SEVENTH VOID: HEAVEN IS GONE

April 4th, 2009 by Dean Mason

 

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I SAID I WAS NO LONGER GOING TO BE DOING INTERVIEWS WITH ROCK AND ROLLERS OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER THAT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS BIZ-A-NESS. WELL…THAT IS STILL TRUE. I AM  IN FACT DONE. FINISHED. AFTER THE DEATH OF "EROTIC FUNERAL" (A BOOK THAT I WAS WRITING AND CANNED–A BOOK ON TYPE O NEGATIVE) I SOON LOST INTEREST IN WRITING ANYTHING TO DO WITH MUSIC AND CHOSE TO MOVE ON–AND AWAY.

HOWEVER, (YES…THERE IS A "HOWEVER") IT WOULD BE ABSOLUTE FOOLISHNESS FOR ME TO PASS UP THE OPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW JOHNNY KELLY AT THIS POINT IN TIME BECAUSE "SEVENTH VOID" IS FINALLY COMING OUT WITH THEIR DEBUT ALBUM…AND I FOR ONE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!! I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEW CD, "HEAVEN IS GONE" AVAILABLE IN STORES ON APRIL 21-2009!!! WHY? I AM CONVINCED FROM WHAT I’VE HEARD THUS FAR THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE CLASSIC STUFF!!! I AM NOT GOING OUT OF MY WAY HERE TO SAY ‘NICE’ THINGS ABOUT THIS BAND BECAUSE I AM A SYCOPHANT OF SORTS–I AM VERY SERIOUS HERE: THE MUSIC SAYS IT ALL FOLKS!

I LOVE CLASSIC ROCK AND SEVENTH VOID IS CLASSIC ROCK! PERIOD.

SO WHEN "HEAVEN IS GONE" COMES OUT IN APRIL, FOR THE LOVE OF…WELL…HEAVEN…PICK IT UP!

I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF TYPE O NEGATIVE FOR YEARS NOW. THERE IS NO DENYING THAT TON IS A GREAT BAND! BUT YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO COMPARE 7TH VOID WITH TON. IT’S NOT THE SAME THING AT ALL. TYPE O NEGATIVE IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE BANDS TODAY. THAT HAS TO BE SAID. NOTHING CAN BE COMPARED TO TYPE O. BUT THIS IS NOT ABOUT TYPE O NEGATIVE.

 JOHNNY KELLY AND KENNY HICKEY OF TON HAVE COME TOGETHER WITH HANK HELL AND MATT BROWN TO BRING YOU SOME MUCH NEEDED CLASSIC HARD ROCK! I KNOW I AM GOING OUT ON A LIMB HERE, AND YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO TRUST ME…BUT "HEAVEN IS GONE" WILL CHANGE THINGS. (NO, NOT TRYING TO GET ON THE ‘OBAMA’ BEAM) I’M CONVINCED, FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD, THAT THIS NEW CD WILL CHANGE THINGS…BUT THAT CHANGE ISN’T GOING TO BE ABOUT CREATING A NEW ‘GENRE’. THAT’S NOT WHAT SEVENTH VOID IS. NO…I THINK THAT THESE GUYS ARE GOING TO PROVE THAT IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO CREATE A CLASSIC ROCK ALBUM. I WOULD BET ON IT. (BUT I CAN’T BET ON IT BECAUSE MY A.A.  SPONSOR WON’T LET ME…)

ANYWAY. I DON’T WANT YOU TO BELIEVE ME. I WANT YOU TO BUY THE NEW CD AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF.

MEANWHILE, THE VERY, VERY LAST LGP INTERVIEW WITH JOHNNY KELLY! (OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER)

Dean Mason:  First off, congrats on finally getting your debut album "Heaven is Gone" released for the 21st of April: allot of people are really looking forward to the new album–you must feel great about this?

 Johnny Kelly: I’m really excited about the record finally being released.  We’ve been done a bunch of press the past couple of weeks and the response has been very positive.  It’s still shocking that the record is finally being released after all the ups and downs of trying to get it finished.

The title track, "Heaven is Gone" is available in two versions–radio edit and original–are both versions on the new CD or is the radio version going to be available separately as a single CD type deal?

The radio edit isn’t going to be on the release.  It’s just an edited version of the original song formatted for radio.

   Can you talk a bit about some of the other songs on the album? You had other tracks online for a while, but now these have been removed from your website–are they all on the new CD as well?

Everything that was on the website will be on the release.  I think that the record is a good listen.  It’s something that I would pick up if I heard it on the radio.  It has a lot of the elements that appeal to me.  It’s pretty heavy and I like the feel of it.

  Lyrically, is "Heaven is Gone" a concept album at all? Is it mostly about personal realities or is it more philosophical? Did Kenny write most of the lyrics?

It’s mostly based on life experiences.  Kenny wrote all of the lyrics.  He’s a pretty animated person and his lyrics reflect that.

Who produced the new album?

Kenny and Matt Brown produced it along with a lot of help from Vinnie Paul and Sterling Winfield.

Can you give me a short "history" of Big Vin records? Have you always been good friends with Vinnie Paul, who owns Big Vin?

 Big Vin Records is a small record company that’s owned by legendary drummer, Vinnie Paul.  We’ve been good friends with Vinnie since Type O toured with Pantera in 1995.  Vinnie started BVR to release Rebel Meets Rebel which was a collaboration of Pantera with country singer, David Allen Coe.  He’s also released some Dimevision dvd’s on it.  BVR is a good home for Seventh Void.  It’s not often that you have the head of your record company working so closely with one of their bands.

   From what I have heard thus far, Seventh Void really has a "classic hard rock" feel in my opinion. Emphasis on "classic".  I’m not trying to exaggerate here or blow sunshine up your high hat…but what I hear in this music reminds me of those many classic hard rock songs from the 70’s that are timeless. I feel you owe more to an older era than to more recent manifestations of rock and roll. For me, that’s positive. I know that’s a loaded question, but, what do you think?

 I don’t have any problems with that comparison.  That is the music that had the most impact on us and it’s showing in the songwriting.  Kenny and I wanted to do something that was different than what we do with Type O.  Otherwise, there really wouldn’t have been any point in doing something else.  We wanted it to have more of a classic rock feel to it.    

How long did it take to complete this project?

Kenny and I initially started working on Seventh Void in 2003.

Do you see being on the road a long time with Seventh Void? Any double gigs–that is–Seventh Void and Type O Negative on the same bill?

 We’re hoping that Seventh Void could help fill in the down time that there had been with Type O.  I’m the kind of person that goes nuts when I’m not doing something.  I love keeping busy.  We’re trying to line up as much touring as possible to help support the record right now.  Logistically Seventh Void supporting Type O could be a mess.  But I think that it would make a good support band for Type O.

Are there any offers yet to use any of your new songs for soundtracks of video games?

 Nothing has happened yet but we would be open to it depending on what it was.

 

 

When is the official website going to be up and running?

Good question for which I do not have an answer for.  With the release around the corner I’m hoping that the site will be up and running again shortly.  For the time being, we’ve been using www.myspace.com/seventhvoid for everything.

  When do you anticipate going on the road? Is this going to be international? Supporting a major band? Details…details..details. 

We just announced tour dates last week.  The first tour we’re doing is supporting Static X in May.  We’re going to be adding dates that sandwich the Static X tour.  We’ll announce those once it’s all confirmed.  The dates are posted on the band’s myspace page.

 Any future gigs with Danzig? 

 I did a few shows with Danzig in February.  I also did some tracks for the next record while I was in CA for the shows.  I’m sure there will be future dates but that stuff is constantly changing and usually right up until the last minute but there’s been talk of doing some later this year.

  How have you enjoyed the hockey season this year?

 I’m waiting for the Rangers – Bruins game to start as I’m writing.  It’s been a turbulent season for the Rangers.  They started the season great and then fell apart.  I like the way the team looks with Tortorella coaching them but their power play is still horrendous!  I’ve been able to go to a few games and that’s always a good time. 

