What's That Joke About The Girl And The Two Fingers? The Final Interview With Hot Rod.

All right you metal maniacs.  I knew you couldn't get enough.  Welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  This is the final week of the "Boys Behind The Hair" series hosted by our special guest blogger Jim Kaufman.  Last but not least is a man that needs no introduction.  I have been traveling around the country with this man for the last 9 years.  Jim holds no punches during this interview with Alan 'Hot Rod' King, the man behind this whole operation.  Before we get into the interview, I need to fill you in on a few things.  3D In Your Face is back this week Friday, Feb. 28th at The 21st Saloon for our spring tour launch.  If you missed the show last week then you missed one hell of a party.  Over 150 moving lights, 4 lasers, new songs, new sets, and we even broke our attendance record at The 21st Saloon.  Come and check this show out.  On Saturday March 1st, I will be doing a special interview with Psychotic Reaction Radio out of East Coast around 6:30 PM CST.  Listen live here.  Also my radio show HAIR IN THE AIR hits the airwaves at 8PM CST on The Big O 101.9 FM.  Lots of hair this weekend.  Prepare your FACES TO BE ROCKED OFF.  

ROCK N ROLL FOREVER 

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

SPADE

Hello again everyone tonight we are sitting down with The One And Only Hotrod!!!! One of the greatest Rock singers that I have ever seen in person. Before we start Hotrod, I have to say that I've enjoyed the last four weeks and getting to know more about you guys, the four guys that make up the Nations Number One 80's Tribute Band "3D In Your Face"!! I've never met a group of guys that are so much fun to be around, or a band that is so Professional in every way. It's groups like 3D In Your Face that deserve only the best in a career of music. We know now that your personal lives are put on halt, so that you can do what you love the most, and thats to Rock!!!! We are very blessed to have such a great group like 3D In Your Face right here in Nebraska!!! Hotrod, what a pleasure it is to do an interview with you. So let the curtain drop and lets get to it shall we!

Give us a little insight to your childhood and the people in your personal life that inspired you, tell us about the various groups that you have been in during your career?

First of all, thank you for the kind words about myself and the band!
I was born in Tucson, AR.  My dad was in the Air Force so we moved every 4 years up untill 7th grade.  So up until then I was inspired by my Dad who played the Organ and my Grandma who could play anything on the piano.  After that Mr. Cecil my music teacher and voice trainer at Papillion High school.  Many of the 80's bands inspired me, but the big change for me was when I saw Van Halen on their first tour at the Civic Auditorium in Omaha.  I was front and center with my friends and remember just being in awe at the concert. That was when I knew I was gonna pursue music.
My first band in High school was called Crystal Forest.  We then changed it to Fury.  We played many gigs and only the drummer was old enough to drive.  We even played in bars and had to have a parent at each show to supervise.  Just out of college I toured with Breakout.  I then auditioned for Justin Morgan and toured with them for many years along with 3D In Your Face's own Sniper!  Later I was in Royal Tease in Killeen, TX and then started a band called Castle.  After that joined up with Harder Faster and then Keyboards for Revelation (a Christian rock band with Jet and Animal from 3D In Your Face) Then Jet, Animal, Trigger and I started 3D In Your Face.

Do you have another career outside of 3D In Your Face?

Yes, I own a sound and lighting production company. MacRae Productions.  We do sound and lighting for concerts, corporate events, churches, bands, installations, most anything needing sound and lights.  I also travel around the country programming light systems for new business'.

At what age did you know that you wanted to be a Rock N Roll Singer? 

Not sure about Rock and Roll. I knew I wanted to be in music.  Maybe as a keyboard player, or bass player.  Maybe a pop singer.  I had a high vocal range so I thought maybe Id be a tenor in the Opera......Interestingly my best friend in high school who sang with me back then is now a tenor with the Omaha symphony.

I know White Snake is one of your favorites and I believe Cinderella is a second or third on your list, but Who is your greatest musical influence?

White Snake is at the top but I take influence from many musical genres.

As I have mentioned in the previous 3 interviews, your shows are high energy from start to finish and during this whole time you are belting out some of best vocals that I have ever heard, so tell us how keep your voice in shape for 3 to 4 hour show? Do you take professional voice lessons to keep your voice in shape?

