Sheer Terror : The Action Recon Interview

When I found out that Sheer Terror was coming to our town I am not sure if I was more pumped to see them rip my city a new asshole or to finally meet their infamous front man Paul Bearer. The show was amazing and I had built a rather colorful rapport with Paulie on the Thorp Records forum over the years so to be honest both events turned out to be a huge pleasure. Sheer Terror is one of those names that is synonymous with New York City Hardcore, they are one of the bands that started the whole thing off and have lent influence to some of the greatest modern day hardcore bands out there. Their real out look on life, their tales of hardship and woe and their uncompromising attitude is something that makes the music and hardcore in general exactly what it was always supposed to be. Frontman Paul Bearer is a one of a kind character, his legendary stage banter is amazing, his lyrics inspiring and heart wrenching at the same time, but his manner and the way he handles himself is simply that of a true gentleman. So without further delay the Sheer Terror interview.

Big Mike, Paul Bearer and myself post show enjoying some rye. Welcome to Canada Paulie.

1) So tell me right off the top. Is Sheer Terror back?

Ya were back!!! The tour will wrap up some time this summer and hopefully we are going to hit the studio in November to record a full length. We are just really taking everything as it comes and doing three or four shows a month tops. Even when the new album comes out were not going to do any huge extensive tours. Just a few dates here and there, maybe a few in Europe and Japan. I just want to keep it to five or six good shows a year and that way people don’t get tired of us you know. The touring has been good and I’m not going to lie the money is finally good and why not? If people want to pay to see us why should the band not reap the benefits? Were not working for any label, were not working for any management, I am doing all that. Well me and my guitarist and that is how were keeping it for now.

Paulie telling em what’s up.

2) So how has the tour been going? Have the new kids been responsive to Sheer Terror? Have people been freaking out?

Ya even with like two or three shows a month people have been going crazy. New and old people seem to be very excited that were back its really cool.

3) What is going to happen with you’re other band Joe Coffee now that Sheer Terror is back on the warpath?

With Joe Cofffe our next show is going to be our last show, but we are going to still record. We are just going to write songs and put out records.

4) There is no one else I can ask this question to and get a real answer, what is the difference between playing live now and playing live back in the day?

Well that was then this is now. The money’s better (Laughing). You see tonight the show we played was a good example of how I grew up. It was a cool mixture of punk rock kids, skinhead kids, old guys and young guys it was a real mixture of people and that’s how I like it. That is how it was back in like 1981 and 82 it was just tons of kids going to shows, getting along and it was great. Over the years it became to separated and that makes no sense because were all fucked up, we should all be hanging out together and going to shows.

5) Can you believe that this many years later you are still playing in Sheer Terror and doing shows?

Ya its crazy. I still love it and want to do it. I have too. During the day I work in a bar and do security and that’s to pay bills and pay rent. But this is what I do to stay alive and sane, I have to do it because if it wasn’t for hardcore music I’d be dead or in jail. God knows where I’d be right now? I mean everyone does what they have to do to put food on the table and provide for their family and I respect guys that work in an office, or have a union job or are fire fighters, but I can’t ask permission to take time off. I need to be able to play music and hit the road when I need to, that is what I have to do. As long as I get my shifts filled at the bar when I leave for the weekend when I come back I still have a job. I need freedom and I need to be able to get up and go and because of that I am able to still be here and doing this so many years later. It’s awesome. Punk rock saved my life.

6) The music industry has changed over the years and kids by music in different ways now. Do you think that you can still get people to become interested enough in Sheer Terror to the point where they will go out and buy the new record on vinyl? (Good question by our friend Big Mike)

Ya some people are still dong that and there will always be folks that want the vinyl. Like we will be putting out a 7″ record first and then we will be doing the album so that will work for the people that still want to do the collector thing and what not. I mean me, I love vinyl and we will definitely make sure the album comes out on vinyl. It’s a cool thing to have. We will also have the online version of the album for those that would rather download. But if we can generate even just an inkling of interest that is good for me, we open the door and its up to you if you really want to kick it down and become a real fan or a casual bystander.

Big Mike is the biggest Sheer Terror Fan in more ways then one.

7) So what are we going to see from the new Sheer Terror album? Do you feel the need to change, move forward and grow as a band?

Well it happens. I mean I grow and I change, but I still write the way that I write I’m not trying to really write for one specific audience. I just write as I see things and over the years you see things differently. I mean I am a lot different then I was when I first started the band. Thank God for that (laughs). When I was 17 years old I though I knew everything, I was a moron (laughs). But ya of course it changed and we changed. I got to see the world, I’ve met so many people and I’ve seen myself in different lights and so many different situations.

8) The simple fact of the matter is that Sheer Terror has influenced just as many if not more bands out there today then Agnostic Front, Sick Of It All or Youth Of Today? How does that make you feel? Is that something that weighs on your head when you sit down to write new music? Or do you just not think too much about it?

Its always flattering. When anyone says they like your band, or buy a shirt or tell you that you helped them through some hard times or influenced their writing or band its always a nice thing. You see I do this for me it keeps me alive. But when I see someone thanking me for it that is like a bonus, its like wow, cool perhaps I made a difference. But I don’t want to get too much into the interpersonal you know what I mean? I could write a song that’s saying one thing and someone takes it another way and then all of a sudden I’m a jerk off (laughs). If it’s personal you’ll know (laughs).

9) Well Paulie that about wraps things up, you have any last words? What have you got to sign off with?

Try getting laid!!! (Laughter)

Thanks for the interview Paulie and see ya soon brother.

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