Interview with Beatallica drummer Ringo Larz

Although parody bands don’t often get much mainstream attention because of the nature of their music, there are some that exist who possess quite a fan following. Perhaps the most popular parody band around today is Beatallica, a four piece band who brings together the worlds of The Beatles and Metallica. The band was first conceived about six years ago and since then Beatallica has garnered quite the fan base. Their songs are a combination of a Metallica song and a Beatles song (ex: “Sandman” combines The Beatles’ “Taxman” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”) which is very much on display on the band’s first published album Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath Pub Band set for release on July 10th. Recently we were able to score an interview with the band’s drummer known as Ringo Larz and he let us in on all things Beatallica. Here’s how it went:

The project known as Beatallica which combines songs from both The Beatles and Metallica was formed around the year 2001. Where did you get the idea for the parodic band and how did it eventually come together?
Ringo Larz: The idea was actually born from Krk Hammeston’s (original guitar player) head. He was listening to the Beatles’ “For No One” and thought that the riffs would sound good played more in a metal style. He was also involved in a band (with Jaymz) that would be portraying Metallica at a local Milwaukee event called “Spoofest” around this same time. He and Jaymz thought it would be fun to record a few rough demos of what it would sound like to play the Beatles as if Metallica were playing, (ala-the garage days EPs) and pass out a few copies as party favors at the Spoofest performance. It was not ever intended to go beyond that.

Were you guys huge fans of Metallica or The Beatles growing up or did you just think combining the two bands would make for a good combination?
Ringo Larz: I think we were and still are to a certain degree, fans of Metallica. Growing up in the age group that we are in, you couldn’t help but be a fan of Metallica. They defined the metal sound of that time. I would say they were a huge influence to all of us. As far the Beatles… well, I believe if you call your self a musician or even just a music lover, how could you not be a fan of their music. Here again, they defined the music of the generation, and for a few after as well. Their music is still just as powerful today.

Do you recall the first Beatallica song you ever wrote? If so, which song was it?
Ringo Larz: “For Horseman” is the first song that was conceived. That one was the one that basically spawned the rest of the tunes.

When you first started this project, did you have any hope for it to become this significant where you’d actually be releasing CDs and touring?
Ringo Larz: No, it was really just a joke that seems to have gone too far. [laughs] There was never any plan past the demos that were passed along at the Spoofest performance. It was obviously meant to be fun and light-hearted. There was actually not even a live performing band until at least a year after those demos found their way to the web. And even then, there was no plan for a real recording or even tours. We thought that we would play a few shows, have some fun, drink a few beers, and that would be it. This has definitely grown beyond our expectations.

Now you guys are set to release your brand new, physical debut CD this summer titled Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath Pub Band. Now that it’s finished and set for release, how do you feel about the record and what can fans expect from it?
Ringo Larz: I feel that it is good representation of how the band has evolved to this point. I think the songs are a bit more refined compared to what some fans may be used to hearing from what was out as MP3s before. There are a lot more dynamics within the songs. There are also some new songs on the record that we are all very happy to have out. The new ones definitely show that we can grow as a band and that we can be creative with our song writing. “Revol-ooh-tion” and “Helvester of Skelter” are great examples of that.

Now even though you guys have been around for several years, Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath Pub Band is your first official published album because of some legal problems you’ve encountered from the rights holders to the Beatles catalogue. Can you let us in on some of the reasons for the long hold up in releasing a real, physical record?
Ringo Larz: All I can really say about this is that it takes a long time for lawyers and record executives and people of that nature to come to terms and agree on things when they are trying to decide if they want to let projects like this proceed. There were people involved from a variety of parties, like Sony, Metallica, Oglio, and a number of other publishing companies. When you are dealing with companies of that stature, you need to make certain that everyone is happy and that everybody involved is being treated fairly. We also have to be sure that what we are doing is considered to be in good faith, and not harmful to anyone involved.

What was it like actually recording an album of your material in the studio? Who did you get to produce this new record?
Ringo Larz: It was a fun, nerve-racking, and learning experience all in one. There are always ups and downs in the studio, and this was no exception. The most important thing to do is to take what you learned, and bring that with you next time you walk into the studio. It was great to record these songs, because you want to be yourself and let your own style show a bit… but with this project, as a player, you have be aware of the styles of the two bands we are portraying, and try and combine the two in a way that results in something fresh and new. The album was recorded and engineered by Flemball Rasmartin and was produced and mixed by Flemball, Jaymz, and myself (Ringo). Flemball was involved with previous mp3 recordings and has a studio in Milwaukee called Bobby Peru’s. He has a great ear for music and really helped to nail the raw sound and energy we were going for with this album.

What do you ultimately hope to accomplish with this project? Could you see yourself recording more albums in the studio and touring for years to come?
Ringo Larz: As far as recording, although we don’t have any plans now, we would love to be able to record and write more. We have songs that are ready to go and the ideas for new songs are always being tossed around. We hope to be in a position where we can get those ideas in the studio and get out a record. When it comes to touring, that is priority number one. We have an album to promote now and the best way to do that is play.

Now in addition to your recorded material, the band also tours and plays quite a bit of shows. For those who have never seen you live, what does a live Beatallica concert have to offer in terms of music, stage show, wardrobe, etc?
Ringo Larz: Our live show is very energetic and very interactive as well. We like to get the audience involved and Jaymz is great at getting people pumped up. We like to make the audience part of the show, expect to sing if you come out to see us. Our wardrobe, as of now, consists of two main outfits… the gray, old-school Beatles suits, and the Sgt. Peppers suits. Both of them done up (or beat-up) to be more in the metal stylings of Metallica.

What does Beatallica have planned for the summer and the rest of the year?
Ringo Larz: We have a number of east-coast shows coming up soon including Cleveland, New York, New Jersey, as well as a lot of press spots for radio, TV, and other media. The album is due out on July 10th, we will be in New York for a show and in-store appearance for that. There are also two huge festivals in Germany we will be doing in mid July. We will be heading to South Korea for a festival show in early August. Beyond that, we are working on an extended tour for the west coast in October. We expect to very busy in the next few months leading into 2008, I hope all the Beatallibangers can keep up with pace.  [ END ]