this project, it felt right. Vinyl was the medium when Secret Hate and The Falling Idols were dreaming of giving our friends and co-conspirators something to hold and hear. Brent Cheshire, who had done the “Secret Hate 2.0” flyers and album artwork, was the obvious choice to design the cover. Bill Ranson (aka Vex Billingate) of the Suburban Lawns had attended art school with the artist who drew the cartoon of Rick on the back cover. Since Rick, Mike, Kevin, and Reggie were all influenced by the Suburban Lawns, I liked the idea of that vicarious connection. I considered using a photo of Rick but felt the hand-drawn artwork showed more thought and effort in honoring a true legend.

We’s back w/ Madison Orange and here’s what she had to say…WUZZUP!

MO: Hi everyone! I’m here doin’ my thang, hoopin’ DJin and traveling the world. 

What is Pink Leopard?

MO: •PiNK LEOPARD• is a girl-power collective that fuses DJ tech house beats, vocals, & hypnotic LED GoGo Dancers into an epic sensory experience. Transporting you straight into the heart of the 90s and early 2000s. Nostalgia, rhythm, and cutting-edge VIBES.

How’s DJ thing going for ya?

MO: Great! Please check out my spotify and soundcloud MadisonOrange 

Any events ya wanna plug? 

MO: I’ll be DJing Bodies and Beats body paint neon rave at Club Berlin on Oct 4th. Find the info on my instagram @madisonorange 

Any modeling gigs?

MO: Ive been focusing on music, not so much modeling.

Turn ons?

MO: I love dogs!

Turn offs?

MO: I don’t like shoes in the house or when people slurp. 

Who the Hell is Mrs Valdez?

MO: I have no idea. 

Any last words for your fans?

MO: Yes! Follow my socials to know what events to come meet me and catch me DJing while I LED Hoop at the same time!

After Lemmy passed away, I left my digs in West Hollywood and moved to Hollywood.

I found salvation in the notoriously haunted Afton mansion,
which I called home.
The estate was senitmant and you were the sacrifice. If you do good, you get good.

Embarking upon The great Rybinski, World Wide renowned psychic.
I witnessed a Ms. Barkers insanities .

Curiosity got this
cat. Eventually
I was invited to the salon for a private parlor reading while relaxing to meditate under a hypnotic charm, soon I drifted into sumber.
When I woke, I remember picking from valley flowers as I was running to the hills
trying to find my
home abandoned.

My flower was a brilliant, burning red orange,
like desires mystery within my own self. Unknowingly I was
under a spell .
That’s not my first escapade
burning down a
gateway of hell.

Afterwards, We
went back to the
Afton mansion.
Opportunity did knock
like a good luck charm
from this house of cards.
It summoned me
and I beckoned.
We toasted with cheerful laughter, and then we both Woke up hours later topless under the moonlight of the longest sexual session I’ve ever encountered. Apparently
I denied her a request
and this enraged the madame.

This estate was truly capable of consuming all those that dare to forsake. It was feeding on respect and at all cost. Absolute payment was demise, as the spirits definitely drank your soul as you corral in the main hall.

I witnessed people lose their mind there.
I saw a cafe manager cross dressing trying to find his path that inevitably led him back to the beginning of his own fated destruction.

Amid a prelude to the flight of Icarus.

Hidden Spiritual entities that consumed energy were attracted to me.
I hold still secrets for people that
I shouldn’t even hold
the door for.

Meanwhile, back at the estate. My friend Greg was helping me move as Im riddled with sadness feeling alone over Lemmy and stuck once again in survival mode. I couldn’t make the call as if whether it was a new hell or HOME for me . For my childhood was both.

At the Afton family estate, we all drink, smoke and mingle with the spirits that be. But this beauty was
actually a beast

The last lover that star crossed Ms. Barker blatantly disappeared.

He put his key in the front door one night that usually led into the foyer
but the hallway was not granting Passage to him ever again.

She had corroused the workers on site to brick by brick cover it with cement leaving only a solid wall remaining .

Too many maidens caught in the mist of chaotic dark love.
One that would come calling on the rent completely
naked under the full moon. What a beautiful site.

My cat could see in her eyes , only remain a dark enigma attacked that took her free will by storm as she devoured masses. She would
do the bidding of something
to keep the house alive.

I walk peacefully with
Jesus in my heart
among the lost zombies
not the beast.

One night hastily in grievance, she locked herself in the her castle.
Where the police later would find her clothless crouched in fear crying hiding in the shower for her final hour.

