Interview with Sex Presleys

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us all about TheSex Presley’s....how long you been together...why you are a band....how the name came too be....everything and anything sweeties!

TheSex Presley’s: I was staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Not sure if you've ever been there, but the whole place is a rock'n roll temple. I kept getting off on all the Elvis and Sex Pistols stuff under the same roof... Elvis jumpsuits right next to a Sid Vicious slot machine. I loved it! I decided then and there I had to create something to incorporate both as the place made me realize that both extremes appealed to largely the same people. Also, I wasn't doing all that great attracting the off-duty strippers and realized I needed some kind of shtick to lock in more action... It was along those lines of thinking that the ideas for Heartbreak Hotel came to me. Upon arriving home I arranged that one and followed it with I Can't Help Falling in Love a few days later. Then all I had to do was put together a band.

I pitched the idea to my friend and bass player, Mark. He and I were in the practice of hanging out at his flat in the Mission District eating Pakistani food and drinking wine and vodka and playing acoustic guitars. I wasn't a hard sell. Mark knows Priscilla, our singer... a goddamn diva with pipes like I've never before heard. When Mark pitched him the idea, he was all over it. He's a creative guy and saw the potential. Lev, our drummer, hits harder than anyone I've seen outside of Keith Moon. He was in once he heard Priscilla was in.







Ladyaslan DDTRH: What contributions and influences do you feel Duran Duran contributed to the world of music and fashion and social awareness over the past 30 yrs?

TheSex Presley’s: they got girls horny over guy bands. And that's a good thing.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Talk of the Christmas album "Who Killed Rudolph" ( lol ) is that a play on the "who killed bambi" from The GrEat RoCk-n-RoLL Swindle.....do tell

TheSex Presley’s: We recorded a few songs for a British soccer club last year - the Fleetwood Town FC. The record label, Raucous Records was so happy with the result they asked us to do an Elvis style Xmas album. Naturally we needed to maintain the theme of our whole Elvis send up so we came up the title "Never Mind the Holidays, Who Killed Rudolph?" There are about 8 songs done so far. I must say it sounds great!

Ladyaslan DDTTRH: What are your favourite Duran Duran song(s) and / or video(s)?

TheSex Presley’s: The Reflex is a song favorite. It just sticks in the head so well. As a heterosexual male I of course dig "Girls on Film" the most. What's more to say about that marvellous piece of mini cinema?

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Have you and/or the band ever met The Sex Pistols, if so, what did they think of TheSex Presley’s...if not what do you think they would say about the band?

TheSex Presley’s: No . All I've received is a short comment from Glen Matlock a few years ago on MySpace.

Ladyaslan DDTTRH: If you could remake a Duran Duran song, which one would it be?

TheSex Presley’s: Girls on Film . See previous answer.

LadyaslanDTTRH: Since we both ( yes Ladyaslan was reviewed in Punk Globe Magazine SHOCK lol ) have been in Punk Globe Magazine what has it done in regards to a fan following...has it brought new fans.....good publicity? Bad publicity? Indifferent publicity?

TheSex Presley’s: Definitely good publicity. It's amazing how power the internet is and how an interview can get your name and story out there. That interview was definitely a good thing!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is the craziest thing that ever happened to you all at a live gig?

TheSex Presley’s: Priscilla had gotten pretty worked up at a show in S.F. about year ago and decided to follow through on a stunt he had threatened us with earlier. He crouched behind Mark near the end of the set and pulled his shirt and wig off and sprayed Lysol all over his torso. He then jumped back out front and lit himself on fire. It was awesome. It's amazing how quickly you can extinguish yourself by flapping around... however I wouldn't recommend it. He did lose most of his eyelashes and eyebrows. More eyebrows than lashes since only his falsies really got singed. It was an incredible sight!

To Follow The Sex Presley’s

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1673613161448#!/profile.php?id=100000811890595&v=wall

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1673613161448#!/profile.php?id=100000811890595&v=wall

Interview with Oneness Darkness

Part party band and part rock n roll assimilator and destructor; Oneness Darkness packs the punch and delivers the dope music intravenously into the hearts, minds and fists of its gatherers.

Through electrifying stage performances capitalizing on the use of stage props and audience incorporating skits with the sole intention of entertaining so adamantly, some people may experience a contact high.

"Concerts are meant to be EVENTS not just musicians staring at their shoes...”

It is with this sentiment that our stage shows are inspired by the legendary rock performances of Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd and Kiss. Oneness Darkness brings more than flesh, their t-shirts and jeans to the stage, often provoking audiences while taunting and baiting the perfect scapegoat: himself. In your face front man Mr. OD quickly dissolves the apathy of jaded audiences and transforms the unsuspecting crowd into truly entertained carnivores.

Ladyaslan presents Oneness Darkness….

