K Bombay
Hello Disaster
By Dimitri
(SugarBuzz USA)
SugarBuzz Magazine
LONG LIVE THE YOUNG AND THE USELESS: Dimitri (Sugarbuzz USA) Interviews Guitar-Star, K Bombay, from his favorite forgotten 90's band, the timeless HELLO DISASTER!
(*First, cue that Only Ones song, "I'm always in the wrong place, at the wrong time".)
In '89, or '90, I can't remember exactly, because of all those assassinated brain-cells, my chronological recollection is shot, but it was somewhere around that time, 'my ill-starred band in Boston, Murder Stars, crashed and burned, with summa the remnants going on to join, or form bands like Streetcar Named Disaster, and Dimestore Haloes.
I met Ratboy at the Thunders Memorial in Manhattan, and briefly tried forming a group with him in NYC. When our song-writing styles proved incompatible, my girlfriend and I decided to follow her metal-head former band-mates, out West. Dogs D'Amour and Circus Of Power had both relocated there, and it seemed like a good idea, at the time.
I was encouraged, also, by the underground bands I'd been reading about in Flipside magazine, groups like Motorcycle Boy (Ratboy's old group), Celebrity Skin (my ex-girlfriend was engaged to the drummer), and X-Offender (we'd befriended the guitarist who used to be a member of the Jeff Dahl Group). I was particularly fond of the Triple X band, the Ultras, and the Nymphs-who'd made it all the way to Geffen, and a few of the glammy sleaze rock bands, like Kill For Thrills, the Hangmen, the Joneses, and Rock City Angels.
My own grandiose design was to front a glittering pop band that looked like Hanoi Rocks, or Lords of the New Church, with the beat poet/working-class political consciousness of the Clash/Patti Smith Group, but with the power-poppish sensibilities of the Boys, and Generation X. While I mostly failed to accomplish this, at least, in any lasting, or meaningful way, I discovered a couple of bands who came close to achieving this elusive ideal of mine. The Beat Angels, outta Arizona, along with Tinsel-Town's own, Slow Motorcade, and Hello Disaster.
Shaun Kama from the late, lamented, Hello Disaster, had a great voice for this kinda music, and he and Brian, I believe, wrote these really wonderfully poignant lyrics about personal sovereignty, and class- truggle, that I could whole-heartedly identify with.
The music was unbelievable. These cats had obviously marinated in all the best 70's glam, and 80's punk and new wave influences. This was exactly the sound I'd been searching for, while all my peers had been busy imitating hair-metal, or shoegaze fads. Stiv Bator/Nick Marsh type vocals, and chiming arena-punk guitars, shades of Bob Derwood Andrews, Rocco Barker, James Honeyman-Scott, or the rhythm-guitar side of Steve Stevens.
This group just smoked everybody else at the time. Nay-sayers were jealous dogs. Hello Disaster had taken out two full-page ads in Flipside, and every single one of their songs glistened like KROQ radio-hits, to me. They were so, so catchy, and looked cool, with the potential to reach millions of disaffected teens and underdog- sympathizers, world-wide! Anybody who sincerely loved great music would
have signed them, but those pay-checks and record company weasels only care about tracking trends, and chasing band-wagons, and maintaining their yuppie life-styles.
The Manic Street Preachers absolutely owned the covers of the English tabloids at the time. Hello Disaster didn't just have the potential for greatness--hell, I even had that--they had already ACHIEVED greatness. Just play their debut E.P. for evidence of that. Big rock stardom was just a kiss away. I saw it, and waxed ecstatic about them in all my shitty fanzines. Rodney saw it. Unfortunately, the evil corporations decided to pull the plug entirely on upbeat rock'n'roll that year, after having already flogged that insufferable, power-ballad/hair-band, cash-cow to merciful death. For one brief shining moment, they had the opportunity to replace all that jive-ass formulaic fluff-metal with the fizzy and anthemic melodies of Hello Disaster, but instead, chose to relentlessly push all that swampy Alice In Chains corporate grunge gloom-that still hounds us all, on State Radio, like a curse. How do people doubt Electric Frankenstein's theory about the Anti-Rock Conspiracy? Here's the new Nickelback song! American Idol, everyone?
