EDDIE SPAGHETTI of SUPERSUCKERS: American Pie And Clean Underwear
An interview by Sarah Kidd.
With a career spanning almost thirty years the band known for their balls to the wall rock n roll aren’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. Seattle’s Supersuckers have few wants in life – good drugs, alcohol and their fans to have fun at their shows.
With albums such as the classic 1999 ‘The Evil Powers of Rock ‘N’ Roll’ and the outstanding 2014 album ‘Get The Hell’ (plus all the records in between!) it would be hard not to completely lose yourself in the heady mix of punk, country and of course rock n roll that Supersuckers bring to the table.
Known for their electric live shows – their upcoming show at The King’s Arms (along with three other shows around the North Island – yes that’s right everyone gets to experience a bit of the love up close and personal) promises to be one for the annals of the history books!
With a wicked sense of humour, humility and a propensity for reviewing the toilets of any venue he plays at – I threw thirteen quick fire questions at lead vocalist and original member Eddie Spaghetti (aka Edward Daly) to see what I could rustle up …
Is ‘American Pie’ by Don McLean still your most hated song?
“Yes, it remains in the top spot despite contention from that fucking lame ass Coldplay band. Seven minutes of hell.”
You have often touted Supersuckers as the – and I quote – “greatest rock n roll band in the world”. Can you please give me three reasons why?
1. Because who else is there?
2. Because we have no business being this good, this far into our career.
3. We’re just better than all the other bands. Rancid comes close. They’re quite good.
Supersuckers have always managed to somehow blend together elements of punk, country and rock n roll into this electrifying, thigh trembling concoction of greatness; what’s the secret?
“Blood. Lots and lots of blood.”
You yourself have been one of the most integral cogs in the Supersuckers machine since 1988; what keeps you going – besides illegal substances?
“Oh I dunno … the pursuit of excellence I guess?”
You once said that the appeal of most Supersuckers songs is the fact that it’s “just like you guys talking like you really talk”, no hidden agendas or causes. This far down the track, is that still true of the songs that you create?
“I try to speak like the average fellow but I’m too clever to just pander to what I think people want to hear. I like to challenge people a little. Just a little.”
Name the three – I really like the number three; more options than one, but not as much work as five – biggest influences in your life
“Liquor, women, drugs and killing. That’s four…”
Your fans know that Supersuckers live shows is where that sweet, tender, juicy goodness is at! But for your New Zealand fans that may not have had the pleasure of seeing you live before, what can they expect?
“Expect to have your pants rocked off. Wear clean underwear.”
Do you still feel that The Evil Powers Of Rock N Roll is the closest you came to “seeing the Supersuckers vision on record” or did 2014’s Get The Hell – which is pretty fucking epic – supersede that?
“I like them both. I think Get The Hell will stand the test of time just as well as Evil Powers. It’s a pretty monumental achievement to have made just those two records. And we’ve made shitloads more equally great records. We are awesome!”
Supersuckers have had a few line-up changes over the years, but from what I understand you are pretty happy with the current version, like it’s all just clicked into place?
“Yep. Best version of the band ever. I love my job.”
I have heard that there may be a new album in the works; will New Zealand audiences be used as guinea pigs for any new material?
“Hmm. Maybe?”
What are three – seriously I like the number three, but if you want to be a rebel you can name four – things in your life you couldn’t live without?
“Liquor, women, drugs and killing. Four again.”
Supersuckers have done some pretty spectacular covers over the years – Depeche Mode, Madonna, Ice Cube, Outkast etc. – what’s one song on your bucket list that you feel you just have to cover?
“American Pie.”
And most importantly, will you be reviewing – complete with photography – the Kings Arms toilets in Auckland where you will be playing? They have a long history and are worth the effort just for the graffiti alone! PS – you need to include the ladies toilets, such amazing quotes and written passages!
“Oh. I’m sure I will!”
The Supersuckers are embarking on the New Zealand Rock ‘n Roll Tour in two weeks time, with shows in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga and Raglan. To find out more (including where to buy tickets) you can check out this post.