I took lessons when I was young. Taught me how to pace myself and not over sing or strain the vocal cords. I think many years of touring and singing 5 nights a week 4 hours a night also helped me to pace myself vocally. Many of our fans don’t realize how close we push ourselves to the limit. There have been times when I had to drop to one knee because I didn't get enough oxygen and started to black out.

How many  different types of instruments can you play?

Guitar, Bass, Keyboards.

What is the Greatest Album of all time and why?

Van Halen 1. Set a new standard for rock and roll bands.

What's the most bizarre thing to happen while you were performing on stage?

Bizarre....There was this time when I was playing a show in Rapid City South Dakota at Hotel Alexandria. We were sound checking and Rick the drummer said he needed a cigarette. He left to get one. While we where waiting the entire light show fell from the ceiling and crushed the drum kit. Rick said he was never gonna quit smoking after that.

Being in a band you have to make personal sacrifices, what are sacrifices that you have had to make to bring great music to the fans?

Lots of hours of setting up and taking down the show. Every show takes up most of my day.
Always a sacrifice for my personal time.

What Famous Singer would you like to meet or have you met?

David Coverdale, Elvis.. But only one is possible right now.
I have met many. Dave Mathews, David Lee Roth, Jack Blades, Don Dokken, Kip Winger, Sting, Brett Micheals, Kevin Dubro, to name a few.
What do the 80’s mean to you?

 A fun era.

Name 3 things that from the 80’s that you miss.

The way women did their hair and clothes.
Cheap gas.
The music and MTV that was music videos and not reality crap.

How do you feel about today’s music?

Where are the guitar solos????
Most of it is OK. But to repetitive.

Hot Rod, what can you tell us about the making of “Midnight Devils”?  What did you learn from making this new album, and how did you grow from making it?

I enjoyed working with Spade and Sniper. They brought many new ideas to the album. In the previous 3 CDs, we were trying to make it more involved. With Midnight Devils, It is just a straight forward rock record.

What is your fondest 3D In Your Face moment and/or in any part of your music career?

Just last Friday, we started the night with a new Dokken song, Tooth and Nail. Sniper and I played it back in the Justin Morgan days. But last Friday we started it and Iron Mike had the 150 moving lights chasing and I got this overwhelming feeling of this is Sooooo cool.
Running lights for Dave Mathews and having 60,000 people scream when the band walks on stage was pretty cool too.

I want to thank you Hot Rod for taking the time to sit down and do this interview. I have enjoyed doing these interviews and thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask you guys some questions. I have enjoyed getting to know more about you, Spade, Sniper and The Playboy. I know there are a ton of great stories that you guys have and I would like to hear any and all of them. I know I, as well as your entire fan base appreciate everything you do!! I know we didn't touch on this during our interviews, bu I want to mention what these guys do behind the scenes. When the boys of 3DIn Your Face are not Rocking Your Socks Off, they are helping with charities and local fund raisers around Omaha Well Fans I have had a blast with this and I hope you have learned some new things about the Guys of 3D In Your Face over the past 4 weeks too. See You At The Show!!! \m/\m/

Jim Kaufman, 
Founder and CEO of The 3D In Your Face Army.

Widdley Widdley WAAHH. Behind The Hair With Sniper.

HAIR IN THE AIR hellions, I bid a great HELLO!  Welcome to the Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  We are continuing this week with our "Boys Behind The Hair" series.  My best friend Sniper is up this week and our special guest blogger Jim Kaufman (3D In Your Face Army Founder) asked some tough questions.  I hope you are ready for an amazing interview.  Before the goods let me remind you about what is going on this week.  Wednesday, Feb 19th 3D In Your Face will be stepping into The Triple Threat Match ring on The Jim Santora Rockcast.  We need your vote to take the title back home to Omaha.  Tune in at 7 PM CST The Triple Threat starts around 8 PM CST, voting to follow.  Friday, Feb. 21st we are proud to announce the beginning of our spring tour.  Iron Mike, Hot Rod, and Chappy installed a brand new light show inside of The 21st Saloon. They tell me this show is going to blow the doors off of anything you have ever seen inside of a club.  We have also added new songs and plenty of new tricks and toys for run up to our summer tour.  Saturday, Feb 22nd we will be in Council Bluffs supporting the Magnum Pro Wrestling Event Barbed Wire House Party.  If you dig wrestling or just want to see some brutal action get your tickets now for this one-of-a-kind event.  Lots of stuff in the works.  

