I have known Steve for a little over 5 years I first met him from my friends Los Gattos I had already known of his band The Glass Heroes who are are played often on whatever68.com he was part of the Whatever68 5 year celebration fest and has been an active supporter of Whatever68 and I since we met,he is encouraging,inspiring and a great friend to all currently he is rockin with the U.S. Bombs a band most of us know and love,he also creates some amazing art go check out all him projects on social media and go to a show!
Steve: Hey hi Lisa, and thanks for having me! This is the perfect time for the interview as I'm in the thick of things currently. Right in the middle of a major US tour with the US BOMBS. 27 dates in 31 days. Hanging on the tour bus right now, parked outside the Brighton Bar in Long Branch, New Jersey for tonight's show. We're in glide right now finishing up the East Coast leg, then working our way back to the West Coast. It's pretty cool! Seeing a lot of our beautiful country and some weather too. The shows have been hot and sweaty and, the people are really digging what we're bringing to them! We've also introduced four new songs, two of which are Clash covers! The other two are originals. There's a lot of love on the bus and, we all look out for each other. Pretty tight unit both on and, off the stage. Plans following this Tour is to jump on the Warped Tour, with some regional shows set up out West, then Europe this Summer. New full length out by year's end. 2018 we're gonna be busy. We're on Slope Records now and they're the best label! Tom Lopez is bringing the craziness and fun back to the mix. You watch, Slope is here to stay, and not playing around. It's pretty real. I gotta phone call from Tom last August to jump on a West Coast Tour with the US BOMBS. I had 96 hours to get the set down, hooked up with the Tour in San Bernardino at the It's Not Dead Fest 2, 17,000 people! What a rush, no time to think, just go! Loved it, totally living in the moment. So I'm two tours deep now and so much more to come. The name of this tour is The Cold War Tour 2018. Life is strange, I'd met Duane Peters several times through the years, was on some of the same bills as his band's were. Never crossed my mind I'd be his bass player, holding down the bottom end as we slug it out on the road. He's a real sweet guy, gotta great heart! Total pro. He made me feel welcome from go.
Punk Globe: Can you tell us about your Art?
Steve: Sure thing Lisa. My art, like my music is Punk Rock, and like the music has taken me to different parts of the US. What an amazing journey, never would have imagined. It was terrific meeting you and your family when you had us out for the W68 5 year anniversary in San Diego! You even had us over for bagels and coffee the following morning! So cool Lisa, thank you again. One thing that really struck me was how tight the scene was and, all who were there, were there for the same reason, to celebrate the 5 years! Was pretty powerful to me and made quite the impression. I started collaborating with a pal, Despo in 2014 and, that for me was when it began. Was definitely a life saver at the time. I was between musical projects and found it a great creative outlet! Same as the music, I'm able to express myself as I see fit. 2017 for me was Solo work which I just love too! Actually had three Solo shows last year and sold several pieces. I've never taken a lick of art class or lessons, I just let it come out as it pleases my eye. Last September I was invited to Douglas, AZ to meet some high school kids by my dear friend Mark Silverstein who's their teacher. Art students, Music students, and recording students. There were about 20 strong, we met at a coffee shop one Saturday afternoon. For those who aren't aware, Douglas is a border town on the Mexican border. I took down some of my art, spun Punk Rock 45's and met the kids. Talk about some raw talent! Each and every student, showed me their art, music and poetry. I was blown away and the experience was so rewarding and fulfilling! They want me to come back after I get off this tour. When I paint I feel childlike, joy, peace, creative, some serenity and love. Just like playing music, it fills me.
Punk Globe: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist in the art/music industry?
Steve: I don't know about challenges so much. But thru my career going back to '77 there's been many sacrifices along the way. Family, jobs, any schooling I may have pursued. Girls, sometimes even my health and freedom. I've been fortunate to have been active since '77. Always in a band, if not more than one at a time. The exception to that is when I was homeless or locked up. Those times totalled up to maybe like three or four years. Even thru a twenty year drug addiction I managed to somehow have gear and play. I suppose it would be fair to say, I was my biggest challenge during those years. No regrets. Again, I feel so fortunate to have had a long run, and I am busier than ever! Life is good. I've always been in a position to have been surrounded by strong and talented players which made it more fun for me, and learned from each and every one of them. I feel everything I've done in my over four decade musical career has prepared me for what I am doing today.
