They say a leopard doesn’t change its stripes. Truth or dare? In the case of Greg Damage, the rocker who just couldn’t keep his rage to himself, hints that maybe we’re all just cat food and all hope may be lost (at least for him). During times spent at various “institutional” centers, Damage began to learn to conceal his twisted intentions and make them appear as charitable acts such as free dentistry, impromptu plastic surgery and on the spot animal stuffing. The main focus he has right now to channel his philanthropic energies is with his band, the Sid Vicious Experience. This is the story of his assent to perceived greatness.

 

Believing that you’re like the rest of us and therefore up on the latest tabloid dirt, you’re probably already aware of his subversive issues with seemingly harmless household cleaning products, excessive veterinary prescriptions and affixation with self-asphyxiation on carnival rides. So yes, this former alter boy has seen the light, which turned out to be a freight train right between the eyes.  Fueled by fears of alien discovery (i.e. the aliens finding HIM), spontaneous human combustion and not having his wallet after eating a big meal at Waffle House, he raids his drums like a double tornado in a king sized trailer park, a horrific sight but something you can’t not watch.

 

So now to the now, Damage in real life is like art imitating life with his unpredictable atmospheric changes but has become quite the super nova singing star behind the kit. He solemnly and heart-warmingly bellows out the beginning of My Way to the delights of the number of hits on the band’s My Space site and can be heard throughout the band’s romp of a live set. With their extreme hybrid of neo-classical aggressive negotiation and blatantly contemptuous rock commonly referred to as “punk”, the Sid Vicious Experience will defiantly fly the internationally recognizable middle finger bird is the face of the pop and soft rock authority to the gratification of the fellow undesirables of non-mainstream.

 

PUNK MAGAZINE: You’re currently touring around the Southeast?

 

GREG DAMAGE: Hmm? You talking to me? Ahh, yeah sounds right.

 

PM: When did you start being interested in music?

 

GD: Music? You call the shite on the radio music? I’ve got over 600 channels and I can’t find a bloody music video to save my own miserable life! I spend more time flippin’ the flippin’ channels then I do finding anything worthwhile. And when are people going to realize that if they are NOT outrageously furious then they’re not paying attention! It’s like you can’t even play rock-n-roll these days without taking a piss test and getting finger printed, sods in Heaven! Who’s in charge! I want to see the manager! I’ll be in my trailer (walks out).

 

(later)

PM: You’re doing OK?

 

GD: Fine. Next question.

 

PM: You’re quite a drummer. How long have you being playing? Any influences?

 

GD: Well if that’s what you’d call it. It was “jail or a trade”, wouldn’t ya know it. I’m so sick of hearing it, “jail or a trade, jail or a trade, jail…” OK, I GET IT! Sometimes certain peo-ple wouldn’t do cer-tain things if they didn’t HAVE TO. Actually, I like drumming quite a bit. It helps me find me happy place. Me mum tried to get me to ballet. To tell the truth I wanted to because of the pretty, pretty girls. My excitement was difficult to conceal whilst wearing tights so it was suggested I pursue other interests. Tried building birdhouses for a time. I’d stuff the birds in just fine but they never seem to come back out. Maybe they didn’t like the hammerin’ once they were in there. I made 72 in total, I got pretty good at hammerin’. I used to sing to meself whilst hammerin’, “If I had a hammer… da da daaa…I would hammer all day…and if I had an AK-47…” and the likes. Finally there was a local meeting, as it seems my round the clock hammerin’ was causing a fuss. So I was to meself, I said, “Wot’s their problem? Didn’t like when I played wif meself, didn’t like it when I tried ballet, or fishing with M-80’s, or javelin throw with cats and now I’m not a-ppre-ciated for me contribution of birdhouses for which I only asked for a small contribution for each”. Drummin’, cheaper than a shrink and I get to know all my neighbors. Influences? You mean chemically? Well first off there was the monkey with the cymbals, next the Energizer Bunny, after that was Playboy Bunnies and being in a band was me best way to get the birds. The piss up and the birds, that’s what it was about for me, know what I mean? Then there was the first time when I had this girl and she wanted to get the garden hose and…

 

PM: That’s quite all right. How about the next question?

 

GD: Wotever.

 

PM: How about the “Rock Star” Quiz?

 

GD: Sounds fun. Do I have to take my clothes off?

 

PM: No, that’s not necessary. Just some questions.

 

GD: Ready-O. Shoot!

 

PM: Any tattoos?

 

GD: Ones I can tell you about?

 

PM: Yes, those only please.

 

GD: Can’t you see the ones on me arms?

 

PM: The readers can’t.

 

GD: Right. Then two, unofficially.

 

PM: Ever wear sunglasses at night?

 

GD: You mean like these? (takes off sunglasses)

 

PM: Check the box on that one. What do you drive?

 

GD: Was that what or whom?

 

PM: Kind of car please? (sigh)

 

GD: Well, currently my custom Ferrari is on order.

 

PM: Right.

 

GD: Fine. I’m wheelin’ a government auction 1974 Plymouth police cruiser. Imagine that, me, drivin’ a police car. Now isn’t that down right hilarious. The last time I was in one of these it was for (censored).

 

PM: O-K. So let’s skip the last question of if you’ve ever been in trouble with the law and check that box as well. So, you’ve scored 100%.

 

GD: Wonderful. Do I get a prize?

 

PM: Well now, look at the time. I’m afraid our time has run out. Any parting thoughts?

 

GD: I thought you’d never ask. Do I finally get to say what’s on my mind?

 

PM: Well…

 

GD: Now listen here. I agreed to do this little tea party in exchange for (censored) and I want it NOW! I’M NOT A PATIENT MAN AND I’M GOING TO RIP YOUR…

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed our chat with Greg Damage, drummer for punk rockers the Sid Vicious Experience. Until next time, punk rock.