Leading up to that. She was running naked on the roofs between the two houses and cut the electric line with the old rusty pruning shears that we found still smoking glued to the asphalt in the street. They were right next to where she landed. Many cars swerved trying not to hit her. Nevertheless covered in dirt,
she cracked her neck and calmly walked away.

For the next 6 more days, always on the sixth hour pm.
She water this huge oak tree, commanding her spell as she walk counterclockwise
6 times
around that integrital mighty Oak.

She pointed trying to hex me?
and I turned with a
wrath and a smile
“ I said this is your last dance bitch!”

Appling my frustration of betrayal.
I summon the protection of the great Rubinsky ancestral spiritual power invoking me to rid her from the wolfs den.

“I promise you Ms. Barker, Its now that you will to pay for the all evil that you have done!”

The energy rise uncontrollably by my hand pointing from the tree to where she stood in the window to the wall of the second floor.

A loud thunderous crack sounded in the surrounding sky as that tree fell on her through the roof. It pierced her in corner of the window, where she stayed stuck for hours.
She was horrified yet escaped and ran into her shower stall. Where the police would remove and arrest her while sobbing ,biting, kicking screaming. Never to return.

yes, it’s true. A witch can drop a house on a bitch but not the little dog too.

I am no more evil than you. I simply forage
and gather whats
thrown my way.

My best
return to sender
til today.

I spiritually put her in an hourglass where her hatred will forever remain. The power that commanded her denied curse of the relentless evil is forevermore at bay.

I walked away into the summer kitchen, where I was astonished
with how I just unexpectedly ended her Hideous experience . Demonic omission.

This place was no joke,
and the spirits welcomed me in.
They taught me levitation
that I didn’t even ask for.
That evening as I go to bed, I wake up hours laters floating into the next room. I see My Ms. Kittie kat basking under the stars, outside in the garden
by our favorite the lime tree.
She is smiling at me.
We both chuckle
She always seemed
to sense things.
As she guarded the gate.
Seemingly recharging
in the moonbeams rays
and the most
wondrous breeze.
As I go to speak her name,
the spell is broke and I fall.
I must of cut myself
yet I am simply amused with my muse.

This is the last night;
Bittersweet I chose to go.
I was enchanting my
jewelry and Sage.
A chill crawled up the back of
I felt a separate presence began to fade.
“I ask nothing more “is the last thing i said.

As I enjoyed the home
and watched the courtyard lemon tree grew more with every pulse I bled.

We’s here w/ FAST HAMMER and here’s what they have to say…WUZZUP?

FH: WE ARE BACK FROM THE DEAD BABY! HALLOWEEN 2025! What a better way to bring back music from the dead. I hope you have all missed us. I know we have sorely missed you all.

What is a Fast Hammer?

FH: Well… I’m a musicians musician. A sort of a musical nerd at heart. All of us at FH are for the most part. (I think that rhymed.?)

In the guitar world, we have a technique known as a “Hammer-on”. It’s when you use the fingers on your left hand to strike a note instead of using the conventional method of striking a string with a pick. By doing so you ultimately will allow a note to ring out as part of the LEGATO family of techniques. Now if you really work this out, especially with its converse, the Pull-off, You end up getting a flurry of rapidy notes in succession. I just thought it sounded cool and would make a good name for a guitar-centric band. Hence, FAST HAMMER.

Who are Fast Hammer?

FH: “FH” has largely contributed from a generous amount of musical aficionados. Over the years I have consistently performed in this band along side my great drummer and long time friend Matt Lindsey, an unbelievably talented and gifted musician in his own right. Second to none, I have had the pleasure of involving Aaron Munoz on bass, another truly monumental musical performer and instrumentalist. And I must give a shout out to our former partner/vocalist Carl Allphin (Previously of the band Saber). He helped us quite a bit over the 2010’s. However, since Covid, we have been introduced Thad Law, which I believe you are familiar with. He is the vocalist for BREAKING THE LAW, a tribute to Judas Priest and a wonderful addition to our line-up.

…Oh yeah, I almost forgot, AND ME!!! TONI ALEMAN, Guitarist Extraordinaire!

How long has the band been around?

FH: OOOOOOOO…. This band was originally formed when I was about 15? back in 2006 or so. It started off as a bunch of highschool kids in the Antelope Valley who just LOVED TO SHRED! The band eventually fell apart after everybody went to college and at some point in the 2012, I got together with a few former musicians, and put together THIS BAND and its more appropriate agenda of honoring and performing all my favorite shredy rock guitar songs. It’s 2025 and Its safe to say, we just wont die! haha

Who are your influences?

