Music News Headline Answers With NeverWake's
Johnny DiCarlo
January/February 2020 • 4th Edition #84
Metal Pulp And Paper: Hello Johnny. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of Metal Pulp And Paper’s Music News Headline Questions. We appreciate it. How are you, and are you ready for this new decade?
Johnny DiCarlo: Hell yes we are!
MPAP: That's great to hear. Before we get started though, tell us a little about your band and what we might need to know. And, of course, if you’ve got new music, or new music coming out soon, please tell us about it so we can pummel our eardrums!
Johnny: Hey this is Johnny D from NeverWake. We are a hard rock / metal band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We just released a brand new single and music video titled "Call Out My Name," which you can watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf0gKtlzCQc. This is off our upcoming EP Misguided, which was produced by Disturbed's bass player, and good friend of ours, John Moyer. Keep an eye out for the EP release very soon!
MPAP: So, just in case you or the reader are new to this, this is how it all works, it won’t sting a bit. We here at the Metal Pulp And Paper headquarters pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injection website and turned them into questions. Pretty simple, just like putting on your pants one leg at a time. So, once again, please place seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, hang on, here we go. Putting on your seat belt is totally up to you…
1. Hardcore Show In A Denny's Restaurant Results In Hundreds of Dollars In Damages
MPAP: So, this 17-year-old kid, Bryson Del Valle, booked his first DIY show at a Denny’s restaurant for the punk band Wacko. Obviously, Denny’s is not the ideal spot to play a hardcore music show, or is it? Still, somehow Bryson pulled it off at the Santa Anna restaurant other than the damages done to the establishment. First off, I guess the show sold out, so maybe Bryson is onto something here. Can’t imagine why Denny’s agreed to it, what were they thinking? So, I guess the question is, where would you like your band to perform that is not the ordinary place to play, and maybe get a bit wild and wreak havoc on some table and chairs? And since the story has gone viral, Green Day donated $2,000 to help pay for the damages.
Johnny: What I love about this story is that Denny’s is usually the place you go and wreck after the gig. This band straight up made it the gig. So, what I wanna know is did they get their Lumberjack-Slam breakfast, or did they have to go to Bob Evans? I’d say if there’s one place I’d like to fuck up, its Starbucks. I love coffee. I’d love to slam my face into some cascara topped cold foam cold brew while ripping through a breakdown.
2. Meth Recounts Hilariously Crazy Story Of Missing Their Gathering Of The Juggalos Set
MPAP: Every year Insane Clown Posse puts on a music festival called Gathering Of The Juggalos, and let’s just say it’s not a music fest you’d want to take your parents to or go there on your first date. Shit, what do I know, maybe you would want to take them there? Either way, you’re going to see some fucked up shit happening there. Anyways, one of the members of Meth told a crazy story about trying to get there to play but was unable to find the right stage they were to play on that day. Now, what about you, any crazy band stories about missing a show, or about almost missing a show that is memorable?
Johnny: Speaking of clowns, yea our funny story starts with a haunted house in Cleveland. This is our first out of town gig so we are pumped. We walk in this big building, there’s people lined up outside waiting to get in. We are thinking "yea dude this is gonna be sick." Some guy with a headset on walks up to us and goes, "hey dudes, the stage is that way, just go ahead and get set up." So, we look 'that way' and there’s literally nothing but fog and flashing lights. You can’t see anything. So, we start walking and eventually we trip over the stage, which is about half a foot off the ground. We’re a little confused because there are no mics, no sound equipment, nothing. Looking out from the stage we see nothing. Just a dark foggy abyss. I start walking around trying to find this guy with the headset on to voice my concerns, but he’s nowhere to be found. So, we lug our gear in and are setting up what we can. We notice there’s a clown sitting in the crowd halfway obscured by the darkness. We think, alright it’s just someone who is taking a rest. 45 minutes go by, we still have no mics, no PA, literally no one can see us because there are no lights over here, we can’t find the dude with the headset on, and the clown is still sitting there. We were supposed to go on 35 minutes ago and we are getting frustrated because we have no idea what to do. Finally, I get fed up and walk over to the clown thinking, maybe he can tell me who to look for. I go, "hey, I’m looking for [name]… I can’t find him; we were supposed to go on 35 minutes ago, but there’s no sound equipment here." The clown pulls off his mask and it’s the dude with the headset! He goes, "wait you guys didn’t play?" I was so taken aback. I was like "..Dude! Didn’t you see us literally standing here for 45 minutes?? There’s nothing here! We’ve been trying to find you." So, he runs to the back room and pulls out the smallest PA I’ve ever seen and says, "I only have one mic." In the end we played a 15-minute set with two mics. One smashed up SM58, and, you guessed it, the guy’s headset mic.
