The Loiterers are one of those bands that are the slap of reality in the sad face of the "sanitized for your protection" music scene. Their nicotine and beer stenched potty mouths are unleashing a rather pungent yet refreshing scent into the local air. If you thought Punk was being turned into some stale, safe marketing commodity, The Loiterers will make you think twice!
Let's get into some of the nastiness, you're apparently a very naughty band and some of your fans have engaged in some rather naughty activities on stage while you were performing. What is it about your band that would make a couple want to fuck out in the open?
Al- our large penises.
Jen- yeah especially MY large penis, which in the measuring contest is 6 inches longer than the combined total of the mens penises.
Duncan- I don't know what made them want to fuck on stage but I was horribly disgusted by the audiences reaction. It was a bunch of 15 yr old horny boys with Blanks 77 t-shirts yelling "fuck her already!!!" as well as a bunch of stupid conservative so-called punks with Tipper Gore morals who seemed like they'd be more at home at a Christian Coalition meeting. I actually heard people saying that it was "filthy." Well, DUH, I thought Punk was supposed to be nasty and filthy and fun. If you don't like it you shouldn't be going out Punk shows- especially Loiterers show. I was particularly offended by the skinheads who were supposedly there to see our show. Who were trying to up Matt and Simone. I don't want to play for you- fuck off and fuck bill.
Ian- The Loiterers music is all about the liberation from all inhibitions. Every single song is about freedom in one way or another. I want people to feel comfortable doing anything that they feel like doing at our shows.
Jen- except touching me or my guitar. Nobody touches me or my guitar without the penalty of death.
Ian- with that kind of encouraging environment it doesn't surprise me that somebody actually felt comfortable enough to do what they did...
You also seem to have a certain aura that attracts or should I say brings to surface a lot of the ultra-conservatism that exists in some of the people lurking about the scene these days. Like it seems whenever the Loiterers play there's always some dreg looking to show how macho and fascist they are. Why is that??
Jen- I think that we can tend to push a lot of buttons. We've never been afraid to say what we see or think and we're not afraid to stand firm about our convictions. That upsets people because they don't like the boat tobe rocked. It can bring out the worst in people
Ian- since the very beginning we've always been confrontational. While we're not the typical left-wingers who seem to be these days completely joyless individuals locked into some sort of liberal dogma. While these people talk about being anti-homophobic and other things we're completely comfortable with admitting feelings of bi-sexuality and acting out scenes like that on stage. Unfortunately there are still a lot of close-minded people in the scene.
Al- yeah that pretty much says it all. What's it all about if it isn't about doing what you like to do?
Ian- As long as you're not hurting other people...
The Loiterers seem to have almost two separate personas one that's very drunk punk / "party" like and the other that's very political. Compared to a lot of bands, I think the leftist qualities seem to shine through. Though I think some people might frown upon the drunkenness that you sometimes display and some of the more "free-love" sexuality aspects that you display. For instance, a song like "Mace In My Face" might not go over well with people who might mistake it for being sexist!
Ian- I don't understand where the left and having fun went their seperate ways. Why would they want revolution if it isn't to make them free to be happy and have a good time without Govt or police intervention or social stigmatism? As far as "Mace in My Face" goes I have tons of songs about women dominating me, so how could that possibly be considered sexist?
Duncan- I think a lot of the "activist community" seems to be just very anti-sexuality in general. As if sexuality in itself is "sexist." People need to loosen up and have fun. As long as everyone involved is having fun, if someone else doesn't like it, that's their problem.
Jen- I never understood why Drunkeness and Politics, be they good or bad, have to be seperated. Why should it surprise anyone that we're a bunch of drunks who actually have brains? Why are they mutually exclusive ideas?
Have their been points when your lyrics have got you in trouble or have gotten you barred from performing in certain venues. Weren't you banned from ABC NO RIO at some point?
Al- I remember before I was in the band, it was June 20th, 2 years ago at the Roadhouse where The Loiterers were being ostracized by a group of skins. One of us was finally beaten while taking a leak. To combat that The Loiterers covered the Oppressed version of "Borstal Breakout" which is "Gonna wreck a Nazi Nightmare." That seemed to ruffle everybody's "hair."