Punk Globe: You have been playing music for a long time can you tell us some of the changes you have seen?
Steve: Well, it is the digital age and, seems to make it so anyone can upload/download their music online and promote it a lot easier and cover a wider range of territory in seconds! Having said that, a lot of not so good material goes out there. The recording is no longer analog like it was once upon a time. Vinyl has it's niche, but there are so many outlets, and formats for today's musicians. Hell, it's a whole different world than what I grew up in. Not exclusively just the music. There was a time, when a musical group wrote, played and then had to go and shop their material around. That took a lot of legwork, and many many many gigs to be "discovered". Now some kid can sit in his or her room, record, make vids and promote the whole deal with just a couple of clicks. I suppose there's something to be said for the technology that makes it just so. I feel some of the heart has gone out of the music. Then of course just about the time I say that, a killer band comes along, or I go to a show and I heartened. Someone once said "three chords and the truth". Can't go wrong with that.
Punk Globe: Do you feel anything can be done to better the music/art scene?
Steve: Well, from what I've seen in my own experience, is that I've seen community, Artists working with other artists and, networking or collaborating. Same with the music, I've seen some bands stick together and travel from town to town as a package deal one might say. On the other side of that coin, I've seen a lot of competition, and it can be ruthless at times. I do know that competition is healthy and the best rise to the top. I'd say it's what one's own personal goals are in the areas of art and music. Many people are content to paint, draw, write or whatever for themselves and if anyone else likes it, or perhaps even buys some, that is a bonus. Some musical groups are content playing at their once a month gig perhaps. So, it's what one's intent may be. I'd also say unity and encouraging one another is healthy, and it's up to the oldsters like myself to help the next generation. Share our experience and whatnot. I had the fortune to have some older successful musicians in my life when I was coming up. Glen Buxton was like my mentor on many levels and a helluva guy. R.I.P. GB.
Punk Globe: What/who inspires you?
Steve: My son is an inspiration for me. He's my hero. Definitely inspires me to keep going. I have a lot of gratitude to be able to participate at the level I currently am. That in itself inspires me to take the best of care of myself as I possibly can. I don't look to stop anytime soon. My closest and dearest friends also inspire me, encourage me to keep going. That is a thrill for me, and when I see the happiness and joy someone sincerely has following a performance, that keeps my fuse lit! When I see a guy like Charlie Harper, or another first gen like myself still out there slugging it out in the circuit, that inspires me. I gotta tell you, that gives me a swift kick in the pants to keep on going! I love it. Very inspirational and it drives me Lisa. Life itself inspires me, meeting new people, seeing new places, trying new foods. Just having another day to walk amongst you, inspires me. Cliche or not, that is the truth for this guy. I didn't think I'd see 25, so to still be here and relevant is so amazing, and I'm enjoying the ride.
Punk Globe: Who are some of your favorite bands?
Steve: Gee, I'm a diehard. Stuck in 76-79. So for me it's The Ramones, Dead Boys, Pistols and, that first burst of energy that came out. The Stooges. Love The Vibrators, great guys as well. Have a soft spot for Joe Strummer and Mescaleros. Lately I've been getting into The Bones. I dig their sound and, have been liking some of The Professionals new stuff. I like most of the first run of NYC bands. Lou Reed, The Dolls, Germs a lot. I'm a glam refugee, so Mott The Fuckin Hoople, T-Rex. I like some of the Oi! bands too. The Business, Peter and The Test tube Babies, Major Accident, Sham, I like a lot of The Trojan catalog as well. Again, I've been fortunate to have been on some bills with the groups I mentioned and met them.
Punk Globe: I really love The Glass Heroes do you think there will be a come back?
