By Jhoni Jackson
If all the garage-lovin’ power-poppers of today’s underground scene threw individual parties and you could only attend just one, I’d strongly suggest King Tuff’s shindig be your first choice. He’s not only one of the most consistently beloved pushers in the genre, but also seems to be having an exponentially more fun time than anybody else. Example: Last year at SXSW, KT and company wore American Gladiator style spandex stars-and-stripes getups. (Mind you, SXSW happens months before July.)
In the same vein as his first, …Was Dead, KT’s self-titled sophomore LP pummels you with party by way of soaring riffs and anthemic sing-a-longs. He’s even thoughtful enough to include a few comedown croons in there this time, like a goodbye gift-bag full of aspirins and Bloody Mary mix.
Come to think of it, I take back what I said. I would more than strongly recommend you pick Tuff’s party. I would use force if necessary. Really. Aren’t you glad that’s just a hypothetical situation? Me too.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Corrosion of Conformity at Pearl Street in Northampton, MA. I remember lots of dreadlocks and flashing green lights and chains.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Probably in my underwear with a guitar in front of my bedroom mirror.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Same. Bedroom mirror 😉
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Saturday Night Live so I could be in one of the skits.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Me and Natural Child opening for Tom Petty.
Hear the latest King Tuff single, “Screaming Skull,” here. Watch the silly-spooky video for “Bad Thing,” from his latest album, below.
King Tuff plays the EARL Thursday, Oct. 25, with mike watt and the missingmen and The Intelligence.