Listen, Johnny, I want to thank you for taking time out once again. I was not going to do anymore interviews as "The Lonely Ghost Project" is going to be terminated soon, but I really felt it was appropriate to do one more–and last interview with one of the nicest rockers on this planet! I sincerely mean that Johnny and I really wish you all the best with Seventh Void and of course with Type O! Cheers!

 Thanks for the support and good luck on whatever it is you decide to take on next!

 Thanks to Johnny Kelly once again for doing an interview here with The Lonely Ghost Project!

I wish the band the best, and now….I can retire! Maybe I’ll join a monastery!

Peace to all–and good bye!

Dean Mason

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Battle Of Brooklyn: An Exclusive Interview with Johnny Kelly of “Type O Negative” and “Seventh Void” - Hank Hell from “Seventh Void” and Marc Piovanetti of “Carnivore-1987″

September 3rd, 2007 by Dean Mason

Type O Negative released “Dead Again” which is their sixth studio album in total (seventh if you count Origin of The Feces—of course and we’re not counting compilations here) and their first with SPV. One is getting the impression that Type O Negative and SPV are getting along well, and the German label have made Type O one of their priorities. Diehard fans welcome the attention the Drab Four are receiving from SPV and many feel that Roadrunner simply began to lose appreciation for one of it’s first bands they ever signed when they were still a small label looking for “alternative” acts.

 

Roadrunner and Type O Negative have officially parted ways. Roadrunner has become a rather successful label and “alternative” rock is just not what they’re about anymore. Peter Steele, Josh Silver, Johnny Kelly and Kenny Hickey on the other hand—have always remained true to their roots, and “Dead Again” is proof of that!

 

From the days of Carnivore when people were coming to see Peter Steele and his blood stained crew, to the Summer of 2007 when people were chanting “you suck, you suck” at the four Doom Hippies on stage in European cities—one thing is certain: Type O Negative has never sold out! They’ve remained true to the insanity they’ve been committed to from day one, and Peter Steele keeps bringing to the “fold” his unique sonic therapy! The response is always one of loyalty by fans who have a profound respect for the kind of honesty that is found in the Gothadelic Quartet from Brooklyn!

 

“Dead Again” may not have put Peter Steele and his band mates on the Top of The Pops, and they won’t be showing up at them boring award shows—but make no mistake about it: Dead Again is right on! It’s Type O Negative!

Peter Steele reveals many facets of his life struggles, including a return of the lamentations similar to those found in “World Coming Down” about substance abuse to begin with, and then brings us through a world of apocalyptic warnings and a new found faith in Jesus Christ. Mr. Steele has been telling the fan base in interviews that he considers himself a devout Roman Catholic and in some ways, the death of his mother has sparked an inner journey for Steele that has brought him full circle—back to the day of his baptism.

It matters little what you personally believe about Peter Steele’s convictions, but the fact remains that he has decided to share his own “Mein Kampf” (my struggle) with the world and once again, it’s that ability to present his life in such an honest fashion to an audience that makes Peter Steele and Type O Negative so unique.

 

Type O have just finished another short tour after a Spring and Summer of touring both the US and Europe. The tour was a “Halloween” celebration of sorts and the reviews of these shows have been very encouraging! Also, a new video has been or will be released (sort of) for “September Sun.” Those who have seen it have really not seen it officially! (that humor is a reflection of the fact that the video was leaked prematurely by VH1, a fact that has the band wondering)

 

The video for  “Prophet of Doom” was well received by the fans, and I’m certain that this new video, which will be available soon (officially sort of) will also be well received.

 

I’ve been able to catch up with Johnny Kelly, and I’m really grateful once again for his time!

As well, included as a sort of bonus is an interview I did with Hank Hell of “Seventh Void” and a very much anticipated interview with “Marc Piovanetti”, one of the original members of “Carnivore”. Peter Steele is on the road as we speak with the present incarnation of “Carnivore” which is Peter Steele, Paul Bento, Steve Tobin, and Joey Z, and are bleeding all over Western Europe with a mini-tour which will end in mid-December.

 

This article is a sort of “documentary” of sorts, and even though it was never planned that way, I am very pleased with the outcome! I hope you are as well, because what you have here is a chunk of the history of Rock & Roll as it pertains to a rather unique metal scene in Brooklyn, New York! I am honored to have had the chance to interview “Johnny Kelly” of Type O Negative and Seventh Void, Marc Piovanetti of “Carnivore” past, and Hank Hell of “Seventh Void”!

 

You will enjoy!

Dean Mason of The Lonely Ghost Project

 

First off, Johnny Kelly.

 

Dean Mason- It’s been  a while since we last did an interview and a lot has happened since then, but I believe it’s important for us to set priorities: “The Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, by virtue of a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators” …what does Johnny Kelly say about this? Were you following the games?

 

Johnny Kelly- I’m sure that there are many pissed off Canadians that a team from California beat Ottawa to win the cup. I think that it’s great that people are into the sport in places with palm trees. The NY Rangers made some big acquisitions over the summer. I think that they have a good shot at winning this year.

 

DM - Here’s a more pressing question: “Johnny Kelly’s ‘KISS’ corner”? What is that all about? Like a KISS shrine on the tour bus? Gene Simmons would be proud.

 

JK - After a show, the Crown Royal comes out and everyone screams KISS songs at the top of their lungs. I’d hang my KISS Destroyer flag and the combined elements attracted quite a few people.

 

DM-  Alright, now let’s get more serious: “Dead Again” is a really, really excellent album Johnny, and I am being truthful when I say that! Seriously–I didn’t think I’d be saying that, but “Dead Again” ranks up there with “World Coming Down” and “Bloody Kisses”! Now, how do you feel about it? Is it one of YOUR favorite albums?

 

JK- I think that it’s a pretty solid Type O CD. I think that it’s a really good record for a band that’s been at it for 18 years and it definitely has its place in our catalog. I was happy with the way it came out. We worked really hard on it and that’s what was important to me.

 

DM-  The video for “September Sun”- why that song and can you tell us “something” about the video? Is any of the footage that you filmed on tour in there?

 

JK-We filmed it last Summer in Serbia and I like the way it looks. There’s quite a bit of computer generated graphics in it and the production company we worked with did a great job. For the most part, the story is based on the lyrics. We didn’t use any of the footage that was shot on tour in the video.

 

DM- I don’t believe this has ever been answered yet, but is, Sal in the video for “Prophet of Doom”?

 

JK- Sal isn’t in the video. Where did you hear that?

 

DM- Well, I need new glasses. (laughs) I thought I saw Sal in that video. Ooops. But anyway,  is it Kenny that wrote the ’script’ for the video for “September Sun”?

 

JK- Kenny didn’t write it. I believe the person that wrote that one was Scott Sisti.

 

DM- Is there another video and single in store for the future? I seem to recall something about three videos for this album (Dead Again) yes?

 

JK- There was initial talk about doing a third video but that’s up in the air at the moment. If September Sun gets a good response and picks things up, there may be a chance of another single and video from Dead Again.

 

DM- I hope so. One last item related to the videos: you guys, especially Kenny who wrote the script for the “I Don’t Wanna Be Me”, video must be somewhat proud of what you’ve accomplished with Dan Fogler who stars in a new comedy “Balls of Fury”. Let’s face it, one of his first gigs was a Type O Negative video. Not bad.

 

JK- I don’t think that Dan being in one of our videos is what put him where he is now. I’m very happy for him and glad to see that he’s getting his shot. He’s a really funny guy and I’m glad that other people are getting a chance to see it.

 

DM- Too bad about Hilly Kristal. Did you know him on a more personal level or more professional? CBGB’s was an alternative rock “institution” I think, yeah?

 

JK- Anytime someone passes away, it’s a sad thing. I may have met him once so but I can’t say for certain. I missed the whole CBGB’s thing. I was too young to go there when it was making history and I wasn’t a part of the NYC Hardcore scene that was happening in the late 80’s. The only time I played there was when Life Is Killing Me was released. I got turned off to the place when they started charging Times Square prices for drinks.

 

DM- Back to “Dead Again”: lyrically, this album is quite heavy for sure. The themes are Apocalyptic, and religious and also in many ways, well—“doom” like—which is probably nothing new, but the apparent conversion of Peter Steele back to Catholicism is new. Any comments?