3. Destruction Vocalist on Metallica: "Once You're A Billionaire, What Should You Be Pissed Off About?"
MPAP: I don’t think Lars or James are billionaires just yet, but maybe in another year or two, who knows? Schmier, Destruction’s vocalist, said in an interview that Metallica's lack of heaviness and anger over the years has to do with the fact that Metallica got rich. Do you think that’s a fair assumption that if you’re no longer pissed off about anything in the world, or whatever it will reflect in your music?
Johnny: I will say that 1000000% people change over time. And that really does have an impact on how you write. Sometimes you just aren’t that angry kid anymore you know? Instead of slamming out, you might opt for something with a little more groove. Your mind is a little more focused and less sporadic. As we grow older, we respond differently to situations, or at least I would hope we do. If you’re angry at 18, I’d say you’re more inclined to punch a wall rather than when you’re angry at 28 (note: IF alcohol is not included). But honestly, there are so many factors that lead into a band’s sound that I think it’s unfair to just pin it down to one reason. But, that being said, I think the whole 'getting rich and they aren’t angry anymore' doesn’t sound right to me. I mean unless you are completely removed or alienated from society, there’s still plenty to be pissed about.
4. Airline Forces Woman Wearing "Hail Satan" Shirt To Either Change or Get Off The Plane
MPAP: Satanism is officially recognized as a religion in the United States now. Still, it was far too much for one American Airlines crew to handle, who forced a passenger to change her shirt if she wanted to remain on board the plane. She was escorted up to the front of the aircraft and told to remover her shirt or get kicked off the plane. She eventually covered up the 'so-called offensive' shirt with one of her husbands. What are your thoughts on this? If her shirt had said 'Hail Jesus', no one would probably have even have batted an eye. So, should you be allowed to wear anything you want out in public? What if your favorite shirt could be offensive to one person, but not to others, what do you do? Ever had someone report you to someone or just glare at you for what you were wearing at an airport, or anywhere in public before?
Johnny: I know my bass player Geo got yelled at in high school for wearing a Slipknot shirt on dress-down day. This is a touchy subject. I feel like there are so many arguments on both sides that could have their valid points. Someone could say, "your religion promotes violence, and I don’t like it." Then that person could say, "what about the violence in 'your' religion written here," and so on. I’m all for people standing up for what they believe. I think everyone has that right, but I also think there’s a time, a place, and a method. You don’t have to die on every hill and not everything has to be a public battle. Me? I don’t like confrontation. I’m more likely to be found out in the woods chopping down trees rather than being judged for what I’m wearing in public.
5. Lars Ulrich Can See Metallica Going For Another 20 Years
MPAP: Metallica formed as a band in 1981, so, in the year 2020, that would put them at touring the World for 38 years. So, add another 20 more years, that would then put them at touring just under six decades. Is that even fathomable to think about? But check this out, Dame Vera is the UK's best-selling female artist. She began performing publicly at the age of seven and is still performing to this day. Her first radio broadcast was with the Joe Loss Orchestra in 1935. That’s 85 years so far. So, try and beat that Metallica! Now how far ahead do you see yourself going? Do you still want to be performing five, ten, or even 20 years from now?
Johnny: I’d like to do what makes me happy for as long as I possibly can. If that means performing for another 20 years, then bring it on.
6. New Study Says Listening To 78 Minutes Of Music Daily Is Important To Your Health
MPAP: Well, first off, are you listening to the recommended amount? And then, what do you do at home vs. out on the road to stay healthy or keep in shape? Do you worry about your health while out on the road? After a while, the same truck stop corn dog and burrito has to get old eating all the time, right? What are some of the main obstacles you have to deal with?
Johnny: My listening habits are weird. I’ll go through periods where I don’t listen to music for a while and all I’ll do is listen to books, which in a day I’ll listen to maybe 2- or 3-hours’ worth, depending on what I’m doing. But then there’s times when I’m all about music and I listen to everything. On those days I listen to at least 2 hours of music, so, the answer is yes, I’m getting my recommended amount. As far as my habits out on the road vs home. I struggle with anxiety and depression. As I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed physical fitness is something that helps me tremendously mentally. It chemically gets my mind in the right space. So, for me it’s turned into something that I almost 'have' to do just to help me through. I’ve always enjoyed working out and staying healthy, but as of right now I don’t really have a choice. When we are out on the road you spend 50% of your down time in a parking lot. Usually that’s the parking lot of Planet Fitness. So, we definitely try to stay active when we get the chance. But it’s very rare we have more than 15 minutes to do a workout.
