Armageddon Beckoning Crooked J of The Skuzzies on pushing boundaries
by Chris Parcellin
When did you first join a band?
I was 8 years old, the choice was play guitar or skate and I sucked at the latter. I came from a rundown part of London and previously before the current government came to power there had been a big community effort to support local kids who wanted to pursue music but due to government cut backs this changed and by the age of 14 I had to stand on my own 2 feet A lot of the musicians who I had played with either got jobs or ended up in prison and so I became a DJ to support myself and carried on playing with all sorts of bands. By the time I was 19 I had toured America and Europe and learned the hard way which is if you don't keep your eyes wide open people will try and con you.

What kind of stuff where you doing in earlier bands?
Getting into trouble !!! At 14 I already had a reptuation as a good guitarist so I was kind of a young gun for hire. I was the only white boy in a reggae outfit and they had to sneak me into venues cos I was underage but as soon as I started playing my age became irrelevent. Later on I was in a band called Automata who were courted by Alec Empire and Trent Reznor.

Are there any particular singers who've been an influence on you?
Johnny Thunders, a twist of Tricky, Jim Morrison and Iggy Pop altho they are kind of one and the same, not forgetting Joe Strummer and Mick Jones for their passion and lyrics

What are your new band, The Skuzzies, like?
Even tho a lot of people consider us to be pretty punky we've got a much wider and darker remit. It ain't all 1 2 3 4!! We can count up to 10 !!!!! There's no one that can touch us in London when it comes to performing. Our songs are catchy, dramatic and direct. We're not scared of being controversial, most of the bands in the UK are so polite they practically apologise before getting on stage.

What's your songwriting process like?
Not like anyone elses !!!! (smile) It varies every time, drunk, sober, high or low, however the mood takes us.

Everybody's heard a million punk songs, is it hard to come up with ideas?
Yeah, everybody's heard a million punk songs but how many of those songs were truly outstanding? The best bands are the ones that every one remembers, that didn't limit themselves to a format like The Clash or even PIL. It's very important to push boundaries. As for ideas, we've got plenty.

What can you tell us about your latest CD? We'll be going into the studio to make an ep next month. We don't yet have a record deal but we do have interest and a legendary producer who will be working with us. Not Phil Spector so don't worry. (smile)

What do you think of the state of rock and roll?
Exactly that. It's a fucking state, here at least. I can't comment on the US. In the UK it's reverted back to the absurd, ridiculous and whacky. Iggy, Heartbreakers, Dolls, Clash, they all looked great, had something to say and weren't afraid. Currently there's a lot of bands in the UK who are derivative of mediocre artists from the 80's. I'd rather see a good hiphop show that refects real life than a bunch of rich kids playing brand new guitars, grinding out second hand riffs and singing about loose women.

What current bands do you like?
The Noisettes who we played with in the past, I like them because they have an individual sound and mix up genres. The Swankers are a great mob as well, a real rock and roll band and very entertaining.

What would be your advice to a new band who are just starting out? I'd probably ask them for advice !!!!!!

What's your message for today's youth?
Keep your eyes wide open, don't be a slave and don't give up your dreams. Unless of course you're full of shit.
© 2007 Chris Parcellin & D-FILED, All rights reserved.