Myself, I continued listening to the same kinda trashy and melodic, underground pop, and rock'n'roll I'd always dug, somewhat oblivious to the so-called mainstream, and carried-on, drunk, for years, and continued operating as if anything was still possible. See-I didn't have a TV, or computer, so I missed-out on at least, a decade's worth of mainstream social programming. I never had a car, or cell-phone, or I-Pod, or watch, or even set foot in the Gap. It was a semi-blissful state to inhabit-aside from the confusion, and alienation I experienced whenever I tried to communicate with my old friends from the fully-brainwashed matrix-class, who all seemed to take their goose-step marching orders from the advertising world.
In my reality, American Heartbreak, the Trash Brats, and Dimestore Haloes all carried-on, in the tradition of the bands I loved, and HELLO DISASTER has always remained a really major group for me. I was unaware that they tried to replace their talented vocalist, Shaun Kama, and I kept hoping to hear a full-length follow-up to their marvelously promising and amazing smash-hit debut E.P., "The Young And The Useless"! I waited, and hoped, but sadly, it was not to be.
To my ears, Hello Disaster were the perfect band. I don't mind if that makes me a relic. Disco, techno, grunge, mall-punk, country-rap, sold-out hip-hop, wank-metal, freak-folk, math-rock...all that shit still sucks. Vibrant, heartfelt, lyrical, rock'n'roll is still the sound I dig.
When I recently got internet access, one of the first things I Googled was Hello Disaster. I finally tracked down their gifted guitar hero, K Bombay. Remember what Joey Ramone sang in "I Believe In Miracles", everyone: "It's not too late, It's not too late, Oh!"
The Interview
DIMITRI: What were the records that changed your life? Favorite guit- lings?
K BOMBAY: Let's think about this –
#1 would be David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust". Mick Ronson was the ultimate lead guitarist.
#2 would be Van Halen's debut album. He re-invented the guitar in 1978.
#3 – Ozzy Osbourne's "Blizzard of Ozz". What can I say ? Randy Rhoads was amazing.
#4 – Billy Idol "Rebel Yell". Steve Stevens changed the way I looked and heard the guitar.
I was lucky enough to grow up in the late 70's/early 80's. Not only did you have this insurgence of guitar heroes but you also had Punk Rock. So it would be, "hey, I can play a Ramones song, but how do you play that Van Halen lick ? "
DIMITRI: What was your childhood like...bands prior to Hello Disaster?
K BOMBAY: I've been playing in bands professionally since I was 13 years old. I was lucky to play all around town and build up a name for myself and be taken in by the people who I respected and learned from them and their mistakes.
DIMITRI: Origins of Hello Disaster? Please describe the history of that group, who the other members were, and where they are now...
K BOMBAY: I met the guys in Hello Disaster through an ad in Recycler. I called up and told them that I was a huge Generation X and Flesh For Lulu fan. They were looking for a 2nd guitarist and I was the only one in town that got what they were about. This had to be about 1988-1989. You have to remember that this was at the height of glam and the GNR scene in L.A. and no one was even considering punk rock. The whole experience was the greatest and the worst all at the same time. Being in that band gave me the blue print of what to do and what not to do in being in a rock band. Our highs were "high" and our lows were complete "lows".
The cool thing about HD was that we stood out, completely. No one at that time looked or sounded like us. We walked around town like we owned the fucking place, and for a second, we did. Rodney Binginheimer from KROQ was a huge supporter of ours, and he totally championed us. The highest compliment I received from Rodney was after we had played with Birdland, at English Acid. He said we were better than the Sex Pistols at Winterland. I thought that was pretty cool.
DIMITRI: Who financed the release of the "Young And The Useless" EP?
K BOMBAY: We financed the EP ourselves.
DIMITRI: I think you guys should've been as big as Flesh For Lulu, or the Manics. Why wasn't Hello Disaster signed by a major label for a million bucks and pushed all over radio and MTV?
K BOMBAY: It's funny, we actually became really good friends with Flesh For Lulu, and I opened for the Manic's on their first American tour. The difference ? They were English and we were a approximation of an English band. American record companies didn't' get it. Actually, the A&R guy at Sony/Columbia did. His name was Benjie Gordon and he actually signed the Manic Street Preachers to their American deal. Benjie championed Hello Disaster for years but the "powers that be" didn't get it. You also have to remember everyone was chasing down the next band out of Seattle. Grunge was just beginning to peak and we were a bit too over the top.
DIMITRI: What were the highlights of the Hello Disaster experience?
K BOMBAY: Opening for Killing Joke. And also, knowing that we were doing something special and different, at the time. It's funny after all this time, I still have people who remember the band and tell me how it impacted their life.
