Posted on July 23, 2010 - by Editor

Bobby Steele/ The Undead: Still Hell-Raising

Bobby Steele is the current guitar player, songwriter, and sole original member of punk band The Undead but rose to some notoriety as the second guitarist of The Misfits from 1978-1980. A original cast member of the plains of the Bowery in New York’s lower east side as punk rock rose to prominence in the late 70s and 80s, Bobby has seen the area and punk rock transform before his eyes and along the way has fought a number of battles, legally and personally. Public opinion seems divided on Mr Steele and to say his life has been chequered with controversy is an understatement; throw in his well known social and political agenda, outspoken views and steely reserve in not backing down from a fight (on anything), Bobby Steele often epitomises the classic underdog story. With the recent release of The Undead’s “I Want You Dead” and a number of projects on the go, Distorted discussed these and other issues with Bobby Steele.

Steve: Hi Bobby, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. So for those that don’t know you (although a quick search on the internet might answer this) can you briefly tell us who Bobby Steele is?

Bobby: Well… if you ask my landlord – I’m a ‘royal pain in the ass’. If you ask Glenn & Jerry (The Misfits) – I’m ‘an asshole fuckin’ cunt’. My girlfriend’ll tell you I’m ‘a dream’… but I’m just a guy who loves… and lives to play Rock’n Roll music.

Steve: You are famously or infamously known for your involvement with The Misfits before being replaced. There seems to be a lot of material in which you discuss the fallout but what positives would you take from that experience? How excited were you by what The Misfits were doing while you were involved?

Bobby: Shit! There were lots of positives. I mean, I was part of a fucking legend. We changed the look and sound of Rock’nRoll, and influenced a generation. Very few bands have had that effect, and the ones that did – did it with the aid of a major label and management. We had neither – so imagine what we could’ve done. In what was the last interview that I was a part of – we were asked ‘what is the essence of The Misfits’ , and I think Jerry responded… that it was the fact that we hated each other, and only stuck together to play… that was the essence of The Misfits.

I learned about art, and packaging, from hanging out with Glenn; and there’s no denying that he was a huge influence on my songwriting – to where I’ve been accused of being the Misfits’ actual songwriter. So, I slip ‘tributes’ to Glenn in a lot of my songs. I had so much fun – I’ve got a book full of memories.

But the rivalry makes for more fun press… and for the first couple of years – that’s what I thought it was, just fucking around to get press attention.

Steve: You seemed to form The Undead quite soon after you had left the Misfits though, was it a project you had always been working on?

Bobby: In a way – yeah. Before I joined The Whorelords, I had a band with Natz, and Ritchie Matalian, called The Skabs. Then, after I was in The Misfits – there were these lulls where we’d do nothing. So on some of those Sundays, I’d get together with The Skabs – get stoned, and play. We never considered it anything more than a Sunday jam, since the Misfits were ‘my band’, and I was committed.

When Glenn told me I was out of the band, it didn’t take long for me to realize I could pull out The Skabs. Ritchie wasn’t interested – so we advertised for a new drummer, and I decided to go with the name I wanted to use since tenth grade.

Steve: There is/has been ongoing bad blood with Mr Danzig isn’t there? What’s the latest on the front? Any regrets from yourself?

Bobby: It’s actually not with Glenn – Jerry is the one who’s pulling the strings. Glenn got screwed the worst – he lost his own band. I regret that they didn’t believe in the band as much as I did. I knew we had the potential to be the biggest thing – and if we even played in the middle of a jungle people’d find a way to get to us. We didn’t need to depend on the draw of any venue – WE were the draw. They didn’t get that, so they were reluctant to attempt breaking new ground.

The latest… I hear ‘rumors’ that Glenn wants to talk with me and that ‘it’s all water under the bridge’. There are some circumstances – that I’ve been

The Misfits - 12 Hits From Hell

asked not to elaborate on right now… Legalities… that may force a reunion of a REAL line-up. If it were up to me, it’d be a “12 Hits From Hell” line-up – with two guitars.

Steve: Back to The Undead, the details on the website claim a lot for the band, in terms of the early success and the influence the band had. What would you say are the reasons 30 years on things have perhaps not turned out as expected or are you satisfied with how things have turned out? (The day of its release, “Act Your Rage” sold out its first pressing of 6,000 units, and broke the 10,000 unit mark in under 8 months)

Bobby: Not as well as I would’ve liked it to… but there are circumstances beyond my control, and people who have expended a lot of energy to see to it that I don’t ‘make it’, and I know it steams them to know that I really don’t care anymore – as long as I’m having a piss. I can say that I’m definitely happier, and not losing my hair, over anything. People who were very close to Glenn and Jerry – and who were hammered almost daily with negativity about me – have become some of my closest friends. I’m looking at a far bigger picture than they’d ever understand. When all is said and done, I’ll be on top. Like I said in Misfit – “the last laugh is gonna be mine”.

