by Ryan Settee.

Vancouver's Black Halos are one of my all time favorite bands. They always put on a helluva live show, and they are some of the most genuine people out there, in the music industry's sea of phonies and fakes. While they were never the most accomplished musicians, they made up for any deficiencies in grit, drive, determination, and sheer personality. When Billy Hopeless sings, man, you know that it's the Black Halos!

As a result, they earned everything that they had achieved, through the good old fashioned way of going out, busting their asses, and speaking to their fans one on one, in the venue that matters the most these days--live, and in the flesh. The Black Halos speak for a likeminded generation of misfits who don't fit into society-- the fans who like their punk/ rock stars to be gloriously imperfect, as well.

Recently reunited, nearly a year and a half after breaking up the band around December of 2001, I had alot of questions about what the band was up to, and what's in store for their future. I recently did an interview with the Black Halos' lead singer/ mic swinger, Billy Hopeless, in an attempt to get some of these questions answered. As a fan, I tried to ask some of the questions that most 'Halos fans would perhaps ask.

I was so glad to hear that you guys are back together. What inspired you to get the Black Halos back up and running?
The faithful people of spain demanded our return, and honestly for me, I put the blame on our guitarist Davey French. After Rich (Jones, the original Black Halos guitarist) left, I couldn't imagine doing it without him, as he was my songwriting partner in crime and best friend since day one of the band. But Davey has filled the void that was left in my heart, in fact i'd say its overfilled and spewing . He's definetely a Halo......it's kinda like finding a brother you never knew you had !

I know that the old members, bass player Matt Camirand and guitarist Rich Jones didn't rejoin. Who are your new comrades, and what have they brought to the group?
Well I just talked about Davey, and as for bassists, well we just lost one, as I dont think it was right for him and let's face it-- I wouldn't wish this life upon anyone, but I admire anyone who can endear and embrace it!

I noticed that you guys have been opting for a rougher, more '77 punk look, at least at the recent Zoo gig in Winnipeg that I saw you at, rather than the sorta glam look. Does that mean that you'll be opting for a rougher, '77 punk sound, as well?
We've never really been glam.... I mean we wear eye liner but so did Alice Cooper and the Misfits. As for clothes? Well, we wear what we want and my hair, well I just wanted a change! We just write what we feel and love, but I havent really felt like a drastic change is coming. I guess the best way to explain it is we've always done what we want, and if people like it that's cool. If they don't, that's fine as long as we're happy, that's all that matters. We're self serving pricks all the way!

You guys played a couple of new songs at the recent gig here. I liked them. How many more do you have written?
We're up to about 6 that we're jamming, but Davey just keeps writing more riffs than we get a chance to work on. He's a machine that's run amok !

You stated recently, that you are recording some demos, or are about to. Who is going to be doing them, and do you have any candidates for who is going to be recording the actual upcoming album?
As it has always been with the Halos, everything is confidential top secret info until we're done, then we'll make sure the world hears about it. We've got some great offers, but until the tracks are down and the deal is done, our lips are tight.

You guys are no longer on SubPop, and don't even have a label, right now. Undoubtedly, you have probably had some offers, though. Are you waiting for the right label that won't interfere too much with your stuff?
Yeah, yah know we just want to be on a label who can treat us in the manner we ain't accustomed to, plus integrity is always job one.

I've always heard a few comments from people, that they think that the Black Halos are "overrated" or "boring". I could never understand that. And then there are those people out there that say that you tour too much!! What do you have to say to those people?
I don't think we got enough hype, I still think we're like a dirty little secret. As for touring too much, well, it's a big world and we love drinking, bleeding, sweating and pissing all over it. We're just a bunch of degenerate losers in a van that keeps breaking down, trying to get as many free drinks and meals as we can.

You mentioned that a few fans travelled from Osaka, Japan, to see one of your recent gigs. Was this in Vancouver, and....man you must have been impressed with that, having fans travel that far to see you!
I want to go to Japan!!!! Naw, that was in Los Angeles, and I was kinda dumbfounded, yet honoured. They're in a band and they cover (the Black Halos song) "Some Things Never Fall"! It really gives yah a great slap on the back of the head, and sorta says 'hey youve affected people'.

That brings me to another point. The Black Halos have always had a very, very hardcore group of fans that will drive/fly long distances to see you guys. What are some of the furthest distances that people have travelled to see you, where you say "wow!"?
I think Japan has taken the record. I just think its cool to know that there are some people who love the band as much as I do.

Ok, you worship at the alter of Stiv Bators, Johnny Thunders, David Johansen and Iggy Stooge, or at least from what i've heard. I hear their styles in your own style, so what importance have these guys had on you, and who's your favorite of them?
I like alot of music, like right now, i'm hooked on Nazareth. I just believe in the religion of rock n' roll, and I commit nightly sacrifices to keep it alive. There's been so many great deities, that I can't choose just one to praise. It's like Mike Maker (of the band The Makers) said, 'i'll never understand the reason why they look up to the stars and not the sky!'. This is pretty amazing, though... I just saw Rocket From The Tombs, and Cheetah Chrome told me he loves our band, so now weve been complemented by Jeff Magnum and Cheetah Chrome-- two living Dead Boys !

Do you guys have a website up? I can't seem to find one. Where can one go about enquiring about your tour dates? I know that your most recent show here had no promotion, and little postering (if any).
We're working on it, but I guess there's the Friendster thing where you can find the Black Halos and me and Jay and become our Friendsters, or there's the Black Halos Yahoo group, as well as my own Undeground Yahoo group! We're just to busy trying to get the new songs done, the skateboards made and our bar tabs paid!