Jen- the thing with ABC was that they wouldn't listen to our demo based on the names of the songs. Eventually due to support from people who like us we played a great show there. There are lots of places that ban us, be it for our songs or our actions. I would rather be banned from every place and stay true to what we want to do than settle into some sort of half-assed complacent coma and come down to an "acceptable" level.
Duncan- On ABC I'd like to comment that at the show, The Loiterers played before I was in the band, I walked in wearing the "No Loitering" sign around my neck and the door people were joking, "oh, we should charge him double for that..." I used to go to ABC every week and I always had fun there and never caused any trouble but from the start I always got an attitude from the volunteers. They just in general seem to have a very anti-fun attitude. While I still see the importance of ABC as a community center, many of their new rules have caused me to lose interest in going there.
Al- namely not drinking...
Duncan- especially the fact that they don't book punk bands. I'm sure if any of the volunteers read this they'll have plenty of nasty comments about me, but F them!!
Ian- The problems that we had with ABC are the same kinds of problems we run into with close-minded "anarchists" wherever we go. Although I went to ABC NO RIO every weekend for years and once I got a band together played several benefit shows for ABC, they will never like us because we're not a boring crust or emo band.
What is the reaction or some of the after comments you get when you cover "I wanna be your dog" and you're sprawled on all fours and some guy is dry humping you. I've noticed a lot of guys get really uncomfortable. It's weird to say this but some things are still deemed "taboo" and off-color in a scene like Punk Rock. That to me is somewhat frightening!
Jen- the worst response we got was at a Spot show. Thankfully our show had been invaded by SUNY jocks and they were the ones giving us problems, not the punks. Actually as a show of unity people who were there to see us beat up the jocks who were yelling and screaming while we were playing "Now I wanna Be Your Dog" (with Dave Klein on guest-vocals.) There is a certain faction of the scene that is blatantly anti-gay/homophobic, but you all know what THAT means...
Duncan- we dont' even do that songs anymore. Maybe we should if it pisses people off that much.
Ian- I love The Stooges and guys rubbing their cocks against me. I'll do anything to get that response from the audience. People are close minded and we do want we want to do. There will always be clashes and confrontations. That's what it's all about
Duncan- VIVA LA HOT GAY SEX!!!!
What do you think about these dodgy bands that are playing under the guise of street punk and are really closet case Nazis. Do you think punk rock needs to have it's "Nazi- Come out of the closet day!" I mean some of these people obviously have issues, and I'm really all for dealing with them. I don't want these people to have to live a lie.
Jen- I'd like to deal with this issue too. There are so many people that have problems with us because we have always been very straightforward saying that it just isn't acceptable to hang out with White Power people or racists or homophobes using the excuse that "we dont' talk about politics. He can think what he wants and I can think what I want." Not saying or doing anything about it is the same as accepting their belief as your own.
Ian- These closet-case Nazis/White Power/whatever they want to call themselves know that it is unacceptable to be up front about their beliefs. So they ride the fence wearing Skrewdriver shirts and blasting white power music saying they just "like the music" while at the same time they're Sieg Heiling at shows. Whether they are joking or not in the type of scene I'd like to be a part of that kind of thing isn't acceptable. If they want to do that kind of thing it's a free country, they can go set up their own shows and book as many white power bands as they want. I'm not saying they're not free to say or think what they want but they're not free to do it at shows that I'm playing and expect me not to say anything.
Jen- I wanted to add to that, because I can hear it already, this is not a hypocritical view. I mean on one hand we're saying we want people to be comfortable and do whatever they want and on the other we're saying but you can't be a racist asshole. That isn't hypocrisy, that's just common sense. Fucking on stage isn't hurting anyone but for every vocal homophobe in the crowd there are probably at least two homosexuals who are then that much more uncomfortable with who they are. Which is wrong.
Ian- beside this, time and time again these people show up at shows, beat people up, shove little kids around while they're trying to dance and just make everybody uptight and frightened. And I don't care what they think or what they believe, but if you're going ot come to our shows and brutalize people we're going to stop you.
Al- It's about time people stand up for themselves! Passive or not, there's a breaking point where you have to stick up for yourself. It's important to show that we're not going to take people's shite!
