How did you decide to release the live album “Live Lightning”?
We had a discussion with Perris Records and thought it would be a great way to introduce the return of the band after a short hiatus. To gear up for a new one we have been working on.
What do you remember from the tour dates that you used for the release of the album?
We did a lot of dates over a couple years and recorded three of them and chose the best tracks from those shows. This album has a high level of energy that seeps through the tracks.You can feel the electricity between the band and the fans.
What are your current plans for touring?
We are currently booking shows across the states and we will have the itinerary soon for the fans.
Do you have plans for a new studio album as well?
We are also in pre-production writing mode and already have about 6-8 really killer songs that we are working on. We plan to release a new album early next year.
What do you remember from moving to Hollywood CA in late 1988 and trying to make a career?
It was a whirlwind, a circus ride to our dreams and a crash that would some day surly come. The Party Mode was always on 10 when we weren’t playing. But at the same time we needed discipline which we really did not have and we yet we somehow had to start getting serious to start recording our first album.
How did you manage to sign with Arista Records, do you remember these days?
Our manager Jay Malla played our demo tape and a home made video we had made to some labels and RCA offered us a demo deal for $15,000, but Arista’s A&R guy Randy Gerston said he though if we waited a little longer Clive Davis might sign us to a full album deal. So we kept playing and writing for about another 6 months before Clive said “okay I think they got it” now let me see the boys”, He came to L.A and we played a show at SIR studios and when we were done he jumped off the couch and said “Welcome to the Family Boys” I’ll never forget that.
Was this contract a beneficial one for your side, from the business perspective?
We thought so at the time, It was a million dollar 10 album deal so we thought we would go forever.. But you learn pretty fast the Record Co rules your world and your their Puppet!
Did the usage of your track “The Kid Goes Wild” in the film ROBO COP 2, boost the success of the band?
I think so in away, The song was already getting airplay and Sam Kinnison on the track help too. It’s a great closer to our shows! Fans love it!
What led to your departure from Arista Records?
Nirvana??? Grunge??/ Haha!! I think it killed us and every band like us. Put the nail in the coffin so to speak … I remember we were almost finished recording the “Nothing Sacred” tracks and I was watching MTV in a room at the studio when Nirvana first broke, and that video was awesome. But at the time I just thought they were another cool rock band. It wasn’t until we were on the road supporting the new record a few months later that I heard the term “Hair Band”, I didn’t know what the fuck people were talking about, I mean Nirvana’s hair was just as long as ours… so I really didn’t get it .. When your on the road your in a bubble, so while the the outside world is changing you don’t know what’s going on.. We were in Play/Party – Play/ Party mode every single night. So we were oblivious that the music scene was changing over night…
How do you adjust yourself to the current status of the music business?
It’s a ying and yang, good and bad thing. The record business has changed so much.. So we really just do what we do and play the music that we love and don’t think of it that much .. It does not stop us creatively or the way we approach our career.