 

JK- I wouldn’t say that it’s anything new. Since his mother passed away two years ago, he reconnected with his faith which I don’t have a problem with. Lyrically, Peter has always had some kind of references to his faith.

 

DM- He seems to set himself up as a spokesperson for God—is this an image thing or is he convinced he really is on a mission?

 

JK-You would have to ask him that but everything he has always done, he’s amplified for better and worse.

 

DM- Now, you guys just finished a “Halloween Tour” beginning in October: was this the return of an old tradition?

 

JK- Type O and Halloween have always walked hand in hand. It’s usually a fun time and fans seem to turn it up at those shows. The show was a little bit different than what we usually do.

DM-  More on a personal note: when you look at the future, what do you see for Johnny Kelly and for Type O Negative? Are you an optimist?

 

JK- I am the optimist of the band. I do have a cynical side though. It’s just not as bad as the other three. There’s been a number of times where I thought that Type O had run its course. Every time I think that though, something has stepped in for whatever reason and has kept us going. I think that Type O is a really good band that still has a lot of potential but it’s really up to us. As for myself, I still love playing and hope that I can continue to do it for a long time. Whatever it is that I’m doing or working towards, I just want to be happy doing it.

 

DM- Has your relationship with SPV been a good one thus far?

 

JK- SPV has been really supportive and working with them has been a nice change. I hope the relationship continues for quite a while.

 

DM- “Seventh Void”: when will we see a new release from this new band?

JK- We’re finishing up another bunch of songs now that Type O has been on a break. We need to get everything to Vinnie Paul so that he can finish the mixes and finally get this thing released. Both ours and Vinnie’s schedules have been really busy this year and this is one of those things that had to be put on hold. I’m hoping that it will be released early 2008.

 

DM- I have to say, I’m really looking forward to the first release from “Seventh Void” and I’m seriously not just saying that because of the Type O Negative connection—I really like what I’ve heard so far! I know there are a lot of people who feel like I do and are anxiously awaiting the release of your debut CD—what’s the vibe you’ve been getting? Are YOU excited about it as well?

 

JK- I’m very excited about it. SV has been in the making for over 4 years now and it’s great to see that the response has been pretty positive so far. There’s still a lot of work to be done but I’m anxious to have it released.

 

DM-Do you see a situation where say, you and Kenny were on the road as “Type O Negative” but maybe here and there opened up as “Seventh Void”? I mean, I don’t know if that’s actually beneficial, but I know this sort of thing has been done before.

 

JK- I would be fine doing things like that as long as the logistics worked out.

 

DM- I want to get to the songs you have posted on the MySpace page: (link) “Heaven is Gone”, “Shadow on Me” and “The End of All Time”. I have to say, that there is a real “classic metal” sound to the songs. For me that’s great news and a real breath of fresh air. (so to speak) Is there a conscious decision to go in a certain direction? There’s a real early “Sabbath” feel to the music—would you agree?

 

JK-We’re just trying to do something that’s really heavy but also has strong melody to it. I wouldn’t call it a conscious decision to go in the direction we have but there’s no denying the Sabbath influence. It’s also a reflection of other bands that were big influences on us like Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.

 

DM- The official website: when can we see this “activated”? (Was I dreaming or did I see Sal’s name involved with the development of this site? Maybe another site? Maybe I’m dreaming?)

 

JK- We’re still gathering content to eventually have on the site. When all that’s together, we’ll launch the site. Yes, Sal Abruscato helped us out with the artwork for the site. He helped with the band’s logo also. Our friend Dave Burger is also helping us with the site also.

 

DM- Hank Hell has joined us here as well, yo “Hank”! “Hank Hell” that’s your real name of course? (ok, lame attempt at humor) Seriously though, tell me a bit about yourself. I know a little bit from your MySpace page, namely that you are/were with an outfit called INHUMAN and that you’re a graduate of School Of Visual Arts, New York in “designing”,that right? You’re also now the bassist for “Seventh Void”. Without telling me all about grammar school, tell me a bit about YOU.

 

Hank Hell- I was raised on Metal. I’ve been playin in bands since I was 16. Never willing to let the dream die, for the last 6 years I’ve been playing bass for a hardcore band called INHUMAN.  And now I’m in Seventh Void as well. I’m ready to fucking rock. I don’t give a fuck. What?!?

DM-      If I’m not mistaken, you’re the latest addition to “Seventh Void”, how did this come to be? Auditions, or word of mouth or just being a part of the Brooklyn scene?

 

HH- Yeah, so I’ve known Matt Brown (the Seventh Void guitar player) forever, actually I went on my first tour with him. He called me and told me that 7V was lookin for a bass player. I’ve been asked by a lot of bands to join them and the answer’s always been “NO”. But then Matt told me that we’d be playing some shows with Carnivore, so I was like, “I’ll do it, as long as I can get into the Carnivore shows for free.”

 

DM- Can you take me through an average day in the studio? (obviously in reference to the new material to be released)

 

HH- Well, we were in the studio recording some new material that we’ve been working on. (We’ve been jamming on these songs before we went in, to make sure we know what each of us are doing and to be certain that all the parts are right. ) So, as I’m sitting there watching Matt record Kenny’s guitar tracks, the both of these dudes start going off. Suddenly they’re spontaneously coming up with all these cool ideas, sick guitar stuff like. We all thought we knew how this stuff was gonna be recorded, but then its just like an explosion of ideas that came outta these dudes that sounded so right and so much better than we had originally planned it to. I can’t wait to fucking hear the end result of this, bro. It’s totally gonna kick my ass. And yours too!

 

DM-  So far, you’ve done a handful of gigs as “Seventh Void”, what was it like? I mean, here you are, a part of something new and at the same time, there is a history, some “roots” if you will—because in some ways Seventh Void is part of a certain “family tree” (reference to the Type O connection) what went through your mind when this new and highly anticipated band hit the limelight for the first time?

 

HH- I had just joined the band like a week and a half proir to the shows, so The main thing on my mind when we hit the stage for the first time was, “shit, how the hell do these songs go again?”

 

Half the guys in this band just happen to be in one of my most favorite bands EVER, so I mean, it was fucking so damn cool to be on stage with a bunch of motherfuckers whom I’ve looked up to for so long. And pretty nerve wracking knowing that the last song was a Type O cover and Pete was gonna sing while I played his bass line.

 

But when we were finally up there, none of that even mattered. It was all about the fucking music, bro. I fucking felt it, man. It was like it suddenly started running through my blood. It was just automatic, like. As I was playing, I looked out into the crowd and I totally felt that energy, man. It was like it was emitting from the stage onto them, and like they would give it right back to us. You could feel it. You know it’s right when you can feel that, man.

 

DM- You look like a typical, kick ass metal bassist if I do say so myself. I mean, I wouldn’t want to meet you in a dark alley somewhere, I mean (laughs) seriously, I think what I’m trying to say is you strike me as the type of dude that has this artist/rocker vibe pumping through your veins like you were born with it—are you in fact living out your dream?

 

HH- Yeah! I do feel like I’m livin my dream, man. All I’ve ever wanted to do was be in a band and rock out. And that’s what I’m doing, bro. and this shit has just begun, dude. I totally see this thing blowing the fuck up and getting better as it goes.

and don’t be scared if you do run into me in a dark alley, I’m just there cause I’m smoking a blunt, wanna hit it ?

 

DM-Who are your influences musically?

 

HH- Slayer. Type O Negative. Gwar. Napalm Death. Sex Pistols. Public Enemy. The Misfits.

 

DM-What does an ideal future hold for Hank Hell?

 

HH- World peace and a big ass tour bus, with like 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, and room service, and a cocktail lounge, and waitresses with vodka martinis. And the bus would have wings, so we could tour the newly peaceful world in it.

 

 

DM-Thanks a million sir for your valuable time and I wish you the best man!

 

HH- Hell yeah!!!!

 

We’re grateful to have had a chance to catch up with Hank Hell of Seventh Void, now back to Johnny Kelly.