If there's one thing that needs to be said, I think a lot of people owe you guys an apology for not supporting you when you were calling the Nazis on their shit. A lot of people came to me and said it was Ian crying Wolf. Then I heard the same people you had beef with were even giving guys like Two Man Advantage shit!! Now all of a sudden my phone wrings and people want something to be done... The cycle just repeats over and over!
Duncan- I think it's really funny that people supported those people until they fucked with their friends and THEN they decide to realize that they're "Nazis." Whatever... (making the "W" sign with his hands)
Ian- A lot of people don't want to stick their neck out for what they believe in unless it affects their lives directly. That's the reason why the world is as fucked up as it is.
Jen- Well really without saying "I told you so!" --- I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!! If people want something done now, I will try to just be happy that something is finally being done instead of holding a grudge against these people whoshould have supported us all along. I have to agree with Duncan when he says "whatever." But yeah, even though you didn't support us a long time ago, if you want my help, I'm here.
Ian- I was and am still very hurt and disappointed in a lot of people who I thought I could count on. But I'm getting used to people pussying out when things get heavy. I don't care whether people are with me or not, I'll just keep on doing what I do and saying what I say. Alone. They'll have to kill me to stop me.
Duncan- bottom line- fuck all the local nazis, whether they're in the closet about it or not- I think it's even worse if they're in the closet about it, if you have fucked up beliefs at least have the balls to stand up for them- and fuck all the so-called "punks" that support them.
One of the stories that I like to hear around the campfire is your run in with the "peace punks" in Total Chaos. So if you could retell it one more time, I'd think everyone would get a kick out of it!
Ian- Even though this happened like 4 years ago, I will retell it just one more time for fun... Total Chaos had just hooked up with Epitaph Records. Even though they are self-proclaimed DIY anti-corporate anarchists. So I thought I'd call them on their shit and set up a walkout on their show at the Wetlands. A fair amount of people walked out and after we were out of the place somebody pulled the fire alarm. Later on that night while I was hanging out in Piss Alley, eating pizza from the garbage, some people who I didn't know were with Total Chaos spotted me and got their big ass bass player, that fuck, his name is Joe Bastard, and the three of them chased me down the road.
I saw them coming and started running but then thought that maybe I could discuss the issues with them. So I stopped. Instead of an enlightened discussion I was picked up and thrown against an iron gate and then punched in the face. Our friend Cathy tried to get between us and he knocked her down. She's like 5 foot 2, 115 lbs at the MOST. (these are some real macho guys) I got away from them before they had a complete boot party with my head but exposed them as being mindless jock morons by letting everybody know what happened using the "media" (MRR and other zines)
Duncan- mmmmmmm garbage pizza...
You also have a Rollins story, correct?
Jen- Well this story isn't as tittilating as Ian's encounter but has a charm of its own. Once again let us return to the fabled Piss Alley... About 12 of us were sitting on the steps to the church. What made this story funnier at the time was that all day I had been joking around by pointing at people and saying "Look! It's Jackie Chan!!" or "Look it's Elvis!!" So we were all sitting on the steps and I look up and shout, "Look!! It's Henry Rollins!!" and everybody is just groaning until they look at who I was pointing at. I heard a couple of "Oh shit it IS Henry Rollins"es. Anyway, he looked at me and said "you got something to say to me?!?!" So since I didn't I said, "yeah... hi?" So he said, "yeah you got anything ELSE to say?!?!" So since I didn't, I said, "yeah... bye?" And then he said, "yeah that's what I thought..." and walked away. I SHOWED HIM!!!!!! That's my story.
Uh, is Punk 101 still running?
Ian- it's on Hiatus.
Duncan- that means it's never coming out again, but I do a GOOD zine which comes out, sometimes... There should be a new one out... soon. It's going to be a split issue with "I Think" fanzine. Oh and it's called "Life is Trying." It's fun. Get it. Fuck you. By the way... "http://www.oocities.org/lifeistrying" which is my webpage which has links to The Loiterers home page. Write to me for my zine: PO Box 821, Valley Stream NY 11582.