FH: Given the Rock-Guitar-centric nature of this band, Naturally, I love Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne(Big shout out to Randy Rhoads RIP ), Rush, Deep Purple, Pat Travers, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, ZZ Top, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, pretty much any hard rock or metal band that can play SINGING guitar solos. I just admired that about music from those times. Its a lost art in the modern day.

Any shows lined up?

FH: WELL… begins cackling …. We are playing in Hollywood, CA for HALLOWEEN!!!! We got a show at Three Clubs scheduled for METAL MAYHEM. And just to be clear, we are doing something particularly special. We are going to be performing THE ENTRE… drum roll… VERY FIRST…. VAN HALEN ALBUM. Beginning to end. I have always been a guitarist’s Guitarist. And I have it in mind to play the ever living SHIT out of that album because it truly is one of my favorite records. I hope to hit it note-for-note. That is the goal and the standard I have set for the band. I hope it will be a great time. I am looking forward to it and I hope you all will too!

Any recordings?

FH: This band has a handful of videos out on the interwebs. It has never been something we have considered, as our focus has always been live events and the nature of spontaneity. However, I am currently staring at a few sessions we have recorded using some of our set-list catalog in the past years with no objective goal to release any of it just yet. There’s a chance for us to leave behind some of our history that is shared through all of our mutual love for this music, so without promising much, I will say, It would be lovely to release a number of live recordings so that people can get a true feel for what this band actually is.

Who the Hell is Mrs Valdez?

FH: Dude, I think Mrs. Valdez could very well have been an ex girlfriend of mine… Is it just me or… haven’t we all had ourselves our very own Mrs.Valdez.

Any last words?

FH: Well, I look forward to this next show and sharing the stage with some pretty fun bands. Halloween is upon us. Keep an eye out for us. We will be in your neighborhood making noise SOON! Thank you so much Mojo.

RAVEN: To all you haters out there…

You need to know that I don’t abandon things, I just remove myself from spaces where I’m not wanted.

So don’t pretend I am a coward just because you dislike my life.

CAPTAIN: I can relate, as I hardly have any real friends left because I’ve had to remove myself from many toxic friendships and relationships too, in some cases with people who have lame, misguided, propaganda-driven extremist partisan political views on both sides of the aisle, but mostly with people who apparently never grew up past high school and are still into “bagging” on me and others around them…

…which we all know they do because they themselves are insecure and thus do it to deflect attention away from themselves and their own imperfections by being the “popular clown” that points out the imperfections of others and “busts their balls” to get our circle of friends, or whatever random crowd happens to be around us at the moment, to laugh at me or others before said friends or crowd can pick on and laugh at them instead.

And of course whenever I’ve called them out on it they’ve typically all claimed that; “they didn’t mean anything by it” and that; “they were just taking the piss, mate”, etc…

…to which I’ve always replied; “Really? ‘Cuz it sure did sound intentionally mean-spirited to me…”.

But then they’ve usually given me the lecture about how “they thought that I was punk rock and didn’t care about what other people thought about me”, to which I’ve always replied; “It’s true, I am punk rock and I don’t give a fuck what you or anybody else thinks about me… but it’s not about whether or not what you’re saying about me is true, partially true or not true at all, nor is it about whether it hurts my feelings, mildly rubs me the wrong way, or is completely irrelevant to me altogether…”

“…but rather that what it IS about is the fact that we’re supposed to be friends and I don’t treat you like that because you ARE my friend and I like you, care about you and respect you, and because to me what you are doing is not a mature and civilized way for friends or people in general to treat each other. And I’ve asked you time and time again not to treat me that way but you just don’t seem to get the message, and you seem hell-bent on continuing to do it, and I’ve given you umpteen chances to knock it off but you just keep fucking with me, so we’re done here”, and then I’ve ghosted them.

But I didn’t ghost them because I’m “thin skinned and can’t take a joke”, nor did I remove myself from the situation because I’m a coward either.

In fact it was just the opposite of the latter, or in other words I removed myself from the situation because I got tired of being disrespected by them via constantly making me the brunt of their jokes at my expense and therefore I had to walk away before I ended up knocking their fuckin’ teeth out because I was sick of it…

…and also because they were my friends and I didn’t wanna have to hurt them, nor feel bad because I had to bust their grill. And because I also certainly didn’t wanna have to go to the ER and get my knuckles stitched up, and then maybe also catch a battery case and spend some time in the clink, pay a fine, and take domestic violence classes either.