Steve: Thanks Lisa, that means a lot. What I can tell you is that for a couple weeks before I went on the road with The US BOMBS, The GLASS HEROES were hitting. So, we're blowing the dust off things and writing new material. We brought one of our old drummers, Jeff Bourne back into the fold so it's just a matter of time. We've been together since '91 and practically have grown up together. We each as individuals bring so much to the table. The front line has been together since day one. That in itself is quite amazing/ What's given us the longevity is that once in a while one of us will do another something something musically, but is seems it always comes back to The HEROES. We aren't going anywhere soon, that much I can tell you and I look forward to what 2018 brings us.
Punk Globe: Any art shows in the near future?
Steve: At this time I haven't any art shows booked, but I do draw and paint when time allows. Been quite busy with the BOMBS since I joined them last August. One thing I will say is that I'd like to get myself in a position to to make prints of my art and take it on the road with me when I'm touring. I've been feeling the itch to do a new series and from there I'd do a show. Maybe something local here in Phoenix. Most of my friends are artists or musicians, so that wouldn't be a hard thing to do.
Punk Globe: Can you describe the creating of your art?
Steve: Hmmmm, good question. Well the only rule is there are no rules. So that said, Anything goes. I don't wanna give up all my secrets! I suppose it's like anything else, getting a new tattoo and the like. There has to be an inspiration. At least that's how it is for me. A good muse helps quite a bit in that area. Once I start the process, I may not stop for hours and hours. But really, I just start doodling or moving paint around til it looks like something and I can expand on it. You know? What it kinda reminds me of is when I look to the sky and see the clouds. Many times I see images or animals and whatnot there. I know we all do. That happens often when I paint. Another factor for me is to have the time to not rush. Altho there is something to be said for speed drawing, painting or whatever. I enjoy the whole process of painting, and the colors themselves inspire me. Kinda like it creates itself. Hmmm, that's interesting.
Punk Globe: Any other hobbies/interests besides art and music?
Steve: I love cooking. I'm an old cook from my days in the restaurants. I'm an avid reader and especially enjoy Rock And Roll memoirs/biographies. Autobiographies. Speaking of books. I'm hoping to get the book I've worked on for some years published in 2018.
Punk Globe: Describe your dream show?
Steve: I'd say were I to be able to wave a magical wand it would be to be on the same bill with The Ramones 1977. Lisa, I've had so many highlights in my career. I mean the GLASS HEROES opened for the SEX PISTOLS, Met Joe Strummer several times and spent time with him here in Phoenix and Vegas. Been on bills with the Buzzcocks, Damned, MC5, Johnny Thunders, Lemmy, so very very many thru the decades. That's not to say I haven't any dreams. I mean there's a lot of the world I haven't played in. So that would be a dream. I suppose it would be to play live on Television in a stadium. Or bring my Grandmother back, Rest her Soul for one show. She used to come to my shows when I was a kid. I know she watches over me today...
Punk Globe: Any tours/shows/events you want us to be at?
Steve: Look for the US BOMBS on tour this summer for Warped. Hopefully we'll be playing a town near you. Europe? We're coming for you this summer too! Also, be on the lookout for a new BOMBS release on SLOPE records this year too!
Punk Globe: Any shout outs?
Steve: Wanna say hey to my brothers in The US BOMBS and GLASS HEROES! Wanna say thank you to Dr. Dave for keeping me alive until I could take The Hep C cure. Wanna say hey to my fans, friends and family. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Punk Globe: Tell us where on social media we can find you and your music
Steve: I am on the FB based in Phoenix - IG stevedavis1977. bandcamp has the US BOMBS, Slope records. Glass Heroes On Fervor records, TKO and FB. Myspace even. One can google me and my bands and voila! There ya go!
Punk Globe: Thanks for the interview and your continued support in all I do..
Steve: You're welcome Lisa and Punk Globe. It's been my pleasure. I appreciate the opportunity to bring you up to speed. Really, I wanna thank you as well for all you do for our community and all the energy and fun you bring to us whatever you do! I look forward to more down the line. Peace.