Jen- we've been really busy with the band which is the main reason why Ian and I haven't gotten an issue out. That's it.
You also have been pretty vocal in getting some of the activist momentum going with the Suffolk Food Not Bombs and your Annual Pot-luck Punk Rock Picnic, how have things been going with that sort of stuff?
Ian- I've been busy with work, and it doesn't help that I need to utilize Food Not Bombs and other humanitarian groups to feed myself. I live in complete poverty. The last time I was going to do FNB my electricity was turned off so I couldn't cook the food. So I realized, let the rich kids do it.
Jen- The Pot luck has been great, this summer will be our 6th annual pot luck. I think that of all the things that Ian has brainstormed about that this is his best accomplishment. So many people have come and made the Pot Luck dinner a real event. And it doesn't hurt that a lot of "other" pot lucks have "miraculously" appeared since the first one that we hosted...
Ian- a lot of the activist group started not long after I did FNB and had the first couple of Pot Luck dinners. They used the same park that we set it up at for their first meetings. Although I may not be given credit I think that I had a lot to do with inspiring the activism on the island here. We need to build more of a community outside of shows.
Jen- Ian is god...
Duncan- I think the annual pot luck picnic is lots of fun but it's a shame that there aren't a lot more activities like that. Shows are great and all, but "we the punks" need to organize more activities like that. Why just an annual pot luck? If anyone wants to help me organize Punk rock Bowling and Diner night, get in touch!
What are some of the other activist causes that you think are worthy of support?
Duncan- The "Pay off The Loiterer's drinking tickets Fund." But seriously... I'm down with Critical Mass. If you're not familiar with that movement, it's purpose is basically to get more people to ride bikes and drive less.
Ian- I'm interested in more direct action oriented groups. Such as Earth First or the Animal Liberation Front. I've also gone to a few Anti-Police Brutality marches. I hate the police.
Jen- Despite current trendiness, for personal reasons I support organizations who are working for Tibet and Taiwan against China. Among other causes. Three of us are vegetarians. Except that bastard Al...
Al- I just don't believe in Food Not Bombs. It seems more political than helping people. I've often preposed Food Not Politics. I don't belive in helping people if it only helps you. What ever happened to human compassion?
Back to the filth and the fury, so what the hell are you guys up to next? Any new releases, plans for a summer tour?
Duncan- I'm attempting to book a summer tour down south and then back up through like Chicago but I don't know how well it's coming along. We have one show booked in Nashville and that's it. We have a split with Endangered Feces coming out, songs on some comp from Brooklyn probably out by the end of the summer. As for immediate plans I intend to get so drunk I can't remember my name tonight...
Ian- Hear hear!!!
Jen- yeah what he said.
Okay this is the closer, do you have any final comments??
Jen- I think it's never a bad idea to drop a few names to keep the kids happy. Thanks to you, first of all, for the nterview. Thanks to bands like The Clap (now Funeral in the Rotunda), Life of Riley, Contra, The Microwave Orphans, Endangered Feces, The Injections, Blind Society, Headwound, Showcase Showdown, people like Craig Freedom for booking so many good shows these days, the people at Ground Zero for always being good to us. Kids that ask us to play shows, people that come to our shows and everyone who goes to shows at all. Thanks.
Duncan- I'd like to first off thank Matt and Simone for making that last show at Ground Zero so interesting, i.e. fucking on stage. I'd also like to thank myself for being so god damned sexy. And Schlitz for providing so many entertaining nights. Finally I'd like to say- buy me liquor, and of course... Fuck Bill.
Ian- I'd like to thank all the bands that Jen mentioned, plus the Hudson Falcons who have been giving us a shout out around the country on tour. Fuck all the close minded assholes and thanks to all the open minded people who have supported us. Raid your parent's medicine cabinet and bring me all of the codeine, pain killers and depressants you can get your hands on. And you'll get a free t-shirt.
Duncan- or a buggering- your choice. And hey- now it's time to get drunk. Bye!
AL - except fo rme because I'm at home attending to personal commitments (Ie: Gloria) But I got Blotto anyway. Thanx to all the people who support us no matter what and all the bands around the Island who still talk to us. Thanx to all the kids who come to our shows.