 

DM- Let’s deviate for a minute. Are you feeling devious? (laughs) Seriously though, just to talk a bit about the Danzig tour las year, how did Kenny finally get involved with this? Was Glenn eyeing him for a while, thinking he’d like to have him on board for a bit or was it really all just “one thing led to the other” type deal. Being in the right place at the wrong, I mean, right time? (laughs)

 

JK- It was a little of both. Glenn had asked Kenny when he was looking for a replacement for Tommy Victor last year but Kenny couldn’t do it. Glenn offered the position to Kenny again for the upcoming dates and Kenny took him up on the offer this time.

 

DM- That’s quite an experience though, working with Danzig, because that guy is certainly one of the “seasoned veterans” of metal yeah? Is there one “highlight” you can share with us from your touring days with Danzig?

 

JK- Calling Danzig a seasoned veteran is an understatement. Playing in Danzig is a blast. I really enjoy working with him. Some of the highlights for me have been going to places like Greece and Australia Another highlight was doing the shows with Doyle. When Doyle would come out on stage, the people would just go ballistic. I had never seen pits like I did when we played Misfits songs. People were just trying to kill each other.

 

DM-Have you been asked into the studio with Danzig? Will you be asked in the future?

 

JK-He initially wanted me to do the Circle Of Snakes record with him but wound up getting a permanent drummer and he did the record. After the record was released, he wanted to have me do the touring. Right now, he doesn’t have any immediate plans to record new music but I would totally be into recording with him.

 

DM-Let’s talk about the “Seventh Void” gigs from over a year ago opening for Carnivore. That must have been a riot! Seriously, it must have been one of those hallmark moments though.

 

JK-Playing with Carnivore was a lot of fun. Peter went out of his way to accommodate us in every way possible. It didn’t really feel like we were a support act. The band and the crew were great. The Carnivore fans were great to us and it was a lot of fun when Peter came up during our set to sing Kill All the White People. It was weird looking at Peter singing without his bass during that song. Both nights felt like friends hanging out having fun which is exactly what it was.

 

Dean Mason- Speaking of Carnivore, Marc Piovanetti is joining us here at The Lonely Ghost Project as we continue our series called “Brooklyn Blues”. Ok, I’m joking with that title, but either way, here’s a man who was a part of the scene moons ago, when he replaced Keith Alexander and in 1987 was the guitarist for “Retaliation”, Carnivore’s second and last release.

 

DM- marc, welcome! Actually, we’ll go backwards or begin with the ending first, that is, what is Marc Piovanetti doing now both musically and otherwise?

 

Marc Piovanetti- Currently, I am enjoying music only as a listener on the sidelines, not as  a writer, performer or producer. FYI: Bad experiences with my last several projects soured some of my good feelings about approaching rock as a "participation sport". But these feelings come and go. Right now I am 100% pre-occupied with getting another job and managing my financial debts. However, once I’m "back on track", I definitely plan on doing "something" musically. Whether that will find me playing guitar in a heavy metal band (perhaps something like "The Eagles of Death Metal" or "Wolfmother"?) or assembling another girl fronted pop-rock project, is impossible to predict at this time.

First things first: a) get a job, b) settle debts, c) jam to old Black Sabbath records d) seek career guidance from Satan.

DM-       What band(s) are you affiliated with now?  You mentioned that you do some producing? Give me some details.

 

MP- At the present time I am not affiliated with any active musical projects. However, I personally produced recordings for several post-Carnivore projects, among them Lava Baby, Ornamental & Daisychain (all girl-fronted pop-rock bands with me on guitar) and Psychic Orgy (90-ish hard rock w/Parris from The Cro-Mags and Chuck Lenihan from The Crumbsuckers.)

 

DM- Right then. Carnivore. That is, Carnivore 2006-were you approached at all forconsideration?

 

MP- No. I have not spoken with Peter since 2001.

 

DM- Did it bother you that you were not a part of this reunion? Would it have been  possible for you if Peter did approach you to tour  for those few gigs?

 

MP - It bothered me a little bit. Seemed somewhat, "disrespectful", but I would not have been able to participate anyway because of my career as a Paralegal. It’s kind of hard to explain to your employers that you can’t prepare the reports for them because you have to bathe in cow’s blood while performing "Suck My Dick".

 

DM-(laughs) There is some ‘vague’ talk about new Carnivore material-do you think that a "New Carnivore" will appeal to the new metal heads of the 21st Century or do you think that this is in some ways a bit of a fantasy?

 

MP- I have no idea, but I will say this: Peter’s writing direction in recent years seems (to me) to straddle the middle ground between "modern" rock and "retro" rock, without really succeeding in either direction. I think that he would do best by listening to his heart and rocking  "old school" style Sabbath metal instead.

DM- Ok. Now-Carnivore 1987. How did you eventually get the gig to replace Keith Alexander? Did you know Keith at all before or even later? Were you from the area as well - old time buds with Peter- or was it an add in the local music mag?

 

MP-My friend Chris had auditioned for the band, but he didn’t make the gig. So then it was "okay" for me to try out (you can’t compete against your "bud" in Brooklyn). I had been practicing a LOT during those years right before I auditioned…and thereby aced the tryout. Me and my friend Chris both learned about the audition from a classified ad that Carnivore placed in the Village Voice. Carnivore was well known on the NYC metal scene for several years before their first album was released. Their stage show and "Mad Max" style costumes received a lot of attention. I met Keith here and there over the years several times. I found him to be a very charismatic, but also a rather obnoxious and frankly unlikable character. I really hate disclosing that in light of his unfortunate demise, but I would be lying otherwise.

 

DM- That “not competing against your “bud” thing is interesting considering, well, just considering. Anyway, Retaliation! From the self titled album "Carnivore", "Retaliation" goes in a slightly different direction. Maybe a bit more thrash? Can you gives us a summary of how that album took shape?  More or less, was this a matter of Steele presenting you all with a clear idea or did he encourage active participation in the songwriting aspect?

 

MP- Peter wrote everything himself. He was influenced by his environment. At the time that the album was being written, Carnivore was managed by the same woman who managed NYC hardcore band Agnostic Front. They shared our rehearsal space (and our drummer) and Peter heard real NYC Hardcore at rehearsals and at CBGB’s, where Connie (Carnivore’s manager) did most of her business. Peter also frequented "Lamours", the legendary heavy metal nightclub in Brooklyn. He heard all kinds of new American and British metal there. I think that these exposures influenced Peter’s writing very directly. FYI: Peter absorbs music and art like a sponge, and then "strains" the whole of what he’s taken in to "capture" only the elements that he finds pleasurable or intriguing.

 

DM- Can you give us a quick "tour" of the studio experience for Retaliation?

 

MP- There was a lot of anti-record company sentiment from Peter and Louie, because of the lack of commercial success of "Carnivore". Roadrunner actually forced us to record a "demo" to illustrate what the record was going to sound like. Eventually a very small budget was approved to do the entire record, perhaps $12,000? I actually handled all of the finances by myself. I received the checks from the record company and then I paid the bills for the recording studios etc, which was really kind of bizarre considering the fact that I had never even signed the record contract. Louie was already working for the city as a bus driver at that time so we recorded the bass and drums in Brooklyn near his home. I think that all of the drums and bass were recorded in 2 days time. Some of his timing on the record actually sounds really sloppy to me, in a bad, "mistake", kind of way. For example, the end section of "Race War". Nevertheless, there were some pretty stunning and intense musical moments as well. The energy of "Sex and Violence" was unreal. The studio room seemed literally on the verge of exploding sky high…and "Race War was SOOOOOO incredibly heavy, like…indescribable. The guitars and vocals were overdubbed in Ithaca, NY…in producer Alex Periales’ studio. "Brooklyn goes to the suburbs". Peter overdubbed all of his vocals while holding a large hammer in his hands. Swinging it with menace along to the words. Large meals of meat and many beers were consumed after each session.

 

DM-A major “merci beaucoup” to Marc Piovanetti from bringing us some “history” and now back to Johnny Kelly to help us wrap up this session.

