Thunderbrew
Skeeter speaks...
By Reb Sixxx
(SugarBuzz International)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Thunderbrew is busting straight out of Wilmington Delaware and is about to land in your face.
I recently sat down with Skeeter, the singer of this hell on wheels band, and talked to him about his band. The motel room was littered with band gear, empty beer bottles, and stale smoke still lingered in the air. He was quite charming, and drunk as hell. The man definitely loves his band, his music, and his beer.
SB: So Skeeter, let's start at the beginning. What are the names of all your band members and what instruments do they play?
Skeeter: "Well, I'm on vocals and lead guitar, and there's Lasko on lead guitar, Bob Beird on bass, and Dan (Cecil) Kwasizur on drums."
SB: Cool, and how long has each member been playing their instrument?
Skeeter: "Holy shit, 20+ years!"
SB: (laughs) We're all getting old, eh? So in one word, describe your band member's personalities:
Skeeter: "Intoxicating!" (laughs)
SB: (laughs) Perfectly answered! Gotta love the wit. So when and where was Thunderbrew formed?
Skeeter: "The band formed in Wilmington, Delaware in 1999. After countless beers, we decided this was too much fun to quit." (laughs)
SB: (laughs) What's the first song you ever wrote?
Skeeter: "I'd have to say it was a tune called, "Mother Earth", that was off our first album which is no longer in print."
SB: Maybe it needs to be back IN print. So where was the first gig you ever played and to how many people?
Skeeter: "Our first gig as Thunderbrew was in some girls back yard. A lot of senior citizens showed up too. I think it was a birthday party. Most people that day just stared at us like we were from another fuckin' planet! I know deep inside they wanted to bang their heads and stage dive from their walkers though. (laughs) We were told to turn down only twice. Man, what a kick ass gig!"
SB: (laughs) Now that's a visual. I feel my arthritis flaring up just thinking about it. (laughs) So where was the last gig you played and to how many people?
Skeeter: "Our last show was back home here in Delaware and a couple hundred people showed up to welcome us back. We love the people here and they support us. We always throw a good show on for everyone. Our fans drink a lot of damn beer!" (laughs)
SB: (laughs) Beer and good music is always a good thing. So what is it about Thunderbrew that is different than all the rest?
Skeeter: "We don't go by the rules, especially writing songs. We sound like ourselves and people agree that it's our music that draws the crowd to the show or our websites. We never forgot where we came from, we love our fans, sign everyone's CD, and make sure we go out of our way to welcome them to our outings. Fans make your career happen; let them know you appreciate them."
SB: I love that attitude. What are your current plans and future plans?
Skeeter: "We are writing our 4th and best CD now. We are scheduled to be in the studio by fall and back out on the road by January 2008. This tour we should be doing a small bit on the West Coast along with a week or so in Europe. We can't fuckin' wait!"
SB: I bet! That'll be great! So out of curiosity, has Thunderbrew done any benefits of any kind?
Skeeter: "We do "Ride for Dime" every year in honor of one of the best musicians that ever lived. We all know I speak of Dimebag Darrell. The proceeds go to various kids organizations. We have done breast cancer benefits, raised money for people to adopt children, we were involved in benefits for MS supported by Montel Williams. You name it. We have raised cash for a lot of people in need."
SB: Man, I totally LOVE that! That's awesome. Dime rules, too. So what have been your biggest triumphs and successes?
Skeeter: "We have done a lot of things that were cool. I'd say touring all over has been the best decision we have ever made. We've gotten a chance to play with National and Regional acts that whoop tons of ass. I would have to write a band diary to tell you everything, but who knows? Maybe a book in the future called, 'Drunks On the Run; The Wicked Stories of a Metal Band on Tour'." (laughs)
SB: (laughs) That's a hell of a title. What about your biggest barriers and disappointments?
Skeeter: "Van trouble sucks, chicks that wanna stay fully dressed all night. That sucks. Clubs that have no stage or lights, people that want free hand outs. 'We just drove 300 miles, buy the fuckin' CD, ya cheap bastard!' (laughs) Club owners that want us to play for free beer, and girls that only have one rotten tooth, that smell like an old tuna can dipped in turd sauce. That's breath that only a wounded buzzard could enjoy, my friend!" (laughs)
SB: (laughs) Oh man! Ewww. (laughs) So moving right along, for those that have never heard of Thunderbrew, how would you define your music?
Skeeter: "We have a heavy and clean sound at the same time. I sing the vocals instead of screaming, even though screaming is indeed cool, too. We have 2 shred guitar players that work perfectly together. The bass and drums are a team as well. I always liked the sound of 4 guys playing separate parts. Bands in the 70's did that a lot. We are also focused on writing the best songs we can, not just a cool guitar riff. We take a long time writing, but the final results are worth it. When I listen to a band, I wanna hear the whole album kick ass! We like to throw down like that."
SB: I totally agree. So what was your initial reaction from fans and how does that compare to now?
Skeeter: "The first fans we made are still fans today! Fans and friends have said, "you guys have mastered your sound". We've never changed how we write; we just got better at it. We will never change our style but we will continue to write songs that you would not expect from us. I hope that make sense. I'm drinkin."
SB: I see that and it does. (laughs) What is Thunderbrew's stance on how you treat your fans and groupies?
Skeeter: "We treat them like Kings and Queens. As far as I'm concerned, that is the way you are supposed to treat them."
SB: Again, great attitude. So who or what has inspired you the most?
Skeeter: "My band mates, our fans, and anyone who is successful because of hard work."
SB: And what other bands have influenced you?
Skeeter: "Pantera, Black Sabbath, Clutch, Led Zep, Iron Maiden, Old Metallica, Down, Megadeth. Too many to name."
SB: Love those bands. So how has Thunderbrew changed your life?
Skeeter: "It has done nothing but make my life enjoyable. I wouldn't change a thing."
SB: I know this is a lame question, but what is it like being on the road and touring?
Skeeter: "Un-fuckin' believable! Love it! That will be explained in the book that we will write!" (laughs)
SB: (laughs) I can't wait to read it. So in closing, what is the one main thing you want to say to the people reading this?
Skeeter: "Support your favorite bands, no matter who it is. Go see them play as often as you can. Life is too short to sit on the fuckin' couch. Come out and see us live if you wanna know what you're missing out on. Find us on Myspace too and join in on the most fun you'll ever have. The people are great, friendly, half-drunk MF's and we will keep it that way as long as we are a band."
Skeeter has kindly given you all a chance to download Thunderbrew for FREE! Click HERE to get your hands on their tune, "Hell's Too Full". I personally think this band is kick-ass and they've put the "KICK" back in "ass-KICKing". Go check them out. You'll be glad you did.