ROCK N ROLL FOREVER
SPADE

Well fans we are into week 3 of our interviews with the AMAZING 3D IN YOUR FACE and this week we are talking with SNIPER. I’ve had some great chats with this Awesome Guitar Player, and every conversation has been funnier than the last. I’m excited for everyone to learn more about Sniper, The Man Behind The Six String. So once again lets Diver Down into this interview!! Sniper, first off let me say, you are one amazing guitar player and I know it didn’t come over night. Take us back to the beginning of your career and give us some of your past history. Thank you Jim. I started playing air guitar to Elvis and Chuck Berry songs. Then I heard “The Who” and everything changed. Pete Townsend's power chords spoke to me like nothing I had ever heard before. My older brother had a Harmony Strat copy guitar I wasn't supposed to touch, but when he was gone I would try to play Who songs on it. Then came Kiss. What can I say? Fire, smoke, explosions and cool songs with loud guitar!!!!!! I got a job after school sweeping out a machine shop so I could buy a guitar and amp. It sucked big time!!! But I made enough to get my own guitar and amp which I still have today. My first band was called Middle Earth and we played parties and a couple of school dances. Me and the drummer Vince used to skip school and go to his house and jam to VH and Black Sabbath songs. It was a great learning experience!!! After that band I was in band called Factor. We played covers and originals. We went through our "trying to be like Rush phase" where our originals were odd time signatures and hard as possible riffs. We played bars around Omaha and Council Bluffs. The next Band I was in was called Justin Morgan around 1985 with 3D In Your Face's very own Hot Rod. We played around the USA and played covers and originals. It was an awesome time to be on the road in a band!!!!!! Starting in 1987 I bounced around from band to band as a hired gun-slinger - Sheer Threat, Witch Way, L A Trace and a few more I can’t remember. In 1990 I started a band called October and played songs I wanted to play. That band Morphed into ShitHouse Johnny out of Kansas City. We played on the Road all over the US until 1993. After that Broke up I joined Monster Zero from Omaha and recorded a CD with them and played on the road with them until 2001. Then on Sep. 11, 2001, I decided to serve my Country and go to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne. When I got back to the USA, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I came back to Omaha and joined a band called Pranxter with an old friend of mine Pat Allgire. I played with them until the phone rang and it was 3D In Your Face asking me if I could fill in for a show that night (March 4. 2011) I said, “Yeah” and drove to Wayne, NE to help them out. I made it with about 10 minutes to spare!!! I looked over the list and said yep I can play most of these and did the gig. They asked me to join right when we were done playing. I've been there ever since. I want to take a moment here and thank you for your service in the United States Armed Forces!!! I applaud you for stepping up and serving, because of people like you we American’s have many Freedom’s and one of those Freedoms is to ROCK!!!!

So Sniper at what age did you pick up an instrument and what was that instrument?  
Well I was 8 years old and the first instrument I picked up was a plastic acoustic guitar called a Stella. I used to windmill like Townsend and copy Elvis on it.  
Tell us the different types of instruments that you can play. I can play guitar ,drums, bass, keys and the trumpet. Who is your greatest musical influence?  
My biggest influences in music would be Elvis and for guitar it’s Pete Townsend, Ace Frehley and obviously Eddie Van Halen. What is the Greatest Album of all time and why? The greatest album of all time for me is either Who's “Next” or “Tommy” by “The Who”. Why? Townsends song writing. You feel all his pain and sorrow and happiness as well. What are some of your fondest 3D In Your Face moments and/or in any part of your music career? My favorite moment so far is that I get to play every night with my best friends. Second favorite is last time we played Awesome Biker Nights. I play VERY LOUD onstage and when we started another song the crowd cheered so loud I couldn't hear my amp!!!!! Goosebumps!!!!! What's the most bizarre thing to happen while you were onstage? I've had so many weird things happen on stage it’s hard to pick one. The last one I remember was I had to pee so bad that I ran off of stage and into the bathroom. While I was peeing, all of these dudes were staring at me and shaking their heads , I was still playing guitar. It was a hands free operation if you know what I mean. Didn't miss a note though.

What's the hardest thing about being in a band?  

