We try to keep our pits less violent because when Jim and I are in pits, we hate kids punching around and hitting kids, and we think they are annoying. I'd say we get some good pits going though. Hard pushing and such....
2. Who in your band plays what, and for how long now?
J im plays guitar and sings lead. He has been playing guitar since he was 8 I believe. He has been singing for god knows how long. Ben plays guitar. I know he has been playing for at least 2 years but I think its closer to 3 or 4 years. Alfy plays drums, and he has been playing for a long time but i'm not sure how long exactly. I play bass and sing back up. I started playing bass a year ago because I was offered a spot in Toxic if i started bass, and having some experience on guitar, and a well paying job at the time, I went for it.
3. Why did you decide to name your band Toxic?
Well, Jim has a long story behind it, that I dont exactly know by memory, but I can give you one of the reasons..... Back before the band was much more than Jim's dream, he wanted it to be called intoxicated, so we could all walk on stage and say "hi, we're intoxicated." But he thought the name was too long so he shortened it to Toxic. It also has to do with the vision of a good friend of the band, Sheldon, but I'm not sure exactly how that story goes.
4. Where are you all originally from?
Jim is from Niantic, Conneticut, and I believe the rest of us are all from the Philadelphia area.
5. Is there any defining moment of wanting to start a band, or was it some way to use the space in the garage?
I have wanted to start a band since I can remember. I don't have a defining moment really. I just always wanted too.
6. Are any of the members single?
As of now we are ALL SINGLE AND AVAILABLE.
7. Have any of you had any crazy concert experiences, either at a show you went to or a show you played? (i.e. girls flashing after rushing onstage, eating a twinkie out of anyone’s crack, etc.)
Well, one time I was croudsurfing at the Warped Tour during Thursday, and I accidentally kicked some kid in the face, so he tried to steal my shoe. I kicked him again and he stopped. haha. I think the craziest thing about many Toxic concerts is the one man mosh pit Dave who is a friend of the band and headbangs and jumps and jams the whole show no matter how long the set. He should be an example for all.
8. Do any of the members have a pre-show ritual or food?
Well, we tried to get some pre-show rituals started but we could never decide on anything so basically before shows we just listen to music that motivates us, (for me its usually stuff like Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, Descendents.....) and i try to do a little bit of meditation before shows. Either that or a good pre-show hack always works.
9. How do you guys spend your spare time?
Jim is usually walking around the town we call Narberth, or listening to music/watching tv, or writing songs and playing guitar. (Note: playing guitar can also be done while doing any of these other things for Jim). Ben and I skateboard. We are really serious about that, even though up until a month ago I was a rollerblader (4 years of that). I still love skateboarding a lot and I also like listening to music, doing things with the website (www.toxicpunk.cjb.net), hanging out with good friends and stuff like that. Alfy likes to go to dinner with his mom in his spare time....... your guess is as good as mine.