Georgia rockers, the Black Lips are not shy on stage or off. Known for their outlandish shows (that usually include, nudity, vomiting, instruments on fire, etc) the band have formed a cult like following, getting recognition from Rolling Stone and Spin and even performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The band in back in their hometown and are playing Terminal West this Saturday. Lead vocalist and guitarist Cole Alexander joined us for our 5GB series before their show.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
I think my mom took me to a couple concerts when I was little but the first one I got to see more on my own accord was Nirvana at the Omni. The Breeders played as well. I was like 11 years old so me and my buddy had to go with his dad. We were so happy to be there though, all the kids seemed older and strung out. There was a barrier somewhere made of glass and I remember kids licking it. The kids also had this weird ritual before the show where they sat in circles Indian Style and did patty cakes and stuff. Nirvana ripped! They destroyed their instruments but the music lives on in our hearts even after the instruments were destroyed.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Hmm hard to say. We did a good gig a little while back in Austin at the Fun Fun Fun Fest. We pulled out all the stops – we had pyro technics, burning instruments, and we put these really expensive pheromones in our fog machine and they made all the kids really horny. There was like a strange chemical reaction, plus there was a full moon. I had a liquid laugh from breathing in too much of the male pheromones.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Charles Bradley in Australia. He is a soul singer, he plays with dudes from the Budos Band. It’s what I imagine it might have been kind of like to see James Brown back in his hey day.
Gig you would most like to play?
The Fox Theater in Atlanta.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Us and the Stones! Kind of a generic answer, sorry.
Catch the Black Lips Saturday May 12th at Terminal West