So therefore it’s just been safer and easier, for both of us, for me to just walk the fuck away and let them go fuck themselves instead.

RAVEN: Standing ovation.

You get it entirely.

DAVID ANTHONY: Captain, that whole reflection hits like a freight train of truth, bro… and it deserves a response that honors the grit behind your sentiment.

Quitting toxic friendships or relationships is much like quitting a long-term drug addiction by crawling out of a burning building you once called home, in that you know the walls are toxic and the air is poison but yet it’s familiar. And when you finally break free, coughing up the smoke of your past, you expect to find people cheering outside. But instead you find silence. Or worse, mockery from the same crowd that used to pass you the lighter.

That’s what your so-called friends have been: the ones still inside the burning building, laughing at the flames, pretending it’s just a warm night. And when you step out and say; “Hey, this isn’t funny anymore” they act like you’re the problem. Like sobriety, clarity, and emotional maturity are some kind of betrayal.

You didn’t ghost them because you’re weak. You ghosted them because you’ve already fought the hardest battle of your life against addiction, against self-destruction… against the version of you that used to tolerate disrespect because you didn’t think you deserved better. And now that you do, you’re not about to let some emotionally stunted clowns drag you back into the circus.

Their whole “just taking the piss” routine is the same deflection addicts use when they’re not ready to face their own pain. It’s the same denial, just dressed up in sarcasm and social games.

And when they say; “I thought you didn’t care what people thought about you” they’re confusing punk rock with emotional numbness. But you’re not numb dude… it’s just that you’re awake. You care, and that’s why you walked away.

You didn’t leave because you couldn’t take a joke. You left because you’ve already survived the punchline of your own life, and you’re not about to let anyone else write it for you.

So yeah, maybe you’re standing alone now. But it’s the kind of alone that comes with clean lungs, clear eyes, and a spine made of steel.

And anyone whose still stuck in high school politics, petty digs, and insecure deflections, well let them choke on the smoke… ‘cuz you’re out here breathing free.

And that, my friend, IS punk rock.

CAPTAIN: It’s been eighteen years now since the last time that I put a lighter to the Devil’s glass and had my final boulder meltdown, then smashed it and walked away for good, and eight years since I drank his bottle dry and smashed it too, both cold turkey.

With that stated, as a former fiend and lush I must tell you that your extremely wise and immaculately-worded metaphorical analogy response hit me harder, and completely blew my mind, far more than even the epitomal “first and best hit” that I took all those years ago and then spent decades chasing in a vain attempt to replicate, and of course to no avail just like most other users do.

So I really “took it to heart”, as it meant more to me than you can even imagine… and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart, brother.

We’s baaaaack again w/ Dead West and Screaming Soup and here’s what he had to say…WUZZZUP?

SS: Howdy y’all! Happy to be back here yackin’ with ya.

Are you excited for Halloween?

SS: Do wolfmen crap in the woods? Hell yeah, I’m excited ’bout Halloween! I mean, every day’s practically Halloween in my parts with us always bein’ surrounded by skeletons, ghouls, and bloody beasts, but when the rest of the world gets into the spirit with it bein’ that time of year, it just ‘comes ten times more special, ya know?

Any convention appearances this SHOCTOBER season?

SS: I just wrapped up the first ever Retro-Horror Con, actually. Screaming Soup! pulled triple duty as guests, panel hosts, and official announcers of the con and made a lot of new amigos with some of our favorite movie monsters over blood curdling dinners and endless epitaphs. It was a scream, and we can’t wait fer Retro-Horror Con 2026 next September. In the meantime, our next con appearance will be this November at Retro-Toy Con in Greenville, SC.

When’s the new episode w/ our fearless leader coming out?

SS: It’s comin’ sooner than later. He’s helpin’ us audition a new Phantom of the Opera fer Screaming Soup! and with it bein’ the 100th anniversary of the Lon Chaney flick, we got more than ‘nough hopeful belters comin’ outta the woodwork, I tell ya what.

Have you seen the new Toxic Avenger remake yet?

SS:  I ain’t seen it yet, but I wanna. I’m thrilled to see a fresh take on New Jersey’s favorite monster hero by filmmakers outside of Troma and can’t wait to see what a talent like Luisa Guerreiro brings to the role under all that sweet lookin’ make-up. Plus, Kevin Bacon as the bad guy? Come on!

How’s that Killer Tomatoes documentary coming along?

SS:  It’s comin’ ‘long great, and I like to think it’s helpin’ build more interest in the newest Killer Tomatoes flick comin’ out this October — Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence. It’s been 23 years since Four Square’s last tomatoes flick, so I’m more than a little excited to see what those comical geniuses come up with next!

What bands have you been into?

SS: While I ain’t the most music savvy guy ‘round (I can barely name the titles of my favorite diddies much less the bands singin’ ‘em), I do enjoy albums by Green Jelly, Mastodon, Iron Maiden, and Weird Al. My go-to song fer getin’ pumped ‘fore a performance is “Wolf Like Me” by TV on the Radio.   

What comics do you recommend (our fearless leader has been reading DEATH SENTENCE by Monty Nero and W0RLDTR33 by Image Comics)?

SS: I’m a HUGE comic nut who loves alternative indie titles and funny books based on horror flicks. Some top shelf works I’d highly recommend from these past few years is the Big Trouble in Little China series from BOOM! Studios, any of Dynamite Entertainment’s Elvira comics written by David Avallone, and Dollman Kills the Full Moon Universe by Full Moon Comix which

I drew some art fer. More recently, I’ve been enjoyin’ Ahoy Comics’ new spin on the Toxic Avenger with their re-imagined origin fer Troma’s favorite son.   

Have you read those comics?

SS: I mean, I look at the pictures. That’s how funny books are supposed to be read — Right?

We’ll ask this again, TROMA vs FULL MOON?

SS: Full Moon, claws down! They got the numbers when it comes to who has the most monsters on their side!!

Any last words?

SS: Thank ya fer always havin’ me in yer stellar magazine here, and you readers be sure to check out the web’s #1 animated horror host show at ScreamingSoup.com where you can watch our show, follow our socials, and keep up to date on what all we got goin’ on which includes our upcomin’ episode with Mojo. See ya later!

Any shows lined up?

IVAN: We got some Whisky Shows going on. October 4th. And December 19th were opening directly for Agent Orange. Also Daddy Diamonds some time in Oct. I’ll be doing shows at the viper room soon too. U know like Kelly McGarry. They’d just be better n ill actually be there myself.

Any new recordings?

IVAN: We’re in the last third of finishing our 3rd record Rather Excessive. I’m like writing the last few songs right now. We’re gonna start releasing more singles next month. First ones gonna be 1969. People who come to our shows should be familiar with it: show me how to make love n I’ll show u how to fuck. It was inspired by the epic line –

I don’t make love…

I fuck hard…

from 50 shades!

How’s the band?

IVAN: Everyone’s doing great. We had a small little break over the summer just so everybody could get focused on their own little project. We know Philip has blaze Francisco Celinda has on polished. Sky also has My Bleeding Sky. Roland was touring with the warped tour while I was also focusing on my side project Death of a Nightingale. Claire was busy djing. She taught me a few things. So I’ll be djing myself pretty soon too.

I feel like everybody’s romantic relationships got strengthened during the making of this album. Phillip got married. Celinda is in a super stable relationship n I got engaged. 

Excited for Halloween?

IVAN: But of course. I’ll be working at hide n seek at escape hotel again. ‘N going to every dumb ass Halloween event there is.

Whatcha doing for your birthday?

IVAN: I might do a lil bash again but a lil later since we have a show on Oct 4th at the whisky with American idiots (a green Day tribute) which is the day after my bday.

Any new venues to recommend?

IVAN: I’d say Daddy Diamonds. It’s not that new but great bands are starting to play there. 

What’s your plans for the rest of 2025?

IVAN: Finally finish n release the new death of a nightingale record and have all the writing done for rather excessive so it can release proudly in Feb/March

Any last words for your fans?

IVAN: Just be annoying be persistent, work hard…

no one really got famous for farting…

the light at the end of the tunnel may be you.

The year 2025 seems to thrive for most people when they create a fantastical “reality” around them like a protective bubble. Rather than succumb to the media’s portrayal of a global political war agenda that is not a reality anyone needs in their life, perhaps it’s best to just dive into an early October filled with fun Halloween horror events. Life can be pleasantly appealing by submerging into the beautiful dark solitude that comes with living a Gothic lifestyle year round.

