Robin Black and The IRS Spend a (not so)
Quiet Afternoon with Toronto Fans
By Sarah Krayons

When Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars ask their fans
to show some support, you can believe they do. They came because
it was on every media channel from Much Music (AKA Canadian MTV)
to Chart Attack. They gossiped about it on message boards, and on
October 6th, they all met outside the Bovine Sex Club to be a part of
the new Robin Black DVD.

“We’re just doing a DVD of some crazy backstage footage, all of our
videos, and some live concerts.

l-r: Amber Shier, Jasmine Bowles, unnamed girl, Starboy, Robin, Melanie English, Natalie Brown “Robin Black beamed as shooting got underway. A big part of the band is our fans so we want to get some footage of them too.This was not your average DVD footage with girls screaming and tearing their hair out, though. While The Intergalactic Rock Stars may enjoy that sort of thing, that was not what they were after. Instead, they were out in the middle of Toronto’s hip Queen Street West talking to their fans, one on one.
“Not a lot of bands will actually come here and stand out on Queen Street and interview their fans,” 22 year old fan Greg said, “ Normally they let someone else do it, so big props to them for that.

Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars recently returned home to Toronto from an extensive Trans-Canadian Tour. Their album is gaining recognition in the United States and they have also been nominated for a Much Music Video Award. With such success already underway, you would expect a band in their position to retreat from the accessibility that they seem to cultivate.
:l-r Natalie Brown, Melanie English Starboy
“They’re not like larger than life and ‘don’t touch us’. They give a damn about the fans. They’re amazing,” according to Angel McPhearson. “It’s something that they are doing for their fans, which is what makes it great. They know what their fans want and are trying to give it to them.”
“There’s nobody like him around right now.” That’s the reason Amber Shier gives for their popularity. Kayla Hewie seems to agree, ”They’re really unique. They’re the best fucking band in the world, seriously.”
(l-r Corey Ferguson and Kayla Hewie)

So what gives these guys that edge that makes them stand out from all the other bands vying for attention?
Is it the music? The live show? The image of glitter rock rebellion?
Vanessa Grandall puts her vote down in all categories. “There’s not enough guys wearing makeup these days in Rock-n-Roll. He’s nice to look at, easy to listen to, and puts on a really great show.” As well does Jasmine Bowles, “Their live show is very crazy, it’s very different. There’s not too many glam-rockers out there, they’re music is pretty original, and they’re awesome guys.”
L-R Robin, Vanessa Grandall, unnamed girl, unnamed girl. Melanie English
Meanwhile, guitarist ‘Starboy’ Chris Cunanne plays Truth or Dare with a fan,
asking her if she’s ever had sex with another girl. The girl can only blush and
refuse to give an answer. “You have to tell the truth,” says Starboy, explaining
the rules of this tawdry game. “If you don’t tell me, then you get a dare.”
We can only wonder what that dare would be from the man who asks his fans if he can sleep with their mother.

Often putting forward questions that cross the line into raunchy, Starboy talks big to the fans that turned out. Leading them on a sing along of what can only be described as a Robin Black devotional hymn, one can get the impression that Starboy thinks less than highly of his devotees. But the reality is he really respects them. “That’s all it’s about is the fans,” he explains, taking a break from menacing his audience, “without them you’re nothing.” So how did the idea to invite their fans to come out happen? “I don’t actually know. I’m not sure whose idea it was. It just seemed like a good idea to interview your fans for the DVD.” Good answer.

Starboy ->
At one point, Robin even invited them all to get a bite at a neighboring restaurant, in hopes of loosening up the atmosphere.Luckily for the cook,
the fans decided to stay outside and munch on home brought goods, passing around cookies and copping a squat with the rest of the band, Kevin, Ky, and
B.B. McQueen.

l-r :Amber Shier, Jasmine Bowles
Every fan that showed up was interviewed, no matter how quiet or
extroverted. The band even stayed a little later than expected to make sure that all those who had something to say were able to.

If the fans are any indication of the band, then these guys have a lot going for
them. Friendly and colourful, they were often thoughtful and intelligent,
handling questions from the band with a good dose of humour.


Vanessa Grandall, Joe Langton
As For Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars, they definitely lived up to the reputation so often repeated by their fans, that the guys are down to earth, approachable, and care about the people who buy their records
and follow them from show to show.For all the rumours that this group is full of egotistical assholes, I find it had to believe that anyone so self-absorbed would spend so much time making sure their fans were happy.
Robin and fans
Publicity stunt or not, these guys got out there and did what most bands wouldn’t dream of doing, they sat down and spent an afternoon with the people who make the band who they are. No one put it better than 21 year-old Shannon, though; They try. They choose to give a damn.”