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Oneness Darkness: Fuck yeah, these guys made some really fucking dope ass music over the years.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about Oneness Darkness? What was the idea behind the name of the band?

Oneness Darkness: The name is a bit of a misnomer and a contradiction in terms. Once you have the "Oneness" experience, the connection to all that is, you get fucking bored and want to discover what it feels like in the underground, the countercultures and rediscover what the rest of the world despises. We all have some pretty fucked up dark emotions swirling inside us and I am aim to address at least the ones within myself. The name has so many fucking meanings, let the double entendres and synchronicities spiral into infinity.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Oneness Darkness: "All She Wants Is" is a really good song and video. The song makes me want to fucking to rock out electro-rock chaos.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Oneness Darkness to any Alternative/ Rock/Hardcore fans that hadn't’ heard your music before?

Oneness Darkness: It's dark metal rock, never whinny never bitchy, definitely fucking angry and definitely sincere.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Oneness Darkness: They certainly influenced countless bands and will continue to for many many years. Even if you don’t like their music, it's identifiable, symbolic and represents the 80's. They sold over a 100 million records!!! That’s insane and beautiful. They are a force to be reckoned with. I can appreciate how they pushed the envelope with their fashion, being controversial in a meaningful way.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Oneness Darkness: "All She Wants Is" because it's a well produced song with a good vibe we could recast into a new light of darkness. Why are tempting me?

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your single “Love of Drugs” what was the inspiration behind that song?

Oneness Darkness: You're fucking kidding me right? The inspiration for the song is in the title. I love using drugs to the extent you refrain from total self destruction, most are safer then alcohol. Kids today are fucking smart as hell and know how to ask around or read the Internet for proper doses of controlled substances. The song is a protest against the war on drugs and my solidarity with using them and finally a message to fight the Propagandist.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the concept of NightLife? What was the genesis of this album?

Oneness Darkness: I've spent the last 14 years getting fucked up at dark, industrial-Gothic clubs, raves and even hip-hop/pop-mainstream scenes and wanted to stand with the not so cool kids and spit in the face of the scenesters because it fucking feels good. But the first two tracks, "Nightclubbing" (which is an Iggy Pop, David Bowie rendition) and "Another Drink" highlight the experience of chilling with the mixed crowds at the clubs we'd frequent in my hometown Houston Texas. The rest of the album drags you down into the depths of hell and reveals aspects of your own psyche you wish you had kept repressed.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Oneness Darkness: Nick Rhodes. We would have to talk about analog synthesizers and programming... followed by hopefully the two of us getting lost in the passion... then a few songs later decided what to call the new tracks! Ambitious? But seriously he drives the music and I would love to hear him talk.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you would like to share with your fans?

Oneness Darkness: Yeah, buy me some drugs; fuck have you ever heard any good sober bands? Of course not. I’m half ass serious [maybe], but in all seriousness I love my fans, I’m also fans of my fans, let’s level the playing field and have a fucking blast.



To Follow Oneness Darkness:

http://onenessdarkness.com/

http://www.myspace.com/onenessdarkness

http://twitter.com/coryodsprouse

http://www.reverbnation.com/onenessdarkness

http://www.youtube.com/onenessdarknessband

http://vampirefreaks.com/onenessdarkness


To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with Owen Paul Mcgee EX-Simple Minds

In Owen’s words: “Music has always meant something more to me than pleasant melodies and clever entertaining lyrics. To be musically entertaining is no mean feat in itself, but for me it's not what it's about!!! As a music fan I have always been much more attracted to artists who create a sound that leaves you in absolutely no doubt of its importance to them, regardless of what any particular song may be about! For me a song with that kind of conviction can connect with the listener in an almost unexplainable emotional level and on many occasions I have become uplifted, saddened, invigorated, angered and even joyful just by being exposed to music of that nature, regardless of genre.

When I first heard '' Anarchy in the UK '' by the Sex Pistols and ''Tommy Gun'' by The Clash as a teenager in 1976, the emotional impact it had on me, a kind of ''anything is possible'' and '' we are unstoppable '' feeling is one I have never lost more than twenty years later! Given that fact, you will never convince me that music is not important, for I apply that kind of thinking into everything I do! It is now part of who I am and has compelled me to try to return the favour, however small and regardless of how long it would take…”

