13 Questions with The Big Bad

Punk may not be the type of music that you would think of coming out of West Virginia, but for one band named The Big Bad, they make it a reality. On Thursday night, May 5th, 2016, at Muncheez Bar and Grill, in Beckley, West Virginia, The Big Bad will take the stage and put on a show that delivers heavy on upbeat rhythm, spooky makeup and vocal harmony.

Wolfman Jack:

1.) Do you have a stage name; if so, what is it? Yes, Wolfman Jack.
2.) How long have you been with The Big Bad? About three years. Two years as an official member.
3.) Have you played in other bands before this; if so, were they also in this genre? (if not, what genre were they?) I’ve played with lots of bands over the years, in many genres, mostly soul and rock and roll. I currently play in three other groups/projects and I work as a freelance musician. I’ve appeared in many regional and national touring acts, including Wayne Newton and Aretha Franklin.
4.) Do you have a particularly favorite genre of music, (and what is it) and does it influence your music style in TBB? Rock and roll. And that’s all we play.
5.) Why and how did you join TBB? Zack (our singer) is my first cousin. I hadn’t seen him in 24 years and we ran into each other at a local bar. We didn’t recognize each other, but just started talking about music, horror, and science fiction. We were with a large group and finally after a couple hours I heard someone say his name. We realized we were first cousins. He told me he’d been wanting to add saxophone to some songs for awhile. I began with the band as sort of a featured performer on one or two songs and then went from there. Finally, two years ago he asked me if I would play full-time, splitting my duties between saxophone and keys.
6.) What are your interests/hobbies outside of TBB? I’m very interested in politics (I’m a huge Bernie Sanders fan). Even though TBB isn’t an overly political band, we support marginalized people – whether they are horror weirdos like us, racial minorities, or members of the LGBT community. I mean, not fitting in is what this “scene” is all about on some level. There are some political themes in some of Zack’s songs if you know to look for them. I also read a lot and write. I blog occasionally and write horror fiction. I was published for the first time last fall in an anthology called Mountain Mysts. I love to travel. And my wife and I live with four kids, so that takes up a little bit of time.
7.) What is your “day job”? I work in a music store.
8.) Does being in TBB/on tour affect your home life (family/friends)? My family is very non-traditional, so playing rock and roll all the time just comes with the territory. And touring can be rough with four kids. My wife is amazing though, and wants me to play out as much as I can.
9.) What is your favorite TBB song to perform and why? Probably “Maniac Mansion”. It’s not my favorite TBB song, it’s just a lot of fun for me to play personally. I’m really pleased with the saxophone solo on it.
10.) What has been your best experience performing with TBB? I think playing for the very last Ghouls Night OUt festival in Fayetteville, NC. We played for the previous GNO in New Jersey when See You in the Shadows was released. One year later, we were on stage and seeing all these people singing along with songs from the last album just knocked me out. They knew every one.
11.) What is your favorite band (besides TBB)? Well, David Bowie is probably my all-time favorite artist. I’m also really digging into Trent Reznor’s solo synthesizer material at the moment. But as far as bands – bands on this scene – I really dig Argyle Goolsby and the Roving Midnight *(author’s side note: this is the same Argyle Goolsby from Blitzkid) Steve is great, and a fellow West Virginian. I’ve gotten the chance to sit in with them a few times. And the Cryptkeeper 5. Johnny and the boys are real rock and rollers and great people.
12.) Seeing as how you’re in a horrorpunk band, what’s your favorite scary movie? It varies from time to time, but I really dig Pontypool. I like smart horror and that’s up there as one of the smartest. It’s such a brilliant take on the zombie genre and it’s a movie that has something to say. Stephen McHattie gives a brilliant performance in it. I got a chance to meet him at HorrorHound Weekend last month in Cincinnati. He’s a really small man.
13.) And since this is for a horror site, what are you most afraid of? Like anyone with children, I fear the unknown. The best horror is able to address those very real ways using monsters. That “universal unknown” is terrifying. (And why I really like reading Lovecraft). So I fear the things that may happen. That and my own demons.

Kyle Thirteen:

1.) Do you have a stage name; if so, what is it? Kyle Thirteen.
2.) How long have you been with The Big Bad? 7 months, 5 hours, 29 minutes, 13 seconds.
3.) Have you played in other bands before this; if so, were they also in this genre? (if not, what genre were they?) Jackolopes 1999-2006 (horror rock); Luxury Pushers 2008-2011 (glam punk and roll); The Loveless 2013-2015 (psychobilly); The Big Bad 2015-Current (horrorpunk).
4.) Do you have a particularly favorite genre of music, (and what is it) and does it influence your music style in TBB? I grew up in the 80s so I’m locked into bands like Motley Crue and GNR. But, I am a huge fan of anything that makes a girl’s hips move and booty shake.
5.) Why and how did you join TBB? In 2006, Zack invited me on stage to sing “Ziggy Stardust”. And since then we have always roamed the same boneyards. Years later we found ourselves in the same label, HorrorHound records. Being a fan of the macabre, The Big Bad felt like home.
6.) What are your interests/hobbies outside of TBB? When I’m not playing music I like to spend quality time with my two sons, Vincent and Kiefer, teaching them about horror movies and rock and roll.
7.) What is your “day job”? I own a hair salon in Dayton, OH; D Thirteen (#thecolorking).
8.) Does being in TBB/on tour affect your home life (family/friends)? No, friends are family and no matter where I am I feel at home.
9.) What is your favorite TBB song to perform and why? “Shine the Signal” because it brings out the youthful rebellion that rock and roll is all about.
10.) What has been your best experience performing with TBB? HorrorHound Weekend. We are so grateful to be on this great label. HHW exposes us to an audience that may not have had the opportunity to see us live before.
11.) What is your favorite band (besides TBB)? Personally, I have a lot of influences: Type O Negative, AFI, Skinny Puppy, and KISS, just to name a few.
12.) Seeing as how you’re in a horrorpunk band, what’s your favorite scary movie? The Lost Boys.
13.) And since this is for a horror site, what are you most afraid of? Myself.

Wayne Cannibal:

1.) Do you have a stage name; if so, what is it? Wayne Cannibal. Jack (keys and sax) christened me with it after a rehearsal not long after I joined. I liked it, as I have a fascination with cannibalism (since an early age).
2.) How long have you been with The Big Bad? I joined TBB a little over ten months ago. Being a fan of their music before joining, it is a blast getting to play such great tunes.
3.) Have you played in other bands before this; if so, were they also in this genre? (if not, what genre were they?) Not in this genre. The Connie Dungs, The Bleedings Hearts, A Radio with Guts, and Fiver the Rabbit.
4.) Do you have a particularly favorite genre of music, (and what is it) and does it influence your music style in TBB? Punk rock, but was a metal head growing up. I guess I still am! I also have an unhealthy obsession with Meat Loaf. Great performer! As far as influencing me in TBB, I think all the music I love comes out. I just get excited once the show starts.
5.) Why and how did you join TBB? Zack called and asked if I wanted to try out when Adam left. It was pretty smooth as I had listened to them and love them. I had the material down. I wasn’t comfortable with the makeup at first, but now I look at it and love it. Also, Adam (former bass player) has given me lots of good advice.
6.) What are your interests/hobbies outside of TBB? Horror movies, horror books, and horror music, are three things that consume lots of my time! Plus, I have great friends and family to hang out with when I can. Plus, my dog, Pauley James.
7.) What is your “day job”? Advanced tech support for AT&T Mobility.
8.) Does being in TBB/on tour affect your home life (family/friends)? No, not really. My son is 18 and I have no girl. I guess I am married to TBB for now.
9.) What is your favorite TBB song to perform and why? “Shine the Signal” gives me goosebumps every time. It is a call to arms and a motherfucking punk rock anthem.
10.) What has been your best experience performing with TBB? I love every show. Some are better than others, but they are all special.
11.) What is your favorite band (besides TBB)? KISS.
12.) Seeing as how you’re in a horrorpunk band, what’s your favorite scary movie? Phantasm. No other movie can compare.
13.) And since this is for a horror site, what are you most afraid of? Snakes. They absolutely terrify me.

Greg Gallows:

1.) Do you have a stage name; if so, what is it? Yes, my stage name is Greg Gallows.
2.) How long have you been with The Big Bad? Very recent – I am a very new addition to the band.
3.) Have you played in other bands before this; if so, were they also in this genre? (if not, what genre were they?) Yes, I am the founder singer/songwriter, lead guitarist of the Cincinnati based horrorpunk band “Shriek” 1997-Current. I am also the lead guitarist for the Northern Kentucky based horrorpunk band The Reanimated. The Reanimated recruited me in 2008. They are inactive at the current moment. I am also the founder of local Doo Wop (horror influenced) “Gallows en Bondage”, singer/songwriter and play all instruments. The project is currently only studio artistry, not a live performing band at the moment. I am also currently the lead guitarist of the Cincinnati metal band Call of Cain 2012-Current.
4.) Do you have a particularly favorite genre of music, (and what is it) and does it influence your music style in TBB? I love mostly all styles of music, and everything I love has been an influence to me and in turn, influences what is is that I bring, as a musician, to TBB and any other project I’m involved with.
5.) Why and how did you join TBB? I’ve always been a fan of TBB, Zack has always known this. Recently I was approached by both Zack and Kyle who each offered me the opportunity to join TBB. Needless to say, I responded, “Fucking hell yes!”
6.) What are your interests/hobbies outside of TBB? All music, motorcycles, boxing/mma, good beer, sex, and Bill Murray.
7.) What is your “day job”? I was a semi truck driver for years. I am currently a manager in retail, a professional badass, and also a professional street n*gga in da ‘nati.
8.) Does being in TBB/on tour affect your home life (family/friends)? I have not yet toured with TBB.
9.) What is your favorite TBB song to perform and why? That’s a tough question. Seeking Souls, Shine the Signal, Shadowbrook Road, Lover’s Lane… Too many great tunes to name.
10.) What has been your best experience performing with TBB? So far, and only yet, HorrorHound.
11.) What is your favorite band (besides TBB)? Again, too many to name. Zeppelin, Twisted Sister, any Doo Wop artists.
12.) Seeing as how you’re in a horrorpunk band, what’s your favorite scary movie? I don’t necessarily have a favorite. I love the Hellraiser series and the writings of Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
13.) And since this is for a horror site, what are you most afraid of? Human beings, all 3 branches of law, and politicans.

Jimmy Patches:

1.) Do you have a stage name; if so, what is it? I sure do. It’s Jimmy Patches.
2.) How long have you been with The Big Bad? It will make a year in June.
3.) Have you played in other bands before this; if so, were they also in this genre? (if not, what genre were they?) I have. They were not in the horrorpunk genre. My old band was more along the lines of NOFX and Operation Ivy.
4.) Do you have a particularly favorite genre of music, (and what is it) and does it influence your music style in TBB? My favorite genre of music would have to be 50’s Doo Wop and punk rock. The punk rock influenced me on guitar as far as playing style. I also enjoy grunge. I mean, Kurt Cobain made me want to learn guitar.
5.) Why and how did you join TBB? Ohhhhhhhhh, that is a whole other story best left unsaid.
6.) What are your interests/hobbies outside of TBB? Art, antique collecting, reading, comic book collecting, album collecting.
7.) What is your “day job”? I am a student at a funeral home where I work. I also will be attending mortuary science school to obtain my Funeral Director/Embalmer license this June.
8.) Does being in TBB/on tour affect your home life (family/friends)? Not really. If you’re going to be in a band then it’s a sacrific on not only your family’s part… But also your part.
9.) What is your favorite TBB song to perform and why? It would have to be either Seeking Souls, Prom Night ’57, or Shine the Signal.
10.) What has been your best experience performing with TBB? Playing HorrorHound weekend in Cincinnati.
11.) What is your favorite band (besides TBB)? Alkaline Trio, The Cryptkeeper 5, and Children of October.
12.) Seeing as how you’re in a horrorpunk band, what’s your favorite scary movie? Halloween.
13.) And since this is for a horror site, what are you most afraid of? I’m terrfied of spiders, heights, and extremely closed-in spaces.

Zackula Von Nasty:

1.) Do you have a stage name; if so, what is it? Zackula Von Nasty.
2.) How long have you been with The Big Bad? 2004-Current.
3.) Have you played in other bands before this; if so, were they also in this genre? (if not, what genre were they?) Bummer (ska, punk); The Busters (punk); Beaver Knievel (rock); The MadBats (horrorpunk).
4.) Do you have a particularly favorite genre of music, (and what is it) and does it influence your music style in TBB? I know it may sound like bullshit, but I like a little bit of everything. I will say, though, that my main interests are rooted in early rock and roll and punk rock. I especially love Roy Orbison, Freddie Mercury, and Lou Reed.
5.) Why and how did you go about starting TBB? For me, punk rock, comics, and horror movies have always lived in the same universe. A horror rock band has always been in my mind, and then I was faced with a situation where I was in a different city where I knew no one, and I had to build a band from the ground up, so I just went for it.
6.) What are your interests/hobbies outside of TBB? Cats, cooking, painting, and boobs and booty.
7.) What is your “day job”? I’m a correctional officer, but I refer to it as my “square job”.
8.) Does being in TBB/on tour affect your home life (family/friends)? I miss my wife and our cats, but they are all supportive.
9.) What is your favorite TBB song to perform and why? It’s hard to decide, but currently I love doing We Own This Town, but the one that sticks out the most is still May All Your Nightmares Come True because it deal with a very dark time in my life and the lyrics helped get me through. The first time we played it was the first time we felt like a real band. It still gives me chills when we play it.
10.) What has been your best experience performing with TBB? We always love playing horror conventions and festivals, but honestly it’s really any time I get to be around our fans and supporters, especially when someone tells me about the impact a song of ours has had on them. I’m always humbled.
11.) What is your favorite band (besides TBB)? Whoo! Tough one! Currently, Man Man and The Cryptkeeper 5. Historically, The Velvet Underground, AFI, The Refused, TSOL, The Damned, The Dwarves, The Cramps, The Ramones, The Deadlines, The Bouncing Souls, Tiger Army, The Rosedales, Mister Monster, Blitzkid, and I’m a fucking liar if I don’t say The Misfits.
12.) Seeing as how you’re in a horrorpunk band, what’s your favorite scary movie? Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Cemetery Man. But again, there are so many more! This might be the most unfair question ever!
13.) And since this is for a horror site, what are you most afraid of? The KKK and my wife.

Again, I’d like to thank the gentlemen of The Big Bad for allowing me to pester them with questions. After the show on May 5th, I’ll be doing an exclusive interview with Zackula Von Nasty, which should get us some further insight into The Big Bad. Stay tuned.