Tank Shot is a really good german punkband.
Their guitar player Holm answered all the
questions. December-2018
Please tell me a little bit history of the group?
- I got a message on my cell phone from Björn
aboout two years ago. He asked, if I would like
to form a new band with him and his wife
Kirsten. I have known Björn and Kirsten for a
long time and in the past we often talked about
the idea to make music together. So I said let`s
give it a try.
Please tell me a little about every member in
the group right now, age, family, work,
interests and something bad about everyone?
Earlier bands? Other bands on the side?
- I started to make music when I was about 13.
With 14 I formed with schoolmates my first punk
band called “inoffiziell”. Then in 1987 I formed
another punk band called “Cripples”. Through the
years there were several other bands like “Sanitys
Dawn”, “Melones”, “Guts n Glory”,
“Testosteron”,... . I have two children, I am 51
years old and I produce machine parts at my tool
shop. My interests are music, from rock to punk.
And instruments.
I can hear much different influences but mostly
punk and a little UK82 etc? Favorites from the
past?
- I think, our songs are very unique. Every song
has got something different compared to other
songs. For sure there are influences from the
80s. That time was our youth. My favorites of
the past are “Ramones”, “Cockney Rejects”, “Sham
69”, “Slaughter And The Dogs”, “G.B.H”, “Chron
Gen”, “Exploited” and all the other bands from
the late 70s to the early 80s.
Tank Shot are you satisfied with the name? How
did it came up? You weren’t afraid that some
other band would be named like this? Which is
the best bandname you know?
- Björn came up with the name. As I first heard
it, I thought it would fit perfect for a
HC Band, but I still like the name for us.
What´s the best thing with playing live?
- We´re rehearsing a lot, we take the music
seriously, so it`s a real good feeling to put it
all out in front of the audience. It`s fun, but
it`s serious fun. It has to be professional. The
crowd pays to see us, so they should get some
value for their hard earned money. For me it`s a
very good feeling to see the satisfied faces in
the audience.
And where is best to play? And the worst place?
- The places we`ve played were all ok in my
opinion.
How is to play this sort of music in Germany
right now? Which types of bands do you have
concerts together with?
- There is still a good scene in Germany, many
old faces but a lot of new ones too. We play
mostly with other punk bands. We supported for
example “Adolescents” from the US and “Cock
Sparrer” from Britain.
How would you describe your music in three words?
- Catchy, from-the-heart, unique
What does punk mean to you, is it only a word or
is it a lifestyle?
- Definitely a lifestyle.
How do you see on downloading, mp3 and that
stuff?
- Not my cup of tea...
How is it to live in Germany right now?
Politically? Fascists?
- For me it is a good living in Germany. There
is political idiots in every country. I don`t
care too much about politics.
Is there any good bands from Germany now? Is the
punkscene/hardcorescene big? How is it in your
hometown?
- The scene is still alive and there are still
good bands in Germany.
What do you know about Sweden? What have you
heard about our government and election?
- I don`t know too much about Sweden.
Have you heard any good bands from Sweden?
- I know some old bands like “Driller Killer”, “Nasum”,
“Wolfbrigade”, “Mob 47”, “Disfear”.
Your lyrics, who does them and what influences
you? Is it easier to do lyrics now or was its
easier to do it when you was younger?
- Björn writes all the lyrics. And he does it
very well.
Do you think that music(lyrics and so on) can
change anyones life, I mean people who listens
to music?
- When you`re young, the music and lyrics
could be very important for your future life. I
still know many, many lyrics from the early 80s.
I can say, they have really influenced my life,
my opinions.
Your cover on your CD looks really nice, is it
important to have a record cover which shows
people which type of music you play? Your
favorite recordcover? Who does your covers? And
do you have any good recordstores in your
hometown?
- The cover artwork was done by of our bass
player Baumi´s girlfriend. I like the cover. On
the back of the cover you can see a photo of us,
I think it`s important to have some
pictures of the people who are responsible for
the music on the record. I like the cover
artwork from “Oi!-the album”. We have some good
record stores like “Rockers”, “Monster Records”
and “25 Music”.
Is it important to get out physical records of
your stuff? Why or why not? Vinyl, CD, cassette,
what do you prefer if you could choose whatever
?
- I think vinyl, MCs and CDs are still important.
Please tell me a funny thing which have happened
during your career and under some gig?
- Nothing special, I think....
How does your audience look like? Which people
do you miss on your concerts? Which is the
biggest band you ever have played together with?
- In the audience you got many different looks.
There are punks, skins, HC kids and some
“normal” people too. The biggest band so far was
“Cock Sparrer”.
Please rank your five favoriterecords, five
favoriteconcerts?
- LPs: Ramones-Road to Ruin, Cockney Rejects-Greatest
Hits Vol. II, Red Alert-We,ve got the Power,
Carcass-Symphonies of Sickness, Peter and the
test tube babies-Pissed and proud. Concerts:
Ramones 1985 Hamburg, UK Subs 1982 Hannover,
Dead Kennedys 1982 Hannover, Die Alliierten 1982
Hannover, Carcass 1992 Hamburg
First, last and most expensive record ever
bought?
- First record: The Sweet-Hellraiser 7”, last
and most expensive record: Ramones-Road to ruin
40th anniversary
Is it boring with interviews? Is it much
interviews?
- It`s always a small journey through my life.
There are not many interviews.
Do you care about reviews? Which is the most
peculiar you ever had, with this band or any
other band you have been to?
- I care about reviews. It`s interesting to read
how people you don`t know personally think of
you and your music.
Which bands to people compare you to, is it
boring that people compare to other bands or is
it understandable?
- There are always many different influences in
everyone`s music. It`s understandable that
people mention bands they compare us to.
If you could choose five bands from the past and
the history and nowadays and both dead and
living bands to have a concert together with
your band. Which five have you been chosen?
- Ramones, Slaughter and the Dogs, Infa Riot,
Sham 69, Red Alert
Is music a good way to get out frustration and
become a nicer person outside the music??
- I think it is. Music is a very creative thing
and could expand your horizon.
Which is the question you want to have but you
never get. Please ask it and answer it?
- No idea.
Futureplans for the band?
- More good concerts, writing and rehearsing new
songs for the next album.
For yourself?
- Getting older and older...
Wisdomword?
- I`m not wise....
Something to add?
- Thanks for the interview.