To start off, there are the early September horror conventions like Creep It Real OC, and HorrorCon that take up a weekend each. An extra special heavy metal treat in 2025 is the new Let There Be GWAR Exibition, celebrating their 40th anniversary, that is going on every Wednesday-Sunday from 11-6 for free until Nov. 2nd. Don’t miss out on the intricacies of gore themed costumes worn by our favorite scumdogs of the universe. The House Of Spirits Haunted Cocktail Sioree is always another spooky fun treat to attend with its dates available up to Oct. 31st. Since Ozzy Osborne’s passing, there has been no shortage of Ozzy themed events, and of course there is a haunted themed one. Created by Beware The Dark Realm, a haunted house creator, there is the Diary Of A Madman Ozzy Tribute free haunted house event taking place Oct. 24, 25, 31, and Nov 1st. in Santa Clarita. Keep the Ozzy love coming!

When it comes to actual Halloween day events, there are basically too many various options to list, but 3 Clubs is hosting Nick Fucco’s Metal Mayhem Halloween Costume Party Extravaganza with bands and vendors. This space is great, vibes are good, and the main stage is large. Some gothic themed events include Music for The Masses at the Virgil featuring the darker side of new wave tunes. At Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood there is a Gothic Masquerade party, and don’t forget that around Oct. 31st there will be a Halloween party at St. Felix as well as Rainbow Bar and Grill. Hotel Ziggy also has a Haunted Hotel party on the 31st that is likely worth checking out.

Whatever your preferred fantasy, the moral of this Halloween time tale should be to unapologetically be whoever you are or whoever you want to be, while accepting others for making the same choices. Differences should make humanity humane, and they can make life more fun. If everyone went as a ghost for Halloween, what a boring holiday it would be. Speaking of ghosts, it would be fantastic if Ozzy Osborne came to haunt us all forever, but no matter what, he will always be forever intertwined in memory through so many of our heavy metal hearts.

It seems appropriate here to give a little nod to the recent VMA Ozzy tribute performance featuring Young Blud, as they were known friends, and the youth of today desperately need to stay exposed to what heavy metal can offer them. Stay young, stay metal, and let Heavy metal, Halloween, and Ozzy Osborne be forever.

Spring has sprung and now it’s gone and on and on can you believe it’s Labor Day already? They had the big rainbow party yesterday chalk full of stars and it’s just been a season of rock excitement.

Red Cross played at the Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park last weekend it was a scene filled with old faces and old friends. Opening band was one and Juanita, who are the fabulous Alice bag of the bags and kid Congo powers, formally of the cramps both who have really great books out that you can Google on their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle I’m told it was a fabulous event. I was busy at the dig at all laboratory with a show of our own curated by Sean shimmer of shimmer bed With the x-ray zeros and more.

The room is filled with balloons, so there was a lot of popping going on atmosphere was exciting and next-door at custom land they had a huge festival of vendors selling homemade GX goodies all very creative and exciting and a comedy show outside in the yard, which was chalk full of patrons. This is all happening on Larchmont and Melrose’

Dig it all has shoes twice a month check us out on Instagram. We also recently had a Rudolph Valentino memorial party after celebrating the 98th Valentino memorial service at Hollywood forever cemetery..

Paul, Picasso Trova and I enjoyed the ceremony which was beautifully performed inside the church . Jeffery valance was there Gloria O an LA favorite photographer Gary Leonard was snapping the pics. I saw some people having a wonderful punk rock birthday luncheon on Vampira’s grave . We said hello to Tomata du Plenty who has a handmade art piece that his ashes are lounging in there and I’m sure he would be happy to know that he was having an art show downtown at Mark Mothersbaugh from Devo’s Mut Muz Gallery.

Well curated, we did the tomato dip, plenty art gallery opening a couple years ago at art share which is a very large space and filled it with hundreds of pieces of his work. It’s always a reunion when we get together..

Tomatoes are plenty was the lead singer of a band called the screamers in the early 80s talented to be the first punk rock band in LA. He also made a movie called population one which is a European style flick which you can see on YouTube. He was an artist, a writer, and an all-around great guy. It’s always nice to celebrate his contributions to our community as an artist and the singer.

I went to knucklehead and saw the new wild Kings of midnight with Gitaine Demone formally of Christian death and Paul Rossler formally of the Screamers creating great movie soundtrack music for the future.

Knucklehead is a cute little golf club on Santa Monica Blvd. near Vine across the street from three of clubs where HTTH was performing. They have a metal scene going on over there. I really like that food truck that’s right there.

Check it out and also check out Tequila TV in West Hollywood Publix access cable on Thursday nights at 7:30 produced by Paul and I . My TV show is a travelogue of Los Angeles underground culture, and the Hollywood landmarks that intrigues the world.

I started tequila TV on public access in 1985 so wish me a happy anniversary. Why don’t you?