DIMITRI: You played with two of my other favorite 90's bands--Birdland, and Manic St. Preachers. How did you get along with those guys? Whatever became of Birdland?
K BOMBAY: Birdland were complete bastards to us and The Manics were very shy and quiet.
DIMITRI: Peak rockstar moment and all-time rocknroll low?
K BOMBAY: I can't say if I've peaked. Getting up and being able to play guitar is a blessing everyday.
DIMITRI: Did you like any of the grunge shit? I dug Mother Love Bone and Screaming Trees.
K BOMBAY: Screaming Trees were the shit.
DIMITRI: Did Hello Disaster ever interact with any of the following: the Ultras, Motorcycle Boy, Hangmen, or Miniskirt Mob?
K BOMBAY: Yes we did. All of those bands were our contemporaries. The Ultra's were on the same bill as Birdland dates we did in Hollywood. Motorcycle Boy we've known forever and the Miniskirt Mob were our girls. If you ever have a chance to see our video for "Native Son" we actually have Jackie and Martie singing back up in the clip.
DIMITRI: Who were the Imps?
K BOMBAY: The Imps were a band fronted by my good friend Josh Fields. Great pop songs in the style of Nick Gilder and The Babys.
DIMITRI: What was it like working with Gilby Clarke, who was also involved in two of my other alltime fave groups - Candy and Beat Angels.
K BOMBAY: Gilby was totally cool. What's great about Gilby is that he always seems to give back and help out. I guess it's his good karma.
DIMITRI: Who were 86 Demons?
K BOMBAY: 86 Demons was my post-Hello Disaster band that actually featured Wax and Jason from HD. We were managed by Peter Asher who ran Apple Records in the 60's for the Beatles and for a second we thought we were actually going to do something. Once again, fate stepped in and said "No, not this time".
DIMITRI: What are Bangkok Five like-I'm under the impression that Bam and Share dig 'em.
K BOMBAY: The Bangkok Five was Brian from Hello Disaster's most recent band. They've just put out a new CD and have toured all over the world and are making quite a stir. But you should also check out Brian's new band - Pistols For Ringo http://www.myspace.com/pistolforringo Very cool stuff.
DIMITRI: Did you ever see Broken Homes, or Badge?
K BOMBAY: Marc Ford is one of my favorite guitarists and I consider Muddy a friend.
DIMITRI: Please discuss Electrolux...
K BOMBAY: Electrolux has to be my favorite group that I've ever played with. From a guitarist/songwriter stand point, I was given complete freedom and it was in this band that I found my guitar style. I truly found a "voice" and I just ran with it. I got to tap into my "inner English guitar player". I was basically channeling guitar parts from Siouxie, PIL, Echo and The Bunnymen and the Cult but at the same time making them my own.
DIMITRI: Ever see the Coma-Tones?
K BOMBAY: Yes, I did. We actually were on a few bills together.
DIMITRI: What were the NY Dolls like as people?
K BOMBAY: Never really got to meet them. I've met Sylvain on a few occasions. But I think it was my run in with Johnny Thunders that ruined everything for me. My friend Tony was an old friend of Johnny's and he was putting together a back up band for him. He was to play a solid month at English Acid and needed a band. So Tony calls me up and asks if I want the gig – Of course I say yes and I was given a set list to learn. I spent all week learning the songs and getting everything together. As I'm packing my car to go down to the first rehearsal, Tony calls me up. He says, "hey what's up? And I tell him that I'm loading my gear and I'll see him in a 1⁄2 hour. Tony then says, "don't bother. Johnny's missing and he's ripped off all of our cash". I'm like , "What the FUCK ?" Apparently, he jumped off the wagon, stole everyones cash and went on a dope binge for about 2 weeks.
After he sobered up and apologized to everyone (you also have to take in mind, he missed those gigs as well) I was asked to come down again. And I said no. I was completely over it. My hero was a fuck up and it was a little hard to deal with – as all junkies are. The funny thing is, he had the Couch Sluts fill in and they were great. Never did get to meet Thunders though.
DIMITRI: Were you a fan of Hanoi Rocks, or Lords Of The New Church?
K BOMBAY: I was more of a Lords fan. Stiv is god.
DIMITRI: What did you think about Astbury fronting the Doors?
K BOMBAY:I think it makes more sense than that asshole from Creed.
DIMITRI: Ever see the Joneses?
K BOMBAY:Yes, I have. Many a time. My buddy Eden from Motorcycle Boy is currently playing bass with them and his having a blast. It's good to see some of the bands from "back in the day" taking a 2nd shot and playing again.
DIMITRI: One of my ex guitarists loves Meat Puppets. How did you hook-up with Curt Kirkwood?
K BOMBAY: Curt was signed to the label I run – Little Dog Records. He and my boss go way back. My boss, Pete Anderson produced the 2nd Meat Puppets CD. One day at the studio we were listening back to tracks and Pete says to me, "Are you ready" and I say "ready for what" and his response was, "You're playing on this track". The cool thing was, he didn't let me hear the track before I played. He just ran the song and what you hear is what I played. This is an old Brian Eno/David Bowie trick. They would have Adrian Belew come in cold and just play along to the song without any prior knowledge.
DIMITRI: Valentine Killers?
K BOMBAY: This is my roots rock band that I have with Charlie Overbey. Charlie used to front Custom Made Scare and is also currently in Deadbolt. Think Tom Petty with the NY Dolls as his back up band. It's really cool. You can hear tracks at the following: www.myspace.com/CharlieOverbey We have a West Coast tour booked for September opening dates for Country Legend David Alan Coe.
DIMITRI: No Thanks?
K BOMBAY: No Thanks started off as an excuse to drink beer and hang out with friends. And it's turned into the biggest money maker from all the projects I've ever been in. We play Punk Rock covers off the Rhino Records "No Thanks" box set. But slowly, we've been writing our own songs and we're having a blast. Last year, our song, "No Thanks" was used on the ESPN ESPY Awards and on the TLC Network. Check out our myspace page: www.myspace.com/NoThanksTheBand
DIMITRI: Star No Star?
K BOMBAY: SNS was my band after Electrolux. It's essentially the singer from Electrolux – Bobby D. with Matt from Gwen Mars and Nick from Tuscaurora. I really do miss this band. We were all really close, and wrote some great music together.
This band was also a great learning experience, as it allowed me to learn how to put my ego aside, and learn how to work with people, and not try force what I thought was the right way to run a band. Working with Matt Westerfield allowed me to think about arrangements and playing the right part for the songs. www.myspace.com/starnostar
DIMITRI: You've played for so many different bands, what are your proudest artistic achievements, to date?
K BOMBAY: I would have to say everything that I've been apart of. As I learned a lot from every project I've been attached to. Actually, playing with Tony and Greg from The Nervous Return last year in a band called Hearing Things was pretty cool. These guys totally made me a better player and kicked my ass. It was a different situation that I was not familar with and it brought my game up. www.myspace.com/hearingthingsmusic
DIMITRI: One suspects you guys were hip to 80's political punk groups like Clash, Killing Joke, New Model Army. What are your views on the war and American politics, currently?
K BOMBAY: All the political views in Hello Disaster were Brian's. He definitely was in touch with what was happening around him during that time. As for me, I may have not agreed with his views, but I was willing to defend them at a moments notice. He definitely opened up my eyes to the world around me, and made me aware that there was more to our world than our little rock and roll bubble that we lived in.
DIMITRI: Current events? Plans For The Future?
K BOMBAY: To keep on playing guitar with anyone and everyone. It's all about the art and the creativity. And please check the No Thanks and Valentine Killers website for our summer schedules.
DIMITRI: Current bands whose SONGS really reach you?
K BOMBAY: No one at the moment. My iPod is currently filled with the new Siouxsie CD, a new band from San Francisco called Medieval Kenieval, and the current Charlie and The Valentine Killers demos.
DIMITRI: Most under-rated groups of all-time?
K BOMBAY: Hello Disaster.
DIMITRI: Will Hello Disaster ever reunite to make another record?
K BOMBAY: It's funny, I'm on speaking terms with all the guys, and if the chance came up, I would do it in a heart beat. But I doubt it will happen. There were a lot of egos bruised, and some fucked up things said and done. But I wouldn't completely rule it out. Actually, for my birthday a few years ago, we did get together and play a few songs, but it wasn't the same. We didn't have Shaun Kama sing. We used his replacement, who I was still friends with at the time. Regardless, it was cool as hell, and it brought up a lot of great memories.
DIMITRI: Shaun Kama, call Kevin, or Brian, please.
www.myspace.com/vivahellodisaster
Kevin Sepriano
Director of Sale/Marketing
www.LittleDogRecords.com
(-DIMITRI SUGARBUZZ USA IS STILL LOOKING FOR THAT BAND!)