Interview with Total Fucking Destruction drummer Richard Hoak

”Our music is a message of energy and strength.” These are the words of Richard Hoak drummer for the rock band, Total Fucking Destruction, who describes the band as a “living celebration of the slow motion apocalypse!” With a name like Total Fucking Destruction you are kind of setting up some expectations right from the beginning. Fortunately, and as one would anticipate, their newest release, Peace, Love, And Total Fucking Destruction, is heavy, pounding and everything you would expect from a band bearing the TFD moniker. Drummer Richard Hoak was more than willing to expound on the band, their name and their overall philosophy.

The name of the band Total Fucking Destruction is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story? Are you at all concerned that the name might hinder you in the future when it comes to playing or releasing CDs?
Richard: Nihilism, nothingness, emptiness and nonsense are the agenda of Total Fucking Destruction. Our songs are true stories of life in the global techno/military/entertainment complex and represent the future/present of human civilization. Our music is a message of energy and strength. Total Fucking Destruction is a living celebration of the slow motion apocalypse!

What can fans expect when they pick up a copy your newest CD, Peace, Love and Total Fucking Destruction?
Richard: A derivative of the doomsday device, Armageddon is born out of God’s heavenly wrath. Information overload induced panic. Anarchy and war. The geopolitical ramifications of total fucking destruction. The ultimate expression of grind technology. The ecstasy of uncertainty, unto the consummation of the world.

How do you maintain that level of energy and exuberance? You sound like you’re ready to go full bore every time you sit at the drums.
Richard: I close my eyes. I hold my breath. I wait a long time, as long as possible.

How quick are you in the studio? Can you usually knock things out in a couple takes?
Richard: I want to dance and to fight. I am in a hurry.

Did you have formal education on drums?
Richard: No, I have a very informal education on drums. I’ve never had a drum lesson; I just play songs, preferably songs that have meaning for me, the deeper the better.

The band keeps things interesting thematically. Can you talk about some of the subjects you tackle?
Richard: Repetition as a meditation upon the standardization of consumption. Repetition as a meditation upon the standardization of consumption. Repetition as a meditation upon the standardization of consumption. Repetition as a meditation upon the standardization of consumption.

What about your personal influences? Which drummers were you listening to early on?
Richard: I don’t listen to drummers. I listen to music, sometimes. I am not a very technical drummer or musician; I just like whatever catches my ear.

What made you want to play the drums?
Richard: The rush, the energy. Intense physical work meets extreme emotional expression through music.

Are there any particular drummers you like whose names might surprise us?
Richard: Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Keith Moon, Buddy Miles, Neil Peart, Tommy Lee, Gene Hoglan, Dave Witte and Dave Lombardo are a few of the drummers that have inspired me and not just because they are amazing players and have a unique style all of their own. They are drummers who really live through their music, putting their life, heart and soul into playing the drums. For me, that’s what it is all about.

Past or present other than Total Fucking Destruction, if you could be a drummer for any other band, which band would it be?
Richard: I don’t want to play drums in any band. I hate playing drums. I am at war with the drum set.

What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Richard: Fuck, I don’t know!  [ END ]