If happiness is a gauge of success – I’m very successful.

Steve: You have also been putting resources into fighting all sorts of legal issues from dodgy landlords a few years ago to copyright and royalties…. How much has this hampered the progress of The Undead?

Bobby: Completely… almost. The timing is good, considering the economy right now – so these hiatuses aren’t making things any worse than I’ve had ‘em before. Its shit like this that would break down most people, but it gives me good songs. My landlord ripped out the bulkhead above my apartment, and let the rain pour in for a year – so I wrote ‘Let It Rain’. It cost him a few million dollars, and he still lost.

But the Walmart case ended up paying off very well for me, the photographer, and the guy who designed the flyer that the image was actually taken from – and that’s how I’ve been able to come out with these latest releases, and to sell them at such a good price, especially if you consider the expense to have some of this made.

Dave Street – who co-writes with me, once said to me after hearing of one more mysterious medical setback…”I’m glad this happens to you, Bobby, because no one else could handle it”. My father, just before he died, as I told him all of the latest bullshit being dumped on me, laughed, and then said “I don’t know how you do it, but you always manage to pull through on even the most impossible problems”.  I guess it’s my survival instinct. I mean, failure is just not an option.

Steve: The Undead has seen a large number of rotating musicians, who currently is in the band and how would you rate things in terms of ability and mood in The Undead camp?

Bobby: At the moment, I have a rotation of several musicians… Hiromu, Hitomi, Billy, Alex, Mike (if I forgot anyone – sorry), because they’re all whores and play around. I also have a team of co-managers who are fans who’ve gone to lengths to help me keep things moving. They stay on top of who’s playing on what gig. I have Post Polio Syndrome – so trying to stay focused on the details, and any short term memory issues – are out of my realm.

Steve: And in 2002-2006 the band was on one of the hiatuses you mentioned, what was the reason for that and what inspired the decision to get it going again?

Bobby: We did do a few shows, but mostly local special events, and nothing high profile. I was engaged in the lawsuit from my landlord – who could get an extra $1,500/month for my apartment if he could get rid of me, and learned a little too late that he would’ve made more if he’d left well-enough alone.

Then there was a Trademark dispute with this person who, despite denying contact with Jerry Only in his ‘deposition’, had a recent picture of himself and Jerry on his website – that helped establish that he was someone with no credibility. He also claimed to have been Dee Dee Ramone’s original replacement, was invited to start a band by Dave Vanian (why do the nuts always pick him…), and by Steve Jones. He supplied fake gig flyers. I was able to find ads for what was really going on at those venues on the nights he claimed to… for example headline a show in San Francisco with support from the Dead Kennedys, in 1980. One day, I’d like to publish a book on this – because until you see the whole thing, in context, you just can’t believe it could be real.

I also had a girlfriend who broke her back, was denied medical care by the HMO her job had signed her up for, and got hooked on pain-killers. I had to take a year off to care for her, and pay her bills for her. In the end, she dumped me – but I’ve made up for it in Karma. Walmart came through with three times the money I spent saving her.

Steve: never a dull moment! You recently released an EP and vinyl “I Want You Dead” which had a great sleeve/cover. I’m told not many people understood it (although it’s pretty simple). What inspired the design of that and how happy were you with the outcome?

Bobby: I’m proud of it. People, here, got it, but I think a few reviewers were frightened by their own reflection. There’s even a large poster with that mirror on it, and I just saw a bus stop ad for ‘Nice ‘nEasy’ hair color that incorporates the same idea. I’m a trendsetter… You can’t find a label that would’ve gone to the expense I went to, to make this, and I lose money on each copy. But it’s about bringing the excitement back, for me. People are broke, and they want to have a good time, so the timing was right to do this now. I just beat the pants off of a major corporation who’s considered ‘unbeatable’, and having a blast – with my fans – on Walmart’s dime.

This was the original concept I had for this back in ’81, but it wasn’t practical. I suggested it to Glenn, but foil-stamping adds a lot to the cost of printing.
It’s a pretty simple concept… “I WANT YOU DEAD” – so I put a mirror inside a coffin, and when you look at the sleeve, you see yourself – DEAD! We’ve got 18”x24” posters, too. I just noticed we never offered them on our webstore –so we’ll be updating that.

Steve: The songs on the release were recorded a long time ago (1981), why has it taken so long to release the material and how relevant do you feel the music is today?

Bobby: Originally, this was gonna be our first release. Then Danzig came to one of our gigs, and signed us to PLAN9. He wanted to put us into a better studio, and only budgeted us for four songs – so ‘Pretty Baby’ got scrapped, which I still think was a big mistake. It had Patrick on lead vocals, and demonstrated some of the diversity in our vocal styles. Eventually, those sessions became the STIFF RECORDS e.p., “Nine Toes Later”.

