Interview with Jesse (singer) and Kevin (drums) of The Backstreet Abortions
1. First Punk Rock band you ever saw Live? Where/when?
​
Jesse: My very first concert was in 1987 Motley Crue, I know my first punk gig was at Slipped Disk in Dallas in 1990, not sure what it was, probably a local band.
After that I would go to Common Ground every weekend, I was super young at the time. I saw so many bands back then all over Dallas, the most memorable gigs were Fugazi, Sonic Youth , GG, Beastie Boys And Fear.
Kevin: Discharge in Newark at The Palace Theatre (Punch & Judy Room) 1980. Was scared stiff.
​
2. First Punk Rock Record you bought? What made you buy it?
Jesse: My first punk tape I bought was probably Lets Start A War by The Exploited. I was like 11 , I didn’t have a record player yet.
​
Kevin: Johnny Won’t Get To Heaven by The Killjoys. Lad played it all the time in our school common room. Loved it & still one of my favourite singles.
3. Favourite Venue to play shows? UK or abroad
​
Jesse: I don’t overly have a favourite venue but I really enjoyed
the last place we played in London the crowd was nuts,
the Old Blue Last it’s called.
​
Kevin: Hmmmmmmm. Used to love playing London Astoria
at the festivals.
London again – The Marquee Club.
Abroad – CBGB’s, Berlin’s Kopi.
​
4. Influences?
​
Jesse: My influences are Devo, Angry Samoans, Missing Persons,
Motörhead and Salt n Pepa.
​
Kevin: Drumming or musically? Drumming wise – Cozy Powell &
Dave Lombardo along with the old Varukers/Sacrilege drummer
Andy Baker. Musically – The Ruts. People – My father.
​
5. Any new bands impressed you and worth a shout out?
​
Jesse: A new band that I really like is Viagra Boys.
Kevin: Lots of great new bands out there at the moment & there to
take over from us silly old sods :D They are not really new anymore
but, love Burning Flag. Blue Carpet Band are always great to watch as
are Face-Up & Yur Mum who I was mightily impressed with
6. What’s the future look like for you and The Backstreet Abortions?
​
Jesse: The future with us is just writing a new album. Can’t wait to gig again.
​
Kevin: Seeing as I live in the arse-end of nowhere things are on hiatus at the moment due to current goings on. Have been doing some recording from home for BSA & will be doing the same for Varukers in the new year. (Watch this space)
​
7. What is the craziest, most memorable thing you have seen at a show? Favourite show?
​
Jesse: Craziest gig was probably the Meatmen they had so much crazy shit going on. Anal Cunt was another super crazy gig , I thought me and my mate ​
The Phobics
The DeRellas
Aleks was going to get knocked out by the singer swinging the mic around. Most favourite gig was when Devo played the forum and did We Are Not Men we are Devo album in its entirety.
​
Kevin: Don’t have too many memories as I am usually wrecked at gigs!!
One that sticks out though was with an old band I used to play with (Helvis) seeing a mate of ours wearing a boiler suit, setting himself on fire then jumping off the balcony……………. Favourite show (gig) – Nirvana at Rock City in Nottingham as I was completely off my tits on acid & thought they were wonderful
8. Horror Movies or Science Fiction?
​
Jesse: I like Horror movies old 80’s ones.
9. If 2020 was a person?
Kevin: Donald Trump & Boris Johnson.
(Can I have two?)
Both grade A disasters, just like the year.
​
10. What do you dislike?
​
Jesse: I dislike assholes
Kevin: Vegetables & Muso’s.
​
11. Guilty pleasure?
​
Jesse: I don’t think I have guilty pleasures,
I’m not embarrassed about anything,
if I like it I like it.
Kevin: Sweets.​
12. Any advice for aspiring young Musicians out there?
​
Jesse: I’m not overly a musician , If someone wants some advice I would tell them to ask Biff hahaha.
​
Kevin: Yes, Please take over from us as soon as you like. Keep going, Never give up. The best people you will ever meet will be through music xxx
Interviewed in London November 2020
