Glue Gun have been
around for many years and the singer Bob is a man who does a lot
of things and here he have answered a very short interview
too….january-2016
Peter: Can you tell me a
little history of the group?
Bob: Glue Gun was formed
in 1991. I was living in Topanga Canyon, California at the time.
We put out a few compilations and a seven inch record on
Fearless. Our first full length album was on PoshBoy Records. A
few years later we put out our second on Fearless Records. We’ve
broken up, gotten together, changed a few members, but we’re on
solid ground now recording and playing regularly. Last week we
played at Punk Rock Swap Meet in Canoga Park, California with
Circle One. We’re on Facebook at facebook.com/gluegunoffical and
Twitter @gluegunpunk
Peter: Can you tell me
about the band members?
Bob: I’m Bob Oedy, I
play guitar in The Grim and sing in Glue Gun. I work as a Union
Organizer and like to write. Joey Rimicci is our guitar player,
he also plays in Jughead’s Revenge, Black Fag and Graveyard
Bandits. Joey has his own silk screen shop. Garrett Dyer plays
drums in Glue Gun and also The Grim. He works as a waiter at an
upscale restaurant and likes surfing. Jason Berkman plays bass.
He used to be in a band called Middle Ground. Jason is a
personal trainer.
Peter: I can hear many
different influences but mostly hardcore. What are your
favorites from the past?
Bob: Our influences are
mostly California hardcore bands we grew up listening too.
Circle Jerks, Black Flag, Dead Kennedy’s, Adolescents, China
White, Middle Class, but also bands like Kiss and others.
Peter: Glue Gun is a
good name but what’s the best band name you’ve ever heard?
Bob: There was a band
called “Death Valley Meth Lab” out here a few years ago. That’s
about the best band name I’ve ever heard.
Peter: What’s the best
part about playing live?
Bob: The crowd will let
you know if somethings working. There is an honestly to
performing in front of a group. It’s like instant feedback. We
played Punk Rock Swap Meet on Saturday and even though we had
some trouble with the sound system people dug it. They liked the
music and were supportive.
Peter: Where is the best
place to play?
Bob: Las Vegas is my
favorite. We have a show coming up in Las Vegas on March 12th
at The Bacon Bar. It’s going to be great sharing the stage with
other great bands like; Bad Advice from Leipzig Germany, The
Midnight Staggers and Hard Pipe Hitters. We’ve played in Las
Vegas half a dozen times and the fans are really into it.
Peter: What’s it like to
play in a band right now in the USA? What types of bands do you
play with?
Bob: It’s a great time
to be in a band! I treasure every minute of it. There were times
when I wasn’t able to book punk shows for one reason or another.
That’s all changed now. We tend to be put on bills with other
punk rock bands. In a way it constricting because people who
wouldn’t normally listen to punk are not being exposed to it,
but it’s good to play for people who appreciate our style of
music.
Peter: How would you
describe your music in three words?
Bob: Fast, loud and
heavy.
Peter: What does “punk”
mean to you?
Bob: Punk was a gift
wrapped in a plain brown wrapper. It’s an invitation to an
ordinary person like myself to jump in and participate. I was
never going to be a virtuoso on guitar, but I could learn a few
chords and make music. It means different things to different
people, but that’s what it means to me.
Peter: How do you see
downloading, mp3 and that stuff?
Bob: It’s great! Share
away. We want people to hear our music. We are not concerned
about getting paid.
Peter: What do you know
about Sweden?
Bob: We’ve never played
in Sweden, but would love to.
Peter: Have you heard
any good bands from Sweden?
Bob: I’m not that
familiar with bands from Sweden. I saw Shining play at The Roxy
in Hollywood. That’s about it. Maybe you could send me some
music to listen to.
Peter: You wrote a book
about Las Vegas punk life and things to do there, how did the
idea come up?
Bob: The book is called
The Punk Rock Las Vegas Survival Guide; beer bowling and
debauchery Las Vegas style. I attend a punk rock festival out
there every year over Memorial Day weekend. On the drive home, I
decided to write a book to help punks find the best deals and
have the most fun. Too many people go to Las Vegas but don’t
take full advantage of all the town has to offer. It’s geared
towards punks who bowl.
Peter: As front man for
Glue Gun what are some of the things you’ve done to get your
audience going?
Bob: At Punk Rock Swap
Meet I threw fake money into the crowd. I also put a television
on my head. At the end of the song I put it on a member of the
audience. He went into the pit with it on. We’ll do whatever it
takes to get and keep people’s attention.
Peter: What are your plans for Glue Gun?
Bob: We are in the
studio right now. We’re recording songs for a split seven inch
on D-Tour Records and a full length later in the year. We want
to keep playing shows and eventually do some touring; perhaps
Sweden!