It’s hard sometimes because you really do give up a lot of personal time. That and also, Spade and I smell bad when we’re on the bus.  
Being in a band I realize you have to make personal sacrifices, what are sacrifices that you have had to make to bring great music to the fans? The sacrifices are missed family functions, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, & concerts, you name it we miss it because we are recording, gigging, playing or traveling. We found out a couple of weeks ago that Spade doesn’t have a name for his three Bass Guitars, so I’m curious if you have names for your instruments (musical instruments now)? I do name my guitars!!!! I have over 250 guitars and all of them have a name. My main yellow star is called Ole Yeller My red and white Star is called blood Splatter My green Strat is called Oscar MY black flame Star is called Johnny Blaze my white flame Star is called white flame star what inspires the name is the color of the guitar and the design WOW, over 250 guitars that is amazing, I would have never guessed that you had a collection like that. So Sniper, If you could have any guitar what would it be? My choice in guitars is Wayne Guitars and Charvel Guitars The guitar I would want most is the Original Franken Strat of Eddies As I have mentioned in the previous interviews, your shows are high energy from start to finish so tell us how keep yourself in physical readiness for 3 to 4 hour show? I run almost every day to keep up my endurance and I drink Pepsi

What Famous Guitar Player would you like to meet?  

Right now I would like to meet Joe Bonamassa What do the 80’s mean to you? The 80s Mean great times great music and debauchery Sniper name 3 things from the 80’s that you miss. 1. The Music 2. The prices of guitars 3. there wasn't AIDS yet How do you feel about today’s music? I like a lot of new music. It’s really a different environment now. No videos or radio stations play the music you want to hear. They won’t take chances on new music just the shit like Miley Cyrus and other shit. Youtube and the internet is the place to hear new and undiscovered bands. There are a lot of great bands out there not being played or heard on mainstream media Sniper what can you tell us about the making of “Midnight Devils”? What did you learn from making this new album, and how did you grow from making it?  
Making the new CD was hard work but it was totally a blast as well!!!! Spade and I work together so well when we are writing songs. It was almost like we would finish each other’s sentences. We complement each other’s abilities and push each other to be better players and song writers. The whole band grew and it made us better friends and a tighter band. We all became better song writers and better players.

Well Rock N Roll Fans there you have it. As always, it was great chatting with you Sniper! If you haven't seen Sniper play in person all I can say is…..You have been missing out!!! Do yourself a favor and get to a 3D In Your Face Show (and it's a Show... from start to finish!!). \m/\m/

Thank you Jim!! it was awesome talking with you!!!!

From Time To Time We Let Drummers Do Interviews. Here is The Playboy.

HELLO everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  I am going to keep this short.  We are continuing our "The Boys Behind The Hair" series by special guest blogger Jim Kaufman founder of the 3D In Your Face Army.  Before we get into The Playboy's interview, I want to remind you about the show this week.  Friday, Feb 14th we are throwing our second annual Valentine's Day Prom at The 21st Saloon in Omaha, NE.  Get out the neon colors and prepare to rock the night away.  Blue Iguana Apparel is sponsoring this weeks event.  There will be an 80's costume contest with the winners walking away with a custom 3D In Your Face Valentine's Prom shirt from Blue Iguana.  Get ready for some fun and most of all a hell of a lot of Rock N Roll.  Sunday we will be attending the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards.  Thanks to you our fans we have been nominated for a second year for The Best Cover Band Award.  Party Express Bus Nebraska will be driving us to Sunday's ceremony.  Don't forget to pick up a signed copy of our new album "Midnight Devils" right here for only $13.99. 

ROCK N ROLL FOREVER
SPADE

Ladies and Gentleman Jim Kaufman

Hello Again everyone in 3D In Your Face Nation, we have another great interview coming your way. Today we get to hear from The Playboy. Now as you all know The Playboy is the Wild Man behind the drum kit for 3D In Your Face. I have to say, The Playboy is truly the most entertaining drummer that I have ever seen in person. From the first crack of the stick until the night is over, you can count on a BLURR of High Energy Skin Pounding Action from The Playboy!!! So let’s get to it, Fans we are about to find out what make the Stick Slinger Tick…..Playboy, take it away!

Playboy, give us a little history on yourself, what makes Playboy tick? I would like to hear some stories from your days in California, what can you share with us? What are you able to share with us, LOL?

First things first Jim, could you put "The" in front of my name and capitalize it. Haha. I am The Playboy. Flip the sticks......