Owen Paul the Scottish singer, producer and co-writer of the 1986 smash summer hit ( My Favourite Waste of Time) has done many things in the twenty or so years since he first came to musical prominence .
He has played a leading role in a major musical theatre production.
Toured the UK and Europe with Phil Collins as one of 'Mike and the Mechanics' as well as being vocal arranger on their last album 'Rewired'.
Been harassed by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne in the infamous “noisy neighbours" episode on MTV's record breaking show The Osbournes.
Became a comedy script writer for a leading FM radio station in the U.K.
For ten years, he ran a west end theatre in London's Leicester Square as well as a successful Ballroom and Latin Dancing Club.
Produced a treble platinum selling album for the Japanese band 'Buck Tick' which became number one in their native country.
Co-Produced the winning entry for UK's Eurovision 2001 held in Copenhagen, for the young Sheffield singer Lindsay Dracass having a UK top 20 hit at the same time.
Consulted for the 'James Grant Media Group' who manage Ant & Dec, Simon Cowell and Philip Schofield to name but a few.
Currently he consults to Charles B Lewis on his numerous business interests including The Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood brands as well as his movie projects.
In 2001 he finally went back to the recording Studio with new material, releasing the album ' About Time ' in the same year.
More recently in 2009, Owen Paul McGee has returned to live performance in his own right with Four Good Men, and will continue to do so in various projects including XSM (ex Simple Minds) and ' The 80's Rocked ' Theatre show throughout 2010.

Without further ado I give you OWEN PAUL McGEE~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Owen Paul McGee: Yes, without a show of a doubt. After their initial success in the eighties and their continuing success almost two decades later as well as their influence with a host of other bands and singers, there is no doubt in my mind they should be recognised.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans how you and John Taylor & Andy Taylor ( of Duran Duran ) crossed paths and became friends in the glorious 80’s.

Owen Paul McGee: I first heard of Duran Duran when I was a researcher on Peter Powell's Radio One Drive Time Show. Peter Powell was always a champion of new acts and unsigned acts and we received an early version of Planet Earth. Peter Powell was instrumental in Duran Duran’s early success as he played their stuff regularly. I first met Andy and John at BBC's Broadcasting House, and then met them on several occasions either at peters house for dinner or out socially.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Owen Paul McGee: My favourite song is 'Ordinary World' and video is 'Girls on Film'. Ground breaking and directed by Godley and Crème

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to record and tour with Mike and the Mechanics? What would you say is your fondest memory of working with them?

Owen Paul McGee: Working with Mike and Paul was better than 'working'. Two multi talented blokes who have been there, sang, it done it. Singing fantastic songs like the Living years and 'Over My Shoulder' to name but two was truly an honour.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Owen Paul McGee: After the dressing down of the punk era Duran as well as the whole Romantic Movement made it ok for guys as well as girls to experiment with their look. Musically they crossed over rock with funk incorporating 'Chic style' rhythm tracks, an affect still present in today’s music scene.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Owen Paul McGee: Wild Boys and Save a prayer because I think I could sing them better



LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your involvement singing with the Scottish 'super group' Four Good Men
( Derek Forbes - Simple Minds, Graham Duffin- Wet Wet Wet, Smiley - The Mescalero’s, Phil Kane - The Silencers), what was the genesis behind this band ?

Owen Paul McGee: Four good men existed before me and were conceived by former Simple Minds bass player Derek Forbes. After a chance meeting with Derek he asked me would I like to be involved and in 2009 I played two arena shows.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the hit single My Favorite Waste of Time a ( Marshall Crenshaw cover)? Would you say this song was a blessing or a curse?

Owen Paul McGee: It was most definitely both a blessing and a curse. A fantastic record that I am very proud of but one which made it virtually impossible for me to be taken seriously as a rock act, which is what I am.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran today who would it be and what would be topic of discussion? ( I think maybe you have done this already ha-ha)

Owen Paul McGee: It would definitely be with Andy Taylor and we would talk boring music talk about guitars, amps and production technique. One for the nerds.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What made you want to be part of the Ex-Simple Minds project? Which Simple Minds song brings out the most emotion in you and the band when playing live?

Owen Paul McGee: As I had already worked with Derek Forbes, I knew what a talent he was as well as the fact that my brother Brian ( the original Simple Minds drummer) would also be involved it was a very easy decision to me. For me personally New Gold Dream far and away brings out the most emotion in me, if not the band.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: For ten years you ran a west end theatre in London’s Leicester Square; what was your favourite show? Is this the same west end theatre that debuted Tony Award nominee Mark Davies musical Taboo w/ lyrics by Boy George?

Owen Paul McGee: It was indeed the setting for the Boy George / Mark Davies Musical 'Taboo' and yes it was my favourite show. The show ran for almost two years and put our theatre on the map

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Any words of wisdom or information you would like to share with the fans?

Owen Paul McGee: Check out www.owenpaulmcgee.com and www.exsimpleminds.com



To FOLLOW Owen Paul McGee:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=139254739449866#!/owenpaulofficialpage
and: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=139254739449866#!/pages/Owen-Paul-McGee/139254739449866m
and: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=139254739449866#!/pages/Owen-Paul-About-Time-/115289615195702
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/owenpaulmcgee
Twitter: http://twitter.com/owenpaulmcgee
Personal site: http://www.owenpaulmcgee.com/



To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.