Interview from Godsend 14 (1990)
NAKED RAYGUN were one of the finest of the Chicago post-punk rock bands, combining the power and aggression of the punk scene with melodic vocals and anthemic choruses. Their dynamic and influential sound paved the way for a large number of later bands. They split up in the early 90s, and just recently reformed. This interview with an unknown member of NAKED RAYGUN was conducted around 1990 via post by Todd Zachritz.
GODSEND (G)-How are you today?
NAKED RAYGUN (NR)-Not very well, actually. I have a headache. Pressure on the brain, muscle stiffness, a lack of REALLY strong painkillers..something like that. How about yourself? You don't look like you've had enough red meat. I am a doctor, you know.
G-On your already classic "Vanilla Blue" single, who's idea was it to do a song about Mr. (Slim) Pickens?
NR-Thank you. It was Eric's idea mostly. But we all loved Slim. Very American. It used to be a drinking song called "Whiskey", but the Slim Pickens angle laid that to waste fast enough.
G-Why did you guys do "Vanilla Blue" yourselves, as opposed to releasing it thru Caroline?
NR-Caroline hadn't signed us yet. We were really still doing stuff with Homestead, but we wanted to do one record all ourselves, to get everything just the way we wanted it, but the vinyl color was shit anyway.
G-How's the new album coming along? Will it be out soon?
NR-Yes, it is out now, of course, available ina record store near you. It's called "Understand?". I think it's chock full of bitchin' tunes. A lot of people think we're losing out edge, but you decide that for yourself.
G-What other artists/bands do you currently admire, like, or listen to?
NR-I personally, think that Pete Townsend is the world's greatest rock song writer (of all-time). I still listen to a lot of WHO records, "Quadrophenia" being my favorite. I liked GOVERNMENT ISSUE, I'm despondent over the split-up. I'd always felt there were many similarities between G.I. and N.RAYGUN. I wonder what that says about us?
G-What do you think of the current "straight-edge" movement?
NR-There's a place for everyone in music.
G-What are your opinions on the animal rights/vegetarianism issue?
NR-My girlfriend's a vegetarian. I eat heaps of red meat (compared to her). It's all part of the cycle of life. Do what you like, anyway.
G-Any closing comments?
NR-I have lost almost any faith in the media, from newspapers to television to fanzines like yourselves. Newspapers for their narrow views, TV for their arrogance, and fanzines for their naivete. Be honest, just, sensible, and, if your'e reporting about something, know everything about it. Critics can only give an opinion, and when you interview a band, you're asking their opinion. YOU have to make the decisions in YOUR life, so grab the bull by the balls, don't be a putz about things, go for it, taste the moment, grab for the gusto, bust your chops, smell the roses, look before you leap, he who hesitates is boss, life's a bitch until you rip her lungs out, and above all, live your life like Gomez Adams. Thank you. PS-Thanks for not asking where we got our name.