7. Jason Newsted Told By Doctors To Stop Headbanging
MPAP: Recently Newsted, formerly of Flotsam & Jetsam and Metallica, said that 25 years of headbanging has finally caught up with him, and it’s time to, as doctors have told him over the years, it’s time to 'stop spinning the head.' Luckily, he doesn’t have to get surgery yet, but Slayer’s bassist Tom Araya was not as fortunate and had to have anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery done in 2010. So, what’s something if the doctor told you to do stop doing, you would stop doing. And then on the other side of the coin, what’s something if he told you to stop doing, you wouldn’t do because you like it so much?
Johnny: Ughhh.. Head banging. We do it. A lot. And time and time again I get told 'you need to not do that so hard.' Lucky for me my fiancée is a doctor. So, I frequently am told to stop doing this. In all reality this lies of both sides of the coin. I have cut back on head banging and implemented other stage presence methods into my routine. That being said I don’t know if I could ever stop what the music makes my body want to do.
8. KNOTFEST Mexico Canceled After Fans Rush The Stage, Breaking Barricades.
MPAP: A security safety issue prevented fans from seeing the rest of Knotfest after the stage barricade broke during Behemoth's set, and it was impossible to fix it in time for the final two acts of the night, Evanescence and Slipknot, so, in the end, the rest of the show was canceled, and this did not sit well many. In pictures and video footage that surfaced, it shows many fans getting onto the stage and destroying some of Evanescence’s equipment, and set fire to Will Hunts drum set. Obviously, you don’t want this kind of shit to happen. The fans took it too far, music was more important than the safety of others. What’re your thoughts on this?
Johnny: If I’m a musician, and I already barely get paid for the amount I do, and you literally break the instrument I use to make that money. Fuck You.
9. Alice Cooper Says Lemmy's Idea Of Not Drinking Was "Maybe Just Five Or Six Drinks"
MPAP: Alice explained that one time that Lemmy from Motorhead told him he had quit drinking. Lemmy’s idea of not drinking was not drinking a bottle of whiskey each night. Maybe just five or six drinks. Are the days of excessive drinking and partying over with? What is life out on the road for you? Are you quiet when you’re not on tour, but look out, when the tour begins you can’t wait to hang out with the other bands and have a few drinks?
Johnny: There are definitely some nights where you and the other bands decide to do it up. It really just depends for us though. I mean if we have to drive 8 hours that night then hell no, I’m already on the bus. The partying aspect is definitely not there like people think it is. But then again touring is so much different than your normal routine that it’s not surprising when people decide 'hey let’s have a couple drinks.' I mean you can’t go in the living room and lay on the couch; you can’t go play PS4 or whatever. Your life is changed when you’re on the road. Sometimes having a drink and relaxing makes things a little normal for some people.
10. Kiss Played A Show For Great White Sharks But No Sharks Actually Showed Up
MPAP: I think this is the first music headline that I can’t think of anything to come up with for a question, but it just seemed so good not to talk about it. Let’s see what I can come up with in the end; either way, let’s continue. So, anyways, some Air-B-N-B company paid Kiss probably a butt load of money to perform live on a boat, like they needed it anyway, but it was for a good cause, and some fans got once in a lifetime performance. Hmmm, now that I’m thinking about it, is this Bryson’s second booking to have a band perform in a not so-usual-place? Knowing this outcome, I think he needs to stick with restaurants and book his next show at a Red Lobster. Don’t worry; it wasn’t him that booked it. But anyways, to get to the moral of the story, if anyone cares, Kiss set up and actually performed live on a boat off the coast of Port Lincoln in support of the Australian Marine Conservation Society in front of like eight special die-hard fans. The whole idea of the debacle was that Kiss would play some songs, and then sharks swimming in the area would show up because they 'love the low-frequency sounds of rock and roll.' Bassist Gene Simmons was very impressed with the whole ordeal and even said, "Guys, this is probably the most interesting gig I’ve ever done. I’d want my own autograph after this." Bam! I’ve got it! Let’s go with this, (fireworks and sirens wailing), let’s have the first-ever Metal Pulp And Paper Headline Questions three-part question. This is exciting. Mary, drum roll please…
10.1: What has been your most interesting gig so far?
Johnny: Carolina Rebellion 2015 - We opened the festival. We started our first song and there were maybe 20 people there. By the time that song ended, there were
2,000.
10.2: Is there a person out there walking this earth that you’d like to get an autograph from?
Johnny: Bigfoot. I know you’re out there asshole. No but for real there are too many people to choose from! I’d have to settle with Stephen King at the moment. I’m on a trek to complete his entire works. When I’m writing music he helps keep me afloat in that dark creative headspace.
10.3: And then, give a shout out to a local band from your home town out there that you think the sharks would have shown up to listen to instead of Kiss.
Johnny: Shrouded In Neglect. Gutteral screams and heavy breakdowns. They 'are' the sharks.
11. Five Finger Death Punch Guitarist Talks Backstage Perks: Their Own Dressing Rooms, Masseuses & Personal Assistants
MPAP: Must be nice, I guess, right? I don’t know how true this one is, but alongside Haribo gummy bears in his dressing room, Marilyn Manson reportedly has asked for a 'bald-headed, toothless hooker' in his rider at one point in his music career. What have been some of your backstage perks that you’ve gotten or asked for before? Can you top Manson’s?
Johnny: Seriously if the place has a shower, you win my heart forever. That’s enough for us. But if we had to add more, just water and a place to chill is amazing. It helps you get in the right headspace before your gig. It’s not that we don’t like interacting with the crowd, but when you want to get in the zone, it’s nice to be isolated.
12. Pete Townshend Says The Who "Sort Of Invented Heavy Metal" In 1970
MPAP: Ya right! And this is coming from a guy that recently said in an interview he’s glad drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle are dead and gone and no longer in The Who. What a dick. Anyways, who do you think invented Heavy Metal music in your eyes. Some say Black Sabbath’s self-titled album in 1970 was the birth of Heavy Metal music. Others argue that Blue Cheer's 1968 record Vincebus Eruptum is the first heavy metal album, while others say Coven's 1969 album Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls is where it all started. Maybe you have a total different take on it?
Johnny: I have no idea where to say it started. All I can say is that when you listen to music and it gives you an idea you go, 'Ooh I like that.' You don’t go, 'I’m gonna write this, and when it’s done, we’ll call it 'Slam Funk' or some shit. We evolved. I don’t think there’s truly a start or a finish to anything but a gradual evolution of bits and pieces that people try to categorize later in life.
13. Metallica's 1991 Self-Titled Album Breaks New Billboard Record
MPAP: Yes, I know, I know. Not another Metallica question. What can I say they make a lot of news headlines. So, the Black album is approaching 17 million sales in the United States while cresting over 31 million worldwide and has sold so well that it's now become one of the only four albums in history, of any genre, to be on the Billboard 220 for 550 non-consecutive weeks. That’s over ten years? At one point I think I heard it sells like 5,000 copies a week. I wonder how many warehouses Lars has rented over the years to store them all? Anyways, blah, blah blah, either way, it’s quite the accomplishment, but more importantly, what about your band? What is something that you’re proud of that has happened, and why?
Johnny: There are certain pieces of art that I am just completely enamored with. They range from books, to paintings, to music, or whatever. When that art makes me feel a certain way or brings about an emotion in me, I step back and say, 'wow look what this art is doing to you.' And that inspires me to write. When I create, I want my art to have that same effect on someone. So, when I meet that person who has struck a chord with my art, I feel accomplished, because that’s what I set out to do in the first place.
MPAP: Well, that wraps up another edition of Metal Pulp And Paper’s Headline Questions, and those were some great answers. Now Mary, tell them what they’ve won. Mary? Hey Mary! Shit, we can’t find Mary, haha! Anyways, so, on behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, we’d like to thank you, Johnny, for taking the time to answer these recent music news headline questions. We look forward to what you or your band, NeverWake, does in 2020 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans and all the Metal Pulp And Paper readers out there?
Johnny: Thank you, Metal Pulp And Paper, so much for having me! It’s been great. Keep an eye out for any NeverWake news and upcoming releases from the band on our socials. Also don’t be afraid to reach out, we love chatting with the fans! Check us out:
NeverWakeMusic.com
instagram.com/neverwakemusic
youtube.com/neverwakemusic
facebook.com/neverwakemusic
twitter.com/neverwakemusic
Johnny DiCarlo
January/February 2020 • 4th Edition #84
Metal Pulp And Paper: Hello Johnny. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of Metal Pulp And Paper’s Music News Headline Questions. We appreciate it. How are you, and are you ready for this new decade?
Johnny DiCarlo: Hell yes we are!
MPAP: That's great to hear. Before we get started though, tell us a little about your band and what we might need to know. And, of course, if you’ve got new music, or new music coming out soon, please tell us about it so we can pummel our eardrums!
Johnny: Hey this is Johnny D from NeverWake. We are a hard rock / metal band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We just released a brand new single and music video titled "Call Out My Name," which you can watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf0gKtlzCQc. This is off our upcoming EP Misguided, which was produced by Disturbed's bass player, and good friend of ours, John Moyer. Keep an eye out for the EP release very soon!
MPAP: So, just in case you or the reader are new to this, this is how it all works, it won’t sting a bit. We here at the Metal Pulp And Paper headquarters pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injection website and turned them into questions. Pretty simple, just like putting on your pants one leg at a time. So, once again, please place seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, hang on, here we go. Putting on your seat belt is totally up to you…
1. Hardcore Show In A Denny's Restaurant Results In Hundreds of Dollars In Damages
MPAP: So, this 17-year-old kid, Bryson Del Valle, booked his first DIY show at a Denny’s restaurant for the punk band Wacko. Obviously, Denny’s is not the ideal spot to play a hardcore music show, or is it? Still, somehow Bryson pulled it off at the Santa Anna restaurant other than the damages done to the establishment. First off, I guess the show sold out, so maybe Bryson is onto something here. Can’t imagine why Denny’s agreed to it, what were they thinking? So, I guess the question is, where would you like your band to perform that is not the ordinary place to play, and maybe get a bit wild and wreak havoc on some table and chairs? And since the story has gone viral, Green Day donated $2,000 to help pay for the damages.
Johnny: What I love about this story is that Denny’s is usually the place you go and wreck after the gig. This band straight up made it the gig. So, what I wanna know is did they get their Lumberjack-Slam breakfast, or did they have to go to Bob Evans? I’d say if there’s one place I’d like to fuck up, its Starbucks. I love coffee. I’d love to slam my face into some cascara topped cold foam cold brew while ripping through a breakdown.
2. Meth Recounts Hilariously Crazy Story Of Missing Their Gathering Of The Juggalos Set
MPAP: Every year Insane Clown Posse puts on a music festival called Gathering Of The Juggalos, and let’s just say it’s not a music fest you’d want to take your parents to or go there on your first date. Shit, what do I know, maybe you would want to take them there? Either way, you’re going to see some fucked up shit happening there. Anyways, one of the members of Meth told a crazy story about trying to get there to play but was unable to find the right stage they were to play on that day. Now, what about you, any crazy band stories about missing a show, or about almost missing a show that is memorable?
Johnny: Speaking of clowns, yea our funny story starts with a haunted house in Cleveland. This is our first out of town gig so we are pumped. We walk in this big building, there’s people lined up outside waiting to get in. We are thinking "yea dude this is gonna be sick." Some guy with a headset on walks up to us and goes, "hey dudes, the stage is that way, just go ahead and get set up." So, we look 'that way' and there’s literally nothing but fog and flashing lights. You can’t see anything. So, we start walking and eventually we trip over the stage, which is about half a foot off the ground. We’re a little confused because there are no mics, no sound equipment, nothing. Looking out from the stage we see nothing. Just a dark foggy abyss. I start walking around trying to find this guy with the headset on to voice my concerns, but he’s nowhere to be found. So, we lug our gear in and are setting up what we can. We notice there’s a clown sitting in the crowd halfway obscured by the darkness. We think, alright it’s just someone who is taking a rest. 45 minutes go by, we still have no mics, no PA, literally no one can see us because there are no lights over here, we can’t find the dude with the headset on, and the clown is still sitting there. We were supposed to go on 35 minutes ago and we are getting frustrated because we have no idea what to do. Finally, I get fed up and walk over to the clown thinking, maybe he can tell me who to look for. I go, "hey, I’m looking for [name]… I can’t find him; we were supposed to go on 35 minutes ago, but there’s no sound equipment here." The clown pulls off his mask and it’s the dude with the headset! He goes, "wait you guys didn’t play?" I was so taken aback. I was like "..Dude! Didn’t you see us literally standing here for 45 minutes?? There’s nothing here! We’ve been trying to find you." So, he runs to the back room and pulls out the smallest PA I’ve ever seen and says, "I only have one mic." In the end we played a 15-minute set with two mics. One smashed up SM58, and, you guessed it, the guy’s headset mic.
3. Destruction Vocalist on Metallica: "Once You're A Billionaire, What Should You Be Pissed Off About?"
MPAP: I don’t think Lars or James are billionaires just yet, but maybe in another year or two, who knows? Schmier, Destruction’s vocalist, said in an interview that Metallica's lack of heaviness and anger over the years has to do with the fact that Metallica got rich. Do you think that’s a fair assumption that if you’re no longer pissed off about anything in the world, or whatever it will reflect in your music?
Johnny: I will say that 1000000% people change over time. And that really does have an impact on how you write. Sometimes you just aren’t that angry kid anymore you know? Instead of slamming out, you might opt for something with a little more groove. Your mind is a little more focused and less sporadic. As we grow older, we respond differently to situations, or at least I would hope we do. If you’re angry at 18, I’d say you’re more inclined to punch a wall rather than when you’re angry at 28 (note: IF alcohol is not included). But honestly, there are so many factors that lead into a band’s sound that I think it’s unfair to just pin it down to one reason. But, that being said, I think the whole 'getting rich and they aren’t angry anymore' doesn’t sound right to me. I mean unless you are completely removed or alienated from society, there’s still plenty to be pissed about.
4. Airline Forces Woman Wearing "Hail Satan" Shirt To Either Change or Get Off The Plane
MPAP: Satanism is officially recognized as a religion in the United States now. Still, it was far too much for one American Airlines crew to handle, who forced a passenger to change her shirt if she wanted to remain on board the plane. She was escorted up to the front of the aircraft and told to remover her shirt or get kicked off the plane. She eventually covered up the 'so-called offensive' shirt with one of her husbands. What are your thoughts on this? If her shirt had said 'Hail Jesus', no one would probably have even have batted an eye. So, should you be allowed to wear anything you want out in public? What if your favorite shirt could be offensive to one person, but not to others, what do you do? Ever had someone report you to someone or just glare at you for what you were wearing at an airport, or anywhere in public before?
Johnny: I know my bass player Geo got yelled at in high school for wearing a Slipknot shirt on dress-down day. This is a touchy subject. I feel like there are so many arguments on both sides that could have their valid points. Someone could say, "your religion promotes violence, and I don’t like it." Then that person could say, "what about the violence in 'your' religion written here," and so on. I’m all for people standing up for what they believe. I think everyone has that right, but I also think there’s a time, a place, and a method. You don’t have to die on every hill and not everything has to be a public battle. Me? I don’t like confrontation. I’m more likely to be found out in the woods chopping down trees rather than being judged for what I’m wearing in public.
5. Lars Ulrich Can See Metallica Going For Another 20 Years
MPAP: Metallica formed as a band in 1981, so, in the year 2020, that would put them at touring the World for 38 years. So, add another 20 more years, that would then put them at touring just under six decades. Is that even fathomable to think about? But check this out, Dame Vera is the UK's best-selling female artist. She began performing publicly at the age of seven and is still performing to this day. Her first radio broadcast was with the Joe Loss Orchestra in 1935. That’s 85 years so far. So, try and beat that Metallica! Now how far ahead do you see yourself going? Do you still want to be performing five, ten, or even 20 years from now?
Johnny: I’d like to do what makes me happy for as long as I possibly can. If that means performing for another 20 years, then bring it on.
6. New Study Says Listening To 78 Minutes Of Music Daily Is Important To Your Health
MPAP: Well, first off, are you listening to the recommended amount? And then, what do you do at home vs. out on the road to stay healthy or keep in shape? Do you worry about your health while out on the road? After a while, the same truck stop corn dog and burrito has to get old eating all the time, right? What are some of the main obstacles you have to deal with?
Johnny: My listening habits are weird. I’ll go through periods where I don’t listen to music for a while and all I’ll do is listen to books, which in a day I’ll listen to maybe 2- or 3-hours’ worth, depending on what I’m doing. But then there’s times when I’m all about music and I listen to everything. On those days I listen to at least 2 hours of music, so, the answer is yes, I’m getting my recommended amount. As far as my habits out on the road vs home. I struggle with anxiety and depression. As I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed physical fitness is something that helps me tremendously mentally. It chemically gets my mind in the right space. So, for me it’s turned into something that I almost 'have' to do just to help me through. I’ve always enjoyed working out and staying healthy, but as of right now I don’t really have a choice. When we are out on the road you spend 50% of your down time in a parking lot. Usually that’s the parking lot of Planet Fitness. So, we definitely try to stay active when we get the chance. But it’s very rare we have more than 15 minutes to do a workout.
7. Jason Newsted Told By Doctors To Stop Headbanging
MPAP: Recently Newsted, formerly of Flotsam & Jetsam and Metallica, said that 25 years of headbanging has finally caught up with him, and it’s time to, as doctors have told him over the years, it’s time to 'stop spinning the head.' Luckily, he doesn’t have to get surgery yet, but Slayer’s bassist Tom Araya was not as fortunate and had to have anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery done in 2010. So, what’s something if the doctor told you to do stop doing, you would stop doing. And then on the other side of the coin, what’s something if he told you to stop doing, you wouldn’t do because you like it so much?
Johnny: Ughhh.. Head banging. We do it. A lot. And time and time again I get told 'you need to not do that so hard.' Lucky for me my fiancée is a doctor. So, I frequently am told to stop doing this. In all reality this lies of both sides of the coin. I have cut back on head banging and implemented other stage presence methods into my routine. That being said I don’t know if I could ever stop what the music makes my body want to do.
8. KNOTFEST Mexico Canceled After Fans Rush The Stage, Breaking Barricades.
MPAP: A security safety issue prevented fans from seeing the rest of Knotfest after the stage barricade broke during Behemoth's set, and it was impossible to fix it in time for the final two acts of the night, Evanescence and Slipknot, so, in the end, the rest of the show was canceled, and this did not sit well many. In pictures and video footage that surfaced, it shows many fans getting onto the stage and destroying some of Evanescence’s equipment, and set fire to Will Hunts drum set. Obviously, you don’t want this kind of shit to happen. The fans took it too far, music was more important than the safety of others. What’re your thoughts on this?
Johnny: If I’m a musician, and I already barely get paid for the amount I do, and you literally break the instrument I use to make that money. Fuck You.
9. Alice Cooper Says Lemmy's Idea Of Not Drinking Was "Maybe Just Five Or Six Drinks"
MPAP: Alice explained that one time that Lemmy from Motorhead told him he had quit drinking. Lemmy’s idea of not drinking was not drinking a bottle of whiskey each night. Maybe just five or six drinks. Are the days of excessive drinking and partying over with? What is life out on the road for you? Are you quiet when you’re not on tour, but look out, when the tour begins you can’t wait to hang out with the other bands and have a few drinks?
Johnny: There are definitely some nights where you and the other bands decide to do it up. It really just depends for us though. I mean if we have to drive 8 hours that night then hell no, I’m already on the bus. The partying aspect is definitely not there like people think it is. But then again touring is so much different than your normal routine that it’s not surprising when people decide 'hey let’s have a couple drinks.' I mean you can’t go in the living room and lay on the couch; you can’t go play PS4 or whatever. Your life is changed when you’re on the road. Sometimes having a drink and relaxing makes things a little normal for some people.
10. Kiss Played A Show For Great White Sharks But No Sharks Actually Showed Up
MPAP: I think this is the first music headline that I can’t think of anything to come up with for a question, but it just seemed so good not to talk about it. Let’s see what I can come up with in the end; either way, let’s continue. So, anyways, some Air-B-N-B company paid Kiss probably a butt load of money to perform live on a boat, like they needed it anyway, but it was for a good cause, and some fans got once in a lifetime performance. Hmmm, now that I’m thinking about it, is this Bryson’s second booking to have a band perform in a not so-usual-place? Knowing this outcome, I think he needs to stick with restaurants and book his next show at a Red Lobster. Don’t worry; it wasn’t him that booked it. But anyways, to get to the moral of the story, if anyone cares, Kiss set up and actually performed live on a boat off the coast of Port Lincoln in support of the Australian Marine Conservation Society in front of like eight special die-hard fans. The whole idea of the debacle was that Kiss would play some songs, and then sharks swimming in the area would show up because they 'love the low-frequency sounds of rock and roll.' Bassist Gene Simmons was very impressed with the whole ordeal and even said, "Guys, this is probably the most interesting gig I’ve ever done. I’d want my own autograph after this." Bam! I’ve got it! Let’s go with this, (fireworks and sirens wailing), let’s have the first-ever Metal Pulp And Paper Headline Questions three-part question. This is exciting. Mary, drum roll please…
10.1: What has been your most interesting gig so far?
Johnny: Carolina Rebellion 2015 - We opened the festival. We started our first song and there were maybe 20 people there. By the time that song ended, there were
2,000.
10.2: Is there a person out there walking this earth that you’d like to get an autograph from?
Johnny: Bigfoot. I know you’re out there asshole. No but for real there are too many people to choose from! I’d have to settle with Stephen King at the moment. I’m on a trek to complete his entire works. When I’m writing music he helps keep me afloat in that dark creative headspace.
10.3: And then, give a shout out to a local band from your home town out there that you think the sharks would have shown up to listen to instead of Kiss.
Johnny: Shrouded In Neglect. Gutteral screams and heavy breakdowns. They 'are' the sharks.
11. Five Finger Death Punch Guitarist Talks Backstage Perks: Their Own Dressing Rooms, Masseuses & Personal Assistants
MPAP: Must be nice, I guess, right? I don’t know how true this one is, but alongside Haribo gummy bears in his dressing room, Marilyn Manson reportedly has asked for a 'bald-headed, toothless hooker' in his rider at one point in his music career. What have been some of your backstage perks that you’ve gotten or asked for before? Can you top Manson’s?
Johnny: Seriously if the place has a shower, you win my heart forever. That’s enough for us. But if we had to add more, just water and a place to chill is amazing. It helps you get in the right headspace before your gig. It’s not that we don’t like interacting with the crowd, but when you want to get in the zone, it’s nice to be isolated.
12. Pete Townshend Says The Who "Sort Of Invented Heavy Metal" In 1970
MPAP: Ya right! And this is coming from a guy that recently said in an interview he’s glad drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle are dead and gone and no longer in The Who. What a dick. Anyways, who do you think invented Heavy Metal music in your eyes. Some say Black Sabbath’s self-titled album in 1970 was the birth of Heavy Metal music. Others argue that Blue Cheer's 1968 record Vincebus Eruptum is the first heavy metal album, while others say Coven's 1969 album Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls is where it all started. Maybe you have a total different take on it?
Johnny: I have no idea where to say it started. All I can say is that when you listen to music and it gives you an idea you go, 'Ooh I like that.' You don’t go, 'I’m gonna write this, and when it’s done, we’ll call it 'Slam Funk' or some shit. We evolved. I don’t think there’s truly a start or a finish to anything but a gradual evolution of bits and pieces that people try to categorize later in life.
13. Metallica's 1991 Self-Titled Album Breaks New Billboard Record
MPAP: Yes, I know, I know. Not another Metallica question. What can I say they make a lot of news headlines. So, the Black album is approaching 17 million sales in the United States while cresting over 31 million worldwide and has sold so well that it's now become one of the only four albums in history, of any genre, to be on the Billboard 220 for 550 non-consecutive weeks. That’s over ten years? At one point I think I heard it sells like 5,000 copies a week. I wonder how many warehouses Lars has rented over the years to store them all? Anyways, blah, blah blah, either way, it’s quite the accomplishment, but more importantly, what about your band? What is something that you’re proud of that has happened, and why?
Johnny: There are certain pieces of art that I am just completely enamored with. They range from books, to paintings, to music, or whatever. When that art makes me feel a certain way or brings about an emotion in me, I step back and say, 'wow look what this art is doing to you.' And that inspires me to write. When I create, I want my art to have that same effect on someone. So, when I meet that person who has struck a chord with my art, I feel accomplished, because that’s what I set out to do in the first place.
MPAP: Well, that wraps up another edition of Metal Pulp And Paper’s Headline Questions, and those were some great answers. Now Mary, tell them what they’ve won. Mary? Hey Mary! Shit, we can’t find Mary, haha! Anyways, so, on behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, we’d like to thank you, Johnny, for taking the time to answer these recent music news headline questions. We look forward to what you or your band, NeverWake, does in 2020 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans and all the Metal Pulp And Paper readers out there?
Johnny: Thank you, Metal Pulp And Paper, so much for having me! It’s been great. Keep an eye out for any NeverWake news and upcoming releases from the band on our socials. Also don’t be afraid to reach out, we love chatting with the fans! Check us out:
NeverWakeMusic.com
instagram.com/neverwakemusic
youtube.com/neverwakemusic
facebook.com/neverwakemusic
twitter.com/neverwakemusic
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