The Black Lips are coming to Philadelphia this Saturday to headline a show at the legendary Trocadero. We feel fairly confident in saying that this will be unlike any show you’ve ever seen before. That is unless you’re a grizzled veteran of psychedelic garage rock shows that take unpredictability to a new level…and we’re not talking about the music. With three lead singers on almost every song the Black Lips sound is certainly different than most, but what really sets them apart is their infamous antics on stage. What lengths will band members Cole Alexander, Jared Swilley, Ian Saint Pé, and Joe Bradley go to in order to shock fans at their live shows? Nudity, fireworks explosions, kissing, flaming guitars, vomiting, chickens, and urinating into their mouths (and occasionally the audience), just to name a few.
After multiple albums, tours, legions of fans, and an appearance on Conan O’Brien… it’s clear that the Black Lips are more than just a traveling freak show. They are set to release a new album in June and before they roll into Philly this weekend to rock (and shock) the Troc, they took the time to answer some questions for us.
Independent Philly: How did you choose the name “Black Lips”?
Black Lips: We can’t remember
IP: Let’s do a little word association… first thing that comes to mind…
IP: High School:
BL: Jail bait.
IP: India:
BL: Chick pea masala and dead dogs on the beach.
IP: Bad kids:
BL: Bad news bears.
IP: Georgia:
BL: Peanuts in Coca-Cola.
IP: Vomit:
BL: Squad.
IP: Philadelphia:
BL: Mutter museum.
IP: What are your three biggest “Rock Star” moments to date?
BL: Conan O’Brien show, burning our guitars at Coachella, and our concert at Heaven in London.
IP: If you could do anything you wanted on stage during a show with no legal repercussions, what would you do?
BL: Kill a small child.
IP: If you could perform with any three bands/artists living or dead, who do you bring on tour with Black Lips?
BL: Charlie Patton, blind Willie Johnson, and dock Boggs.
IP: What can fans expect from your new album “[[Arabia Mountain (Album)|Arabia Mountain]” due out later this year? What was it like working with Mark Ronson?
BL: They can expect awesome. Ronson was very sweet to work with he has a gentle demeanor.
IP: It’s 2am, you just finished rocking a sold out show and you’re starving. What are you going to eat?
BL: Waffle house.
IP: Write us a Haiku about “Black Lips”…
BL: I don’t one how. What is that like a 8 syllable statement?
IP: What is your biggest regret as a band? Biggest thrill?
BL: Biggest regret is being under-recognized. Biggest thrill was playing to one bum at the Dixie tavern in New Orleans.
IP: Tell us something that would surprise or even shock our readers…
BL: We like classical music.
We’re not sure exactly what to expect at the Black Lips show on Saturday night but we do know this, expect the unexpected, and count on Independent Philly to be there to catch all of the action! The all ages show, which includes two opening acts (Moon Women and Vivian Girls), starts at 9pm (doors at 8pm). You can buy tickets at the box office or online by CLICKING HERE.