DM - Johnny, this may be totally off base, but just humor me: Danzig’s website is called “7th House” is there a connection? Whether there is or not, explain the meaning of the name “Seventh Void”. Why the change from “Black Water Rising”?

 

Johnny Kelly- There isn’t any connection but now that you’ve brought it to my attention maybe there is something going on that even I don’t know about! Basically, the name change came when we stopped playing with the first bass player we were working with, Rob Traynor. He came up with the name and he wanted to keep it.

 

DM- Danzig has a new line of “figurines” any “Kenny and Johnny” ones on the future menu? Hey how about some Type O Negative action figures? (laughs)

JK- I have a Johnny Kelly doll. Check my Myspace page! Seriously though, I’m not sure if it would be something that you’ll see Type O doing. I’ve learned to never say never though.

DM- Were you a comic book fan as a kid? Now?

 

JK- I did have some comic books but I wouldn’t consider myself a fanatic by any stretch. My favorite was Thor. I used to like the Avengers too. I still have some of those comic books and they’re still worthless. Instead of buying comics, I preferred Hot Rod and Car Craft instead of comic books.

 

DM- You know, Johnny, you really seem to enjoy your craft, your career, and you also seem to really be comfortable with people, especially being a bit of the “PR” man, is that an accurate observation?

 

JK-I like getting out and having fun. I love going to shows to see other bands. I consider myself to be a sociable person.

 

DM- If you were not a musician, what would you have chosen as a career? (don’t say that “welcome to Burger King thing, it’s already been used, by Kenny)

 

JK- I’m not really sure what I would’ve chosen. This is what I wanted to do from a very early age and I based all of my decisions on making concessions to be able to do this so it’s hard to say.

 

DM- “World Peace” is it possible?

 

JK-Not in our lifetime.

 

DM- We keep hoping and praying! Now, more in general with the music business: this is a rapidly changing industry and it seems no one is sure about what the future will bring. The impact of digital technology and the unfortunate reality of stealing illegally is making a lot of artists ‘anxious” about what the future holds for them—what’s your take on it?

JK- Thanks to illegal stealing, making music for a living has become even harder than it was in the first place. The technology is both a good and bad thing. It’s a great vehicle to get your music out to many people and you can do it on your own. It’s also stealing which is wrong. I don’t know why some people think that it’s ok to not pay for music.

 

DM- I asked this question back in 2002 and I’ll ask it again: are there legends in the making in this day and age in the music business? Are “rock legends” a thing of the past?

 

JK-I think that it’s a thing of the past. There are some that try to make attempt at it but they all fail. You hear a story every once in a while about something that could be legendary but it pales in comparison to what’s been done in the past. There isn’t anything out there now that can be considered legendary. There isn’t anyone with notoriety creating a stir.

 

DM Would you like to be a part of a reality show?

 

JK- I would love to have a Type O tour documented.

 

DM- That would be really excellent! (hint hint) Have you ever watched “Gene Simmons: Family Jewels”? 

JK- I’ve watched it a couple of times. I wouldn’t say it’s the best thing on TV but it does have some funny moments.

 

DM- One final question Johnny: if you were asked to summarize in a few words the “Johnny Kelly Philosophy of Life” what would that be? In other words, what would you tell your child about life, that you would want them to cherish in the future when they face life such as it is? (no limits here)

 

JK-I’ve always tried to be a fair person. I try to treat people as I would like them to treat me. I don’t expect anything to be given to me and that I’m going to have to work hard to accomplish anything. I just want my daughter to be happy in whatever she decides to do with her life.

 

DM- Take care Johnny and Kenny, and please remember that you always have a special place here at The LGP.

 

JK-Thanks for the support. See you soon!

Dean Mason-Well there you are folks! I’m very grateful to Johnny Kelly, Hank Hell, Marc Piovanetti and that mouse that keeps dashing across the baseboards here—this has been a major blast for me!

 

There’s a lot to look forward to soon—a new Seventh Void CD, some touring dates with them and a “Red” re-issue of Type O Negative’s  “Dead Again” sometime in the New Year, and maybe some new tour dates with Type O as well. Time will tell. Either way—the story isn’t over yet!

 

Thanks for dropping dead…I mean, dropping by!

 

Cheerio.

 

Dean Mason

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Check this out! An artist and TON Fan named "Joey" has done some real kick ass pieces and this is one of them. I have made it a B/W version so you have to go and see the original at his place.

Click on the pic.

 

Type O Negative Comes Of Age:Interview with Johnny Kelly

August 18th, 2006 by Dean Mason

 

 

TYPE O NEGATIVE-2006: PROFITS OF DOOM?

 

Four years ago almost to the day I was introduced to Type O Negative when I was writing for the now nonexistent “Stickman Comic’s Sound Expansion” (hey, don’t laugh, even Gene Simmons liked us) and I had the pleasure of doing a piece on the band as well as an interview with Johnny Kelly. Ever since that particular article was published in the Summer of 2002, I’ve been following this band on a semi-professional level (some would disagree) and I must say that it’s been a very interesting four years on many levels, and some of that is good, and some of that is a bit more on the dark side. (not trying to be funny) I don’t wish to indulge in any sort of self pity and write out a litany of lamentations about “that book” that got the axe: we’re beyond that now.

Having said that, it should come as no surprise that I have indeed learned a lot about this “Gothadelic” quartet from Brooklyn and I must say that there are precious few artists that have been able to pull off what Mr. Steele and the boys have thus far and to still be looking the future straight in the face with hope. I’m not exaggerating and you can take that any way you like, because in the end, there is no mystery here: Type O Negative have been around the block! In fact they own the friggin block! Vinnland is gearing up for battle and they’re taking no prisoners! That’s all I can say, because the rest is top secret! But I will say this—you can rest assured that by the end of this year Type O will be marching through the battlefield with a brand new arsenal and the future is looking fine for metal heads the world over!

 

I am grateful once again to Johnny Kelly for having agreed to do an interview with us here at “The Lonely Ghost Project” and I must say that I couldn’t find a better way to launch this new “project” than with Type O Negative! There will be more to come in the future, so please, check back soon.

 

Meanwhile….

 

Interview with Johnny Kelly

Dean Mason: It was four years ago Johnny, almost to the day that I did an interview with you for SOUND EXPANSION with "Stick Man Comics" and since then there’s been one new studio album (LIKM) a tour and a new record contract, and a new DVD and a whole lot more. Time flies, but were you having fun?

Johnny Kelly: At times things were fun and at other times, things have been a total nightmare. I’ve been through some tough personal times in the past three years but I’m optimistic and hope that what’s next for me is an upswing. Some of my darkest moments have occurred over this period and I think that better times are ahead of me.

Is this new relationship with this new record company, SPV a step in the right direction for you guys?

I think so. I feel that they did a good job with the DVD and they were happy with the results. The real test will be how things go with the handling of the new CD.

Would you guys still have to deal with Roadrunner in some instances or not? I mean, the question of a compilation popped up recently and I was wondering if they pretty well have a green light (no pun intended) to go ahead with that sort of deal without maybe even your absolute approval?

Roadrunner is releasing another "best of" compilation in September and we haven’t taken part in that release so I’m guessing that they’re allowed to do that without our consent. Aside from three out of four of us participating on the Roadrunner All Stars CD, there really hasn’t been too much going on between us and them.

Either way, I guess you could say you’re moving forward now and I get the impression that there’s "new life" with SPV: In March you guys released a first ever "live DVD" (Symphony for the Devil)-how much of a success has that been for the band so far. (Only four months old)

I’m glad that we finally released something of the band in the live forum. It’s something that fans have been asking for, for a long time. From what I’ve been told, SPV is very happy with how the DVD has been doing but they’re very anxious the get the new CD. They’ve been very patient which is good for us though. As far as "new life" goes, we never felt that we were at the point as a band that there was a need for that. It’s great to be at a label where we feel that we’re a top priority. I’m hoping that things go in a positive direction and it’s something that both the label and the band benefit from.

I don’t recall a band ever starting off with a new record company by releasing a live DVD first, but having said that, it actually seems that for YOU GUYS at this time, it was the right thing to do. Perfect timing in other words.

The DVD was something that was in the works while we on tour supporting Life Is Killing Me. It wasn’t something that was just thrown together to keep attention on the band. The timing was right simply because the new cd wasn’t completed yet and this kept the name of the band out there while we were still working to complete the CD.

"SYMPHONY FOR THE DEVIL" PROMOTIONAL POSTER

Was I seeing/hearing correctly the other night when you gave an interview for "Darktech Radio"-that the next studio album was going to be about 80 minutes? Is it that there are some long "dirges" or allot of individual tracks?

As of now, there’s over 80 minutes of music recorded. I’m not confirming that all of that is going to make it on the new CD. Some songs may get cut down a little. It’s happened on past records so I’m not ruling out the possibility. Some of the new songs are pretty long though. There is definitely a lot of dirge on the new record. Nothing unusual for Type O.

You mentioned the internet aspect to the success of the latest DVD-you were speaking of the Type O Negative official message board and the Type O Negative Myspace-my question is: in general do you see the internet making a positive difference in the direction of the band? Can you imagine Type O Negative in a world without "internet"? (scary isn’t it? )

The internet really has changed the way things are done in the music business now. From music production to publicity, everything is available at your fingertips and there are a lot of steps that can be avoided that you had to go through say, ten years ago to get your music to people. If we have something to say to our fans, we can simply post it on a blog at Myspace or on our message board and it takes literally seconds to do that. Years ago, you had to go through your publicist for any kind of announcements or whatever and they in turn would take it to the press. Like right now, we’re doing an interview without talking on the phone or in person and it didn’t take 50 phone calls and a number of people to schedule it. That scenario is still existent and is also necessary but if the band is willing to work in situations like this, the internet and the other aspects mentioned are quite valuable.

Back to the album you guys are now completing-is there anything that really stands out about this new album that you can share with us now? Do you have a "oh yeah!—this is massive" feeling about it?

As with every Type O CD that I’ve been a part of, there are songs that I am totally blown away by and there are songs that really don’t move me that much and the upcoming CD is no different. It’s hard to answer this question at the moment because the songs aren’t finished yet so it’s hard for me to have an opinion of them just yet. Get back to me on this one after the cd has been mixed and mastered.

Ok, moving away from rock and roll just for a bit, what do you think of the present Middle East situation? Will they ever find peace over there?

I’ve been watching the news to try to keep an eye on what’s been going on over there and I really doubt that the cease fire is going to do anything. Where are the kidnapped soldiers? I thought that Israel would’ve been more successful in dealing with Hezbollah. I was quite surprised with the turnout. I think that Iran is the much bigger problem over there. The people in Iraq are basically in a civil war and I’m not sure if they really want peace and democracy. It seems to me that all of the people there are intent on killing each other and I don’t see why we should stop them from doing so. If the war in Iraq was over oil, how come I’m paying $3.48 for Super Unleaded?

If you were to have done the "sports" thing, what would you have gotten into? Soccer? Football? Hockey? Fishing? Hunting? (Somehow I just can’t see you in an Elmer Fudd outfit)

I’m a huge hockey fan. I’ve been a NY Ranger fan since I was little kid. I spent my teenage years on skates playing roller hockey in Brooklyn. I am definitely the sports fan out of the band. I’ll follow football and over the past couple of years, I’ve been following baseball and basketball but I’m not that into those sports. I went to my first Yankee game last month. I do follow sports in general though.

Ok. "Cars". You like cars. What’s the latest in the Johnny Kelly automobile department?

Two weeks ago I got a new 2006 HEMI RAM 1500 Quad Cab. I still have my 70 Dodge Super Bee. I’m going to be buried in that car.

Ok, steering the ship back on course here: do you go to concerts allot Johnny? I mean, who would you go see now if you had the chance?

I’m not really sure how many shows I’ve been to but it has to be somewhere around 1000 +. I love going to shows and seeing bands perform live. I think that I’m gonna go see Aerosmith and Motely Crue when they come to town next month. I went to Ozzfest two weeks ago. I saw Madonna last month. I try to go to shows whenever I possibly can. Now it’s usually when friends from other bands are in town. I’ll try to go out to see them.

I remember you saying somewhere that one of your favorite concert experiences as a teen was KISS and that you thought Gene Simmons was "underrated"? Would Peter Criss have been one of your "inspirations"? Actually, Peter Criss is also a really excellent singer ("Nothing to lose"!!! "Black Diamond"!!!)

If it wasn’t for Peter Criss, I probably wouldn’t have taken an interest in playing drums. I was completely consumed by KISS when I was a kid. I definitely feel that Gene Simmons is an underrated bass player. I agree with you, Peter Criss does have a great voice.

Seventh Void, Earl’s Court, Type O Negative, Danzig-you’re a busy dude! But can you just give me a brief update on "Seventh Void"?

We’re in the middle of working on new songs. We rehearsed for the first time in ages last night and we’re rehearsing again tonight. We’re planning on recording the new songs in about a month or so. We’re also starting to look into getting the band some gigs. We’re planning on doing some shows as soon as next month possibly.

I heard rumors about opening for Carnivore?

We have our first gigs coming up at the beginning of September. We’re playing in New Haven on the 1st and Sayreville, NJ on the 2nd. Peter initially had offered us the shows when the dates were being put together. I was going to be out of town playing with Danzig and Seventh Void didn’t have a bass player. We finally wound up with a new bass player last week and since I am going to be home for the first two shows, it got worked out that Seventh Void could do those first two shows of the Carnivore run. We’re all looking forward to it and it’s gonna be a great time.

Did you ever think you’d see the day when Peter would "resurrect" Carnivore? That’s taking front and center for Peter now for a few months yeah?

Peter had been talking about wanting to do some Carnivore shows for some time so I knew that it was eventually going to happen. Type O Negative is everyone’s priority and finishing the CD is the main objective. Carnivore has done three shows and they’re doing a week of shows the first week of September. After that, Type O is going to be pretty busy and I don’t think that he’ll be doing any Carnivore shows for quite a while. Maybe he’ll do a few shows here and there if time allows.

Am I mistaken or are you guys aiming for a Halloween release of the new album?

We would love to have a Halloween release but the record industry releases CD’s on Tuesdays and there isn’t any way of altering that practice. If we’re planning on releasing a CD during a year when Halloween falls on a Tuesday, I would bet that Type O would be releasing something on that day.

***PLEASE NOTE*** Johnny is NOT saying that the new CD is out on Tuesday the 31st of October this year. Release date STILL not determined.

Is there a new "image" for Type O Negative in the works or a new ‘uniform’? (not them orange suits please!!! )

Yes, we will look much older than we have. I’ve never really been a fan of costumes for the stage. I’ve always liked when the band has worn black jeans and t-shirts.

So, is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" on that new album? (you don’t have to answer that) Peter mentioned that song once upon a time in a previous interview with "The Knac" I believe.

That song will not be on the new CD.

Well Johnny, all things have a beginning and an end! This is the end. (wow, dramatic shit here or what?! Can you hear the intro to the Doors tune? "This is the end, da da da, my only friend " ) ANYWAY, point is, four years ago you were graceful in accepting to do an interview with me with Stickman Comics (by the way Stickman Comics went tits up and he never survived long enough to make them t-shirts) and during that time there was "Erotic Funeral" a book project that never was I want to thank you for having been sane during THAT insanity and (confession time) this interview is to end where it all began! Thank you, and the best of luck to all of the band and I hope "Seventh Void" is the next "thang"! (Maybe I can do a book on Seventh Void? (just kidding, just kidding )

You’ve always been a good person to me so it wasn’t an effort to help out however I could. Thanks for the support.

Johnny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KEITH ALEXANDER: Introduction

July 25th, 2006 by Dean Mason

Back in the Summer of 2004, I had the distinct pleasure of conducting an interview with Keith Alexander who was Carnivore’s original guitarist. It was never my intention to publish that interview on it’s own, since the interview was really a part of my research for a book I was going to publish on Brooklyn’s Type O Negative.

Obviously, the story of "Carnivore" is an important part of the history of both Road Racer Records which later became Roadrunner Records, and Peter Steele’s saga which today is mostly manifested in the Goth/Doom Metal outfit….Type O Negative. The interview with Keith Alexander was more or less needed to help provide a different account of the history of Steele’s …."Carnivore".

