TUFF

1. How did you get the nickname banger? 

My friends and I left school to walk to the store for lunch! I tried to jump a fence and fell face first onto the ground after my shoelace got caught on the top of the fence! As I was falling my friend yelled out “Hanseter” (my real last name), then someone said, “Handbanger.” Then it got shortened to “Banger.”

2. What do you remember from the TUFF days?

The old Tuff days will go down as some of the best times of my life as a musician. The current Tuff days are good times too, but when I was in my early 20s things seemed to be so much easier. Maybe it’s just youth in general that leaves you a bit more careless. Today I am much more concerned about every detail. I was then too, but I think it just taunts me more.

3. How successful were TUFF in the late 80’s?

 On a local (Los Angeles) level we were HUGE! On a Regional level (West Coast) we were bigger than most. When it came to a National or International following we still didn’t have a record deal until 1990, so we were limited to how big we could become. I think Tuff had a fairly large under ground (cult-like) following who knew of us for years before our debut in 1991.

4. Why did Tuff end their music trip ?

 Tuff (Myself & Jorge) decided to part ways in the fall of 1995 after nearly a decade. It was just time for a break. I started the band up again in 2000 with all new members and it’s been a fun time. We also recorded “American Hairband” with the new Tuff. It’s a great tune that pays tribute to the 80s Metal Genre. You can read more about it at http://www.tuffcds.com/

5. Are you in touch with the other TUFF members now?

Yes I talked to Michael Lean a few days ago. I left Todd Chase a message a few weeks ago but haven’t heard back yet. We all check in every few months. A few of the guys are married and a few have kids too. That is a much bigger priority than being in a band at this stage in their lives. I wish them all the best!

6. What is Steve doing with his solo career?

I released 2 solo CDs and had a solo band I played around the LA area with for a few years. I did some shows with Kip Winger, Gilby Clarke and a few other guys who were doing solo stuff at the same time.

7. Let us know about your contribution in SHAMELESS….

 Alex asked me to sing on part of each of his 3 releases. I did and it was a good time. I also did a short tour of Germany & Holland with them in late 2000.

8. A few years ago, it was published in the METAL RULES magazine a serious argument between you and the publisher, what really happened ?

 I think it started off as an e-mail. He asked some questions, I answered, and the next thing you know he’s ambushing me with some stuff about being a poseur, hairband, etc… I think I was going to send him CDs for review. He replied and said something like, “yeah we’ll see if it’s worth it” & then some real sarcastic remarks followed. This was after he gave me an address to send him free product. So, I replied by saying I wouldn’t bother sending it if he wasn’t sure it would be worth his while. Then he hurled a bunch of insults and weak ass threats at me.

9. What’s your opinion about Marilyn Manson?

I don’t know alot about him but I dig some of his tunes.

10. Do you think that nu metal scene reminds you something from the hard rock scene of the late 80’s ?

Yeah I think that there are about 20 bands today who are just as cookie-cuttered as the hairbands were. People started making comments about how Poison, Warrant, Firehouse, Slaughter, and 99% of Metal Edge all looked and sounded alike. To an extent, that was true. But in todays modern market the same thing holds true. The bands are running out of names too. We had Danger Danger, Dangerous Toys, Bang Tango & Bang Gang. Today you have Soil, Soilworks, Puddle of Mudd and Mudvayne! Not that these guys all look alike, but how many bands today have the ‘bald’ guy? Or the guy with the dreadlocks? Or the guy with the Fred Durst backwards cap? It’s no different than Bret Michaels, Jani Lane, Stevie Rachelle & Ted Poley all wearing handbands with our long blonde hair as frontmen! Todays sound, look and the whole delivery is saturated again. Korn was a first, Kid Rock is a true talent, and Pantera took over when Metallica went soft. As for the masses, I could careless. They’ll have a VH1 special for them too!

11. I know that you love skating, right ?

Yes, Skateboarding! I skate about 3-6 days a month at various skateparks in So. Cal.

12. Do you have any plans about touring?

I’m hoping to go back to Europe during 2003!

13. Any chance to see you live in Greece ?

Tell some promoters to bring us over, and we’re there!

14. When are we going to have new recordings from you and with whom ? Shameless or a solo work ?

I have several things a brewing right now!Stay tuned to Http://www.tuffcds.com  for updates! Or write to me at: Stevie Rachelle P.O. Box 371202 Reseda, CA 91337 USAThanks again, you guys rock , Stevie