Tattoo Talk: The Greenery Vocalist Matt Lanners Talks Spongebob, Slayer, Pat Benatar and Full Back Tats

The Greenery are a loud and brash hardcore punk band from Long Beach, California that recently signed with New Damage Records. Since then both the group and label have been preparing to re-release The Greenery’s sophomore studio album, It’s Looking Grim. Finally, on May 6th, 2014, the blazing record will be re-released in Canada complete with updated artwork including photos by John Kingston. Recently we grabbed some time with lead singer Matt Lanners and asked him the following tattoo-related questions… check it out.

When, where and what was your first tattoo?
Lanners: I got a really bad tattoo of Spongebob smoking a cigarette that says “Totally” when I was 17. The “o” is a pentagram.

Do any of your tattoos have a particularly special meaning behind them? If so, do share man!
Lanners: My SLAYER tattoo, because Slayer saved my life.

Do you have a specific shop or artist that you frequent (insert shameless plug time!)?
Lanners: Buzzy Jenkins at Fine Tattoo Work in Orange, CA.

Do you have any new tattoos planned or underway? Give us the dirt dude!
Lanners: I’m currently halfway through getting my back done. Shit hurts.

Have you seen any fans with a band tattoo, anything crazy memorable?
Lanners: We’ve actually seen a crazy amount of Greenery tattoos, it’s pretty nuts. One dude even has our song title, “HELLBENT”, tattooed on his knuckles.

We know you have one… tell us about that stoned/drunken joke-tattoo you once got…
Lanners: I have a Black Flag tattoo on the back of my kneecap that says, “Matt’s gonna have a TV party tonight! Alright!” It resides unfinished.

Do you have any tattoos that you now hate, want to replace, or have covered up, and why?
Lanners: Nah, some things I’ve been questionable about, but I’m good with everything. Each tattoo represents a time, place, or something significant in my life.

Have any tattoos that were painful. Like made you cry, see white light, and regret being born?
Lanners: My stomach hurt pretty bad….

If you HAD to get someone’s face tattooed on you, who’s would it be and why?
Lanners: Pat Benatar. No explanation needed.

Check out the song “Nailed Down”