ROMEO & THE FRANKENSTEINS

(Mexico, psychobilly)

Interview answered by Romeo, lead vocals…

1-Why did you choose that name?
the bands name; Well, the truth is I had the idea since I was a kid I saw the movie "Young Frankenstein" & decided, I had to make a song about a handsome frankenstein monster and my wife thought the song was so good, I should name my band, (back in Chicago) "Romeo & the Frankensteins" and it kinda stuck with me When I formed the band here in Mexico, I thought it was a perfact name for us. since I had not actually used it for the band in Chicago there ya go

2-The US and Mexico have a vast history of punk rock music, weve found it affects most of their psychobilly bands. How did you manage to not fall into that?
In a way I think we did. In reality, if we did not have punk influence we would not be playing the way we do today.

3-When you started the band, what acts influenced you? What was your goal as a musician?
The most influential band (as far as PsychoBilly goes) for me has been "Demented Are Go". I was also influenced heavily by "Anti-Nowhere League", "Motor Head", "GG Allen", "Eddie & the HotRods", "Cramps", "the Lude", "Dwarves", "Jay Hawkins", "Howlin' Wolf", "Peter & the Test-Tube Babies", "Jerry Lee Lewis", "Eddie Cochran", "Buddy Holly", "Chuck Berry" & so many others, ( but these I think were my main influences ).

4-Do you believe The Meteors are the true founders and kings of psychobilly or do you think that psychobilly is bigger than them?
NO! I think it is a farce to say any one band or one man founded PsychoBilly. It is far too vast of a genre to have been founded by any one. Also the term has been around since before P. Paul Fenich was born (unless of coarse he was born in the 50's, then I would have to take back that comment), not to mention Wrecking. Wrecking was a known form of dance by HillBillies in the southern USA since the Civil War era. And as far as them being the kings there of, I would not bow to them. In truth, I don't listen to their music. I like some songs, but they do not play my preferred style of music.

5-Great bands in all genres usually suffer lineup changes, from Metallica to Sex Pistols, from The Cramps to KISS. Why do you think that happens?
I think people get tired of the same old thing. Everyone needs to stretch their legs at some point.

6-Now that you have release your debut album, what can old fans expect that they didnt see or hear before?
They can expect to hear So Much More!!! We have over 30 songs that we currently perform, and over 20 more we have written but have put in the closet for the future. The songs for our 2nd Album are ready for us to record, & we are all sure it will be just as good if not better than the 1st.
Wait that was a 2 part question... as far as seen before; We are still same 4 guys with the same hair and instruments, they all have known and we don't plan on changing that anytime soon.

7-Going a little shallow... What are the best and worst albums youve ever heard?
Best: "Demented Are Go" - HellBilly Storm, "Demented Are Go" - Orgasmic Nightmare. (Although, truth be told, all of their albums are the best for me.) "Howlin' Wolf" - Howlin' Wolf.
Worst: I can't really say. Just because something is not my thing, does not mean it is bad.

8-Whats the weirdest thing youve seen happen at a Romeo and the Frankensteins show?
Betties Wreckin' and guys standing back because the Chicks were getting scary violent!

9-Is there any big Psychobilly festival, weekender, meeting or show youve always wanted to attend as a performing band?
Any and All! We just love to play.

10-What are the bands plans at the moment and how do you see yourself in 5 years?
We do have plans to record another album soon, but other than that... I don't believe in making plans or having dreams, cuz nothin' ever goes the way you dream it. As far as how I see myself in 5 years... The same just 5 years older.

11-Any last comments to www.Hellvis.tk visitors?
Remember, if anyone says your not Psycho or Punk or whatever, FxxK EM!!! Their opinion does not mean sxxt!
Beers & Fears, Rock & Wreck!!!