However, with the more recent "incarnation" of Carnivore (Peter Steele, Paul Bento, Steve Tobin, and Joey Z) which will set out on a small tour of the US (no dates yet) as well playing The Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany on August 4th, 2006, http://www.wacken.com/ I decided to revisit the interview I did with Keith and eventually decided it was worth putting some time into transcribing the two year old interview and presenting it to the Carnivore/Type O Negative audience.

As most of you reading this know, Keith was killed last summer in a biking accident. I must say that I was personally shocked to hear of this news and I was saddened by the death of such a young and talented artist. At the time, the book was being canned as well, and so, I really never thought this interview would ever see the light of day. But….here we are.

I must admit at the outset that I really had mixed feelings about sitting down to transcribe the entire interview. It took me 4 hours just to transcribe from the tape and I have to say that it brought back some memories. More or less, I didn’t want to be taken back to a certain era. Yet, for some reason, it kept nagging me to no end. I felt that this interview was probably his last interview and I felt that it would be a shame that I would be the only person to ever hear his side of the story about Carnivore. So…..again…here we are.

I assure you that you will enjoy this interview. Keith is brutally honest in this interview, and he’s certainly blessed with his own unique brand of humor. I’m actually grateful to God that I finally got the "bells" to do this! This interview is for the fans of both Carnivore past and present as well as to Peter Steele and the present members of both Carnivore and Type O Negative. Much thanks for the great music!

Most of all, this is obviously for you Keith! Thanks for having been the first to give me a chance when I was all green and full of dreams that well….thus far never came to be. That’s life!

RIP

Keith Alexander Bonanno

November 23, 1963 – July 11, 2005

KEITH ALEXANDER INTERVIEW: Part I

July 25th, 2006 by Dean Mason

Dean Mason: Just wanted to get a sense of the early days, the beginnings of Carnivore–you mention in your email that you saw Fallout open up for Twisted Sister is that right?

Keith Alexander: Yeah that’s right, at a club called 2001 Odyssey, the place where they filmed Saturday Night Fever.

How did you happen to get involved with Peter Steele and this new band Carnivore?

The best I can recall is that, I was working at a record store on Nassau Street in Manhattan, called the “Record Explosion” and, I knew Pete from, like…I knew him from Fallout that’s for sure…um…and I knew…I knew of the band and the sort of thing he was doing from….just like local shit, Red Hook… the part of Brooklyn they’re from isn’t that close to where I’m from, but the music scene at that point was small enough that, I definitely knew of him. Now I remember, I think I saw an add for the band in the “Aquarian”, um, I could totally be wrong about that, but I’m almost definite that I saw an add for them, and the name “Carnivore” was there and I really remember saying—knowing– that it was him for some reason. I distinctly remember knowing just from the text that I read that this has to be that guy. And I don’t really recall like auditioning or anything like that you know. I remember going down, and playing a little bit but I don’t really recall the circumstances…like… “how I got in to the band” per se.

When you guys first got together, how did you approach working together, I mean did Steele come up and say “here’s the kind of material I want” type thing? What?

Yeah well, I mean, it was his music right?! So I mean, there was never any doubt of how the song was written …….they were his songs. But at the time, from what I can remember, I mean this is a while ago now, he was open to other ideas, you know, so he definitely set the chord changes down and the lyrics, and 80 to 90 % of the structure and then we would just kind of go over it in his mom’s basement, and hash it out. We didn’t rehearse all that much from what I can remember, but he would definitely present the skeleton of the tune, if not completely done. He was very prolific. He writes allot.

One thing I really remember is, that I always really enjoyed his lyrics. His lyrics to me were the strongest…like the music…was anh…you know…it was what it was; some of it was better than others…all of it was interesting…but the lyrics were always um (pause… change of direction suddenly) one thing I really remember is that at first I kind of fought the whole shoulder pad bullshit…I was like… “oh…this is lame”…you know, because I really wanted to be seen as a legitimate musician and you know, as a guitar player, you know, my dad’s a guitar player…it’s in my blood…I mean I’ve just always been a guitar player….and I wanted to be seen as serious and do serious stuff you know….and so at first I fought it. I remember being like… “Ah, FUCK THIS!” Over time, I don’t even remember what it was……. but I got into it. All of the sudden, I went and I bought some shotgun shells, and I remember like taking out the buck shot…and, you know, I was like, “well o.k…. fuck it…if we’re going to do it, let’s really do it!” Everybody else is wearing bullet belts, “I’m gonna wear a shot gun belt”…and I remember making wrist bands with like you know…like steel shark fins or something and at one point I totally got right into it. I remember coming down with the costume that I had built and I remember Louie saying “ah…you’re into it, you got it, that’s exactly what we were going for.” So, you know, that was fun for a while.

I must admit, I didn’t think at first that Steele was someone that was into the “image” (my perception that is) but I have come to find out he is.

One thing you have to know about, well him (Peter) in particular and all musicians I think in general is that image is critical. Anybody that tells you that they don’t have an image is lying, because THAT’S the image. He was very much into the image, I mean the whole band was based, at least back then you know—that first album that I was a part of—was based on science-fiction/Mad Max. I remember watching “Quest For Fire” and “Mad Max” and looking at those films as inspiration for costuming. “Mad Max” and Quest For Fire” were big movies for us to watch.

I remember Gary Numan’s “Warriors” album, obviously influenced by Mad Max.

It influenced hundreds of bands—absolutely.

What sort of music, what bands influenced Carnivore. I remember “Agnostic Front” being mentioned somewhere along the line in my research.

Yeah, I remember distinctly when we started to get into, you know, what at the time was being called ‘thrash’. I remember me going out and buying a couple of Slayer albums, you know, the whole “Metal Blade” thing. The influences were pretty diverse, cuz like Pete…Agnostic Front was not an influence of ours. They were around before us that was for sure, but, they didn’t influence us until Pete got into his hard core thing and shaved his head, but prior to that, it was more like, Black Sabbath, St. Vitus, you know the sludgier type…. like Trouble–Trouble was a big one….you know, bands like that—for the band as a whole. Me…definitely Metallica, Megadeath, Slayer, you know. At that time it wasn’t main stream but, like what turned out to be more of a main stream thrash. Plus, being a guitar player, you know, and my dad being one as well I’ve been exposed to…you know one my favorite guitar player was David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and I brought that to it. At times, the greatest compliment I ever got, and this was post Carnivore, was some of the tones that I was getting on the Primal Scream record, was reminiscent of David Gilmour from Pink Floyd. So, I think I brought those kinds of influences.

Louie was certainly into…well I don’t want to speak for him…but you know he was into all these double bass guys…I remember we were totally into Accept, certainly Priest and Sabbath….I mean they were big Sabbath fans. I was never really a huge Sabbath fan but they were.

KEITH ALEXANDER INTERVIEW: Part II

July 25th, 2006 by Dean Mason

Mason: Sabbath and the Beatles seem to be major influences on Steele personally, but some other bands have surprisingly been mentioned as well….like Devo and Cocteau Twins.

Alexander: Yeah, well, you know I remember being in the rehearsal studio with Pete and him listening to stuff like GangGreen, The Mission, Sisters of Mercy or Cocteau Twins..they were certainly not influences on Carnivore, but Pete being, you know a musician first and anything else second, he’s always had his ears and eyes open to good music.

Do you think Steele was always searching for that “style”? When Type O Negative’s Bloody Kisses came out…that was certainly more towards a “gothy” “doomish” sound.

I think we’re all searching all the time. The best artists among us, and I don’t count myself in that league, but, I think for the best artists…it’s a constant search right? It’s a struggle with self. It’s a constant battle because you hear something you really like but you don’t want to copy it right off the bat, so, maybe you listen to the album over and over and you start to assimilate some influences. Like I hear some Cure in the things that Pete does, you know, like, was it an influence when he was fourteen? Probably not. But as we grow older, we get turned on to other bands that are doing cool shit, and you almost can’t help but assimilate some of it.

The events leading up to that famous signing of the contract with, Road Racer? It WAS Road Racer at the time right?

Right. Well, one thing that I really remember is that, I remember having dinner with Vinnie Stigma from Agnostic Front, Cees Wessels, I forget his last name, the head of Road Racer, um….who else was there? (Pause) I think…Billy Milano from SOD (Storm Troopers of Death) …I forget who else, but I remember having a dinner in a Chinese restaurant prior to us getting signed, and then I remember…. Now this is a while…and Pete will probably dispute this…but I believe it was me who like really made contact with Connie Barrett at first. I might not have maybe “made contact” per se…but I remember being the first one to really talk to her, and get her down and you know, pursue it a little bit.

It was interesting, because at the time, Pete wasn’t big on touring. We didn’t like, really leave Brooklyn for that matter, and that was always a disappointment to me cuz I loved to travel and I think, you know, it’s just critical…critical!

So, I remember Connie Barrett coming down, and she’s the one who signed the band.

So, the touring or lack there of was an issue back then with Carnivore?

Oh yeah, I mean, part of it might be that he (Peter) had a real job, I forget what he was doing at the time, but I was ready to just quit any job to do a show on a weekend, it didn’t matter to me.

Carnivore was described by Peter Steele as a sort of cross over between hardcore and metal, saying that he liked the “heaviness of metal and the violence and excitement at hardcore shows.” (Quote taken from “Sound of the Beast” The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal by Ian Christe)

Well, I think that he’s free to say what he wants about it, to me, that statement doesn’t ring true because…that’s discussing a genre…right?…I mean that’s like…that was just the time. Metallica, Motorhead…you know, Motorhead took punk and metal and put it together right? So…yeah, I mean it’s not a false statement, like yeah, we definitely had hardcore aggressiveness as well as metal geatrics. But yeah, I mean, Carnivore and a hundred other fucking bands, you know, at the time were a mixture of …you know…fucking Anthrax…and…you know…all those bands…we all mixed hardcore and metal, that was certainly no big deal.

You said in the short email interview… “I was a pawn in Peter’s game!” What did you mean by that?

That I was what? A pawn? Well you know, it’s his band. Simple as that. It’s like you can’t replace Pete…anyone of those other three guys can go. (obviously reference to present day Type O Negative) You know? I mean, it’s arguable, if Josh went, the band would definitely change, cuz I think Josh is a big part of that band, but you know…the guitar players and the drummers? Whatever! It could be anybody. I mean, Johnny could probably argue that…you know…and nobody likes to hear that…but the bottom line is Pete could throw any guitar player in there basically and it’d be the same band. It’s Pete’s bands. Bottom line.

You also said that you were thrown out by Connie in a Jewish deli and that you made “one mistake too many on stage”.

Yeah, I remember…that was really the big thing, cuz like I was really into moving around, putting on a show, and the perfection was less important to me. I think Pete’s definitely a perfectionist, and, I’m not, and the reason I think that’s why they asked me to leave. Part of it was just totally not into going hardcore. I was not into shaving my head, I was not into “Jack Daniels & Pizza” , “Angry Neurotic Catholics”. It took me long enough to get into it (original concept?) It took me long enough to dig the science-fiction shit, and I wanted to take that…you know….keep going on that. Pete had other ideas and that was part of it…we clashed a couple of…we clashed allot…I clash with everybody…that’s just….you know…that’s part of my nature too. So, you know, we clashed a bit, but the reason I think…the final throws was me fucking up onstage cuz I remember me reading in an interview right after I got kicked out and one of the comments about the new guitar player…that it was…Pete had said that it “was their best show ever because they didn’t make one mistake.” So that kind of like led me to believe that like mistakes were a part of it too and…whatever you know…it’s fuckin rock and roll…you should be a…. (change of thought) …if it’s perfect it’s lame.

KEITH ALEXANDER INTERVIEW: Part III

July 25th, 2006 by Dean Mason

Mason: It’s ironic that you find on one hand the “perfectionism” and yet on the other hand there’s that self deprecating stuff in Steele’s lyrics and even humor.

Alexander: Yeah well, Pete’s a….his mindset is a (searching for words) …he’s not easy to figure out. Pete’s got allot of problems you know? Most of his own making I think. But like you know…I don’t want to use the word genius you know…but he’s fuckin…he’s… he’s an artist you know…and the best artists among us are tortured, and Peter is a tortured mother fucker. And you know, it comes across in the music and it comes across in the stage show, it comes across in interviews and you know….half of it is shtick half of it is deeply held problems.

Well, allot of people wonder, how much of it is image, how much of it is for real. With Steele, even in the lyrics, that guy really speaks about himself it seems.

Oh yeah. Look, his stuff is very autobiographical, but, what I like about some of his stuff is…allot of it is tongue in cheek. I think half the time he’s putting himself on…right. Half the time he’s trying to see what he can get away with. He’s putting himself on…he’s trying to make himself laugh….there’s allot of “in-jokes”…. (sigh)… but at the end of the day you know…he’s crafty. You know, he talks about things like , I don’t know if he still talks about it anymore, about wanting to get rich enough to retire and you know, build a house in Iceland. Now, that’s not the comment of a stupid person; that’s the comment of somebody who understands that America is going a certain way, cost of living is crazy, you know…those kind of things…and building a house in Iceland is an admirable goal. To that end, I think that he certainly doesn’t live a rock star life style. He’s got a gold album, I’m sure he feels he deserves more money from the record company..and he does….all artists do…so you know…he’s not Lenny Kravitz…so I’m sure he’s saving his money and one day….Pete will probably just disappear. He will go to Iceland, and he’ll have saved up 3 million dollars, whatever is enough to live like a king in another country.

I don’t think he likes the fame part of rock and roll…you?

Well, I think that’s part of his shtick. I think that deep down inside he loves it. That whole shit about artists saying that….that shit pisses me off. It’s like…you should love it. I mean, I understand the whole caged animal thing…but I’ve done thousands of shows and…if your not up to the show because you’re physically sick or there’s an emotional issue with your family or whatever it might be…it’s hard to put on a good show. But you don’t want to let the fans down so you wind up forcing yourself to put on a good show and then you have this inner conflict that you’re faking it. It’s like “why am I doing this?” Those kinds of things can really weigh heavy on your mind—if you’re a thinking sensitive person…but the bottom line is you’re up there because you love it. You’re up there because when you were a kid you saw fuckin Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne and Paul Stanley or whatever—you saw them getting the adulation—writing the music—having you know—just being the center of attention—that’s why you do it. There’s no other reason to do it, cuz you could write songs and stay in your basement. You could write music and never leave the house…and satisfy your music “urges”.

This may seem like a strange question, but what do you think of the idea of a biography book on Type O Negative? I mean, when I first approached Johnny Kelly about it, he seemed to be amused somewhat.

Well, the bottom line is, Pete has influenced thousands of people. They have a gold record out. He’s got a couple of fanatical fans. He’s certainly worthy of some attention so you know…why not? You know…what the fuck. Does he deserve a book? Yeah man…I feel like I deserve a book….you probably deserve a book in your own right.

LAUGHS!!!

 

 

Well, I think that people who live interesting lives, people that lead…um….what’s that quote about the unexamined life isn’t worth living? You know…I think that people who live exciting lives and live it with a certain gusto…yeah….Pete’s definitely worthy of a book.

For me, they’ve got their place in the history of rock and roll….

….oh yeah…exactly.

..they’re not legends like the Doors for example, but….

Yeah, I know, they definitely have their place….like I was…the Primal Scream album I did…we got voted into one of Chuck Eddy’s books… “The Best Heavy Metal Albums of The Universe”…and you know…that was like just so satisfying to me to be acknowledged by a guy like Chuck Eddy.

Now Pete had a certain level of um…I guess the word is influence you know…and he might not have influenced um…I don’t know…let me put it this way…he certainly influenced like the Switchblade Sisters of this world…and I could be totally off with that connection…but I see plenty of bands out there that have Type O…you know…a “Type O” vibe.

Well Keith, much thanks for this interview.

Good luck with the book Dean.

-mason