If nothing else, this has historic relevance. Three of these tracks were put on a demo cassette that for many was the first exposure to New York Hardcore.

Bobby Steele Circa 1985 by Temogen

Steve: A lot of your inspiration came from NYC East Village which is quite different today! What are your views on the changes there and the current state of live venues and punk rock in New York?

Bobby: I’m working to bring it back. People kept saying ‘Bobby – you brought Rock’nRoll here. You have to save it.’ Even though most of them despise my politics – I’ve managed to make contact with some important New York, New Jersey, and National politicians who are Rock’nRoll fans, and musicians themselves – and I’m working at expressing to them what’s happened to this cultural scene, and try to figure out a solution.

Steve: The band has released a number of EP’s and only a few studio albums to date considering the lifespan for the band, is that down to costs? When is the next full length planned and what can be expected?

Bobby: Yeah… Cost! But again… I slayed the giant and ran off with his treasure (Walmart case). Right now, I’m working on tracks that were slated for the actual first album. It’s a labour of love, because I’m working, mostly, off of a few live 4-track tapes. I’m adding overdubs, and trying to make it as close as it could be to sounding like something we did in 1982 – and not 2010. As a bonus, the LP will include a 2nd LP featuring our set from December 17, 1981 – supporting The Misfits; with extensive liner notes written by witnesses to the riot that broke out that night, as well as those most privy to the events that fomented the melee – including Jerry and Doyle’s brother, Kenny.  It’ll be packaged in a gatefold jacket, and I’m hoping to have a nice large poster included.

I’ve been at work on another studio album of new material – which is halfway finished. It’ll come out once I’ve recouped some of the money spent on the current releases, and the forthcoming double-LP.

Steve: You released a solo album called “Bobby” in 2009 which I have not listened to; can you tell us a bit more about the music you play on it?

Bobby: It’s a mix of standards that I started working on in 2002. I pay tribute to some of the singers I remember from my childhood in the early 1960s. I hope to be able to find the backing to do something bigger with this… or as my ‘Arch Rival’ said “you need a fuckin’ ORCHESTRA!” It’s a rush to walk into a club looking like me, and see the looks on faces when I start to sing. They expect me to do some sort of ‘camp’ take on the songs, but I do them true to form. I’ve seen girls cry while I’m singing…

Two songs, ‘I’m Sitting On Top Of the World’ / ‘Sonny Boy’ are from Al Jolsen in the 1920s. I do ‘Only The Lonely’, ‘Runaway’ – and I do the “wah wah wah wah wonder”. Ya don’t do a classic and leave out the hook. I give it a mariachi feel.

Most of that was recorded using this 80 year old guitar that I got on EBay for $160. The back was falling off, but I had good advice – that was spot on.

I think you might’ve missed out on “I Made a Monster”, too. We released that 45/CD in June, 2009. The sleeve is the first time anyone’s borrowed from the concept of the MAD Magazine ‘Fold-in’. We even had a small run of Glow-in-the-Dark vinyl on that one.

Steve: There are some other projects planned listed on your website, I’m not sure how dated this is but could you comment on the following?
“A collection of forgotten Rock ‘n Roll classics…to be produced by none other than former MAX’s KANSAS CITY promoter, and producer of Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers legendary “LIVE AT MAX’S” album…Peter Crowley…and will feature guest appearances by many of Bobby’s favourite MAX’s legends. Bobby is currently restoring an old piano in anticipation of this project.”

Bobby: I’m hoping I can pull this one off. Having someone like Peter wanting to produce you is an honour. Once in awhile, he’d contact me, and have me play

Bobby Steele @ Joey Ramone bday bash by Jackie Roman 2008

a few oldies at his parties. So I finally asked him why he always picks the older songs for me, and he said ‘because no one can play Rock’nRoll like you’. Peter gave me the songs, but I haven’t had much time to learn them, yet. I’m thinking of appointing a musical director – to work out the lyrics and chord changes – to streamline the project.

Steve: Do you still run Post Mortem Records? What’s happening on that front besides the release of The Undead EP?

Bobby: I’ve got help! You’ve already ‘met’ Jonathan – my webmaster/publicist. There’s George and Kat Kimble – who’ll be running our official online stores at Amazon, Ebay… and elsewhere. They help with my scheduling, bookings, and coordinating and keeping track of who’s backing me up on which nights. My girlfriend, Jill – used to be secretary for a major label owner, and really knows the business. She maintains my schedule… I’m absent-minded… and she chauffeurs me.

Steve: The band (and you) has seen a lot of things come and go, what would you say some of the biggest positive and negative aspect of being involved in punk rock as long as you have are?

Bobby: Being Involved!

Steve: Understated but apt. Could you elaborate on some of the following internet facts?

“After being blacklisted and banished from every established (reputable, that is) NYC nightclub -like leaving Beatle John Lennon covered in vomit, the alleged “stabbing” of the younger brother of a popular TV star, and an incident that involved corrupting the morals of the underage daughter of a Middle-Eastern diplomat leading to an international scandal!”

Bobby: I have to save some for my book. I’ve always been a bit of a master of mischief, and sometimes things go a bit awry. It helps to alleviate the boredom of a typical day, I guess. I like to keep life interesting. I bore easily, and have to find new ways to amuse myself. In that sense, I’m a bit like Andy Kaufman.

Steve: How easy or difficult is it for an elder punk rocker to keep up with the changes in musical format and marketing oneself? It can be a 24/7 job but also done with the touch of a finger, or the click of a button….

Bobby: The only problem is that there’s now a glut of half-assed wannabes, putting out shit that’s often not ready, or just plain bad – and it makes for a lot more to filter through to find the cream of the crop… and then there are the fakers. I spend too much time chasing down releases by artists using our name, and our fans may sometimes find ‘us’ doing some hip-hop thing – and get a little bugged out. It’s not easy defending your rights when you’re at my level, but I’m fortunate that many of the world’s top law firms employ Fiends who’re ready to step up for me… pro-bono.

Bobby Steel@ Maxs Kansas City 1981 by Ronnie Ramone

Steve: On the legal side, do you still actively campaign for medical marijuana to be legalised?

Bobby: No. The program became hi-jacked by some Left-wing people who want to make it a political issue. It’s no longer about people who care for the disabled – but just a bunch of losers who abuse the concept, abuse and shut out the Right-wingers who gave birth to the movement, and then when they’ve successfully sabotaged it – they’ll blame it on the Right, as they have when they’ve sabotaged past Civil Rights matters. A few years ago – I was hired to play at a Harvest-fest ‘Benefit for Medical Marijuana’. They were aware of my condition and that I needed to immediately be taken to my hotel room upon arrival at the event site, and that I couldn’t tolerate being in the sun for too long. While they assured me they had a hotel room – they were lying, and I ended up waiting in the blazing sun – no food or water – for about 4 hours.

Mind you – these are the same ilk that also claims to support Civil Rights, and then vote religiously Democrat – knowing that it’s the party that formed the KKK, and has done everything to keep the Black population down, and dependent on them… while falsely blaming the Party formed by Lincoln, and Douglass. People are just wising up to these tactics, now.

I’m working with a Republican Congressional candidate who used to be the Lawyer for the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML). With the current economy, it appears the Gov’t has become a bit more open to the idea that legalization would be a huge boon to the economy. It could lower the cost of a high end ounce, from $400 – down to $200, or maybe less. Then, with a tax of $50/oz – it’d still be cheaper than black market weed. If you figure how many ounces of weed are sold annually, and multiply it by $50… you’re looking at a huge benefit to the State – while taking a huge bite out of the organized crime that profits today.

Then there’s the medical side. Before I discovered the benefit of weed, I was getting a prescription – at Gov’t expense – at $300/week. An ounce is good for SIX WEEKS, and patients can, mostly, grow their own at no expense to taxpayers. In less than a decade, we can fix the whole mess that we’re in.

Steve: I read there are still ongoing trademark problems you are contesting. What the latest on that front? You take it quite seriously but is that purely a financial concern or more so the principle?

Bobby: It’s the principle. I’ve put 30 years into developing this name, and when someone comes along and tries to capitalize off of my labours – I’d be a

Bobby Steele by Walter Sassard

schmuck if I didn’t stand up for my rights. Most of the parties involved don’t have any worthwhile money to sue over, and there’s only one act that I know of, that’s actually taken in several million dollars – and in that case, I want the money, too.  What most ‘aware’ punks aren’t very aware of is how Copyright and Trademark laws work – and for that reason, I’d say 90% of all punk bands have already lost the right to their own material. The Law requires the owner of the Copyright or Trademark to ‘actively defend’ it. When these bands allow every wannabe videographer to tape their show – they’ve given the Copyright to that footage to the videographer – who can then do as they wish with the footage. That sounds like a minor issue – but take it to the nth degree… say SONY comes to the realization that there’s a huge market for your music, and one of their employees obtains a video, or audio recording that you allowed a fan to make at a show. Even though you have strong moral feelings about the label – you have no say if the person you ‘gave’ the Copyright to – by allowing them to record you – decides to sell you to Sony.

Steve: What else can fans expect of Bobby Steele and The Undead in the near future?

Bobby: More… Despite dire medical prognoses, and against medical advice – I plan to make music…one way or another… until I die – and maybe longer.