About California, I don't really like to talk about my time in California. It was a weird time in my life. So we can just put the zip on all this California talk.  

(Editors note - I changed all the "Playboy"s to "The Playboy"s.)

• At what age did you take up playing drums? And do you play any other instruments? 

Let's see I started playing the drums and percussion at the age of 13 or whatever age you are in 5th grade. It all started for me in the school band. The old saying "This one time at band camp". Except that I didn't make it to band camp. I was late with the permission slip. I don't play any other instruments except if you count The Glockenspiel. Most kids have to take piano lessons before they can start learning the drums in school. They want to see who can stick with it and learn the language of music. Not me I was able to talk my way right in.  

• How much time do you spend practicing during the week and do you have neighbors that complain about the noise?  

My neighbors are mostly cows. I live way out in the country. Lately the have been loving the drums sessions. They watch everyday and get close to the windows when I play. I usually play in the afternoons right after The Family Fued for 4 or 5 hours.

• Who is your greatest musical influence?

Tommy Lee Bass. He is still an influencial musician, at least until the Motley Crue country album is released.  

• What is the Greatest Album of all time and why?  

To Fast For Love. Listen to the cowbells and the toms. The still stand up today as one of the best albums ever. The album cover itself is one of the most recognizable covers in all of Rock N Roll. You know that belt buckle? I made one myself and will be wearing it this weekend.  

• What is your fondest 3D In Your Face moment and/or any moment from your music career?

My fondest moments come from the back of the bus. After the shows we always get together and tell stories while we watch the miles roll by heading to the next show. I also have enjoyed sharing the stage with some amazing bands and childhood heroes. Probably the best moment in my musical career happened at The Carlisle Hotel in Omaha. Our tech Chappy and I always toss drum sticks back and forth to each other. At this particular show Chappy pulled out a giant double dong and lofted it towards me while we were playing. It seemed to hang in the air for an eternity, wobbling like the Javelin thrown by Lamar in revenge of the nerds. I caught that bad boy and just kept playing while the rest of the boys fell to the ground in laughter.  

• Tell us about your days in California, what groups were you involved with and did you get to hang out on the Strip at all during the hay day of Rock? Give us a feel for that time and how it made you the drummer you are today. 

C'mon Jim. Give me a break. See question one.  

• What's the most bizarre thing to happen while you were onstage?

In Des Moines two ladies came up on stage during Girls Girls Girls. They had that look in their eyes. These two ladies scaled the drum riser and climbed behind me while I was playing. They over took me and stole my drum stool. After a few seconds I knew something was wrong. These two lovely beauties broke my drum stool right in half. Now I play on a bucket wrapped in fabric. But it's cool the bucket doubles as storage space for my stuff. 

• How does The Playboy get ready for a show?

Birthday Cake and Pussy. 

• Being in a band, what are some of the sacrifices that you have had to make?

I don't really see it as a sacrifice but I suppose you could say I have given up relationships, marriages, real jobs, and friendships. I suppose you could say I have given up quite a few things due to practicing.  

• What is your current drum set and what would be the Cadillac of drum sets to sit behind? 

The current set I play is a Frankenstein kit I put together out of random drums covered by fabric I bought at the fabric store. The Cadillac set would be a nice Maple shell kit that a company would like to give me. 2 x 26" bass drums, 13", 10", and 18" toms 8 x 14" snare and a 36" gong. That would be great.

• For all of you that have witness the ENERGY at a 3D In Your Face Concert, you know that The Playboy takes playing the drum kit to a new level. Tell us The Playboy, how do you condition yourself for this weekly display of Mayhem?

Pussy, birthday cake and jumping jacks. 44 jumping jacks before every show. Chocolate frosting with marble cake. I like the red velvet cake but I try and stay away from the Red 40.  

• What famous drummer would you like to meet? And if you already have tell us about that experience? 

John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. I would ask him how do you get your snar drum to sound so sexy on every album and every show?

• What did the 80’s mean to you?  

I was not old enough to experience the 80's but a lot of great bands and TV shows came from the 80's. Sitcoms like Different Strokes, Family Ties etc.

• Name 3 things from the 80’s that you miss.

TV Sitcoms

Causal Sex

General Admission converts where you could walk in sit wherever you wanted and smoke. I hate those old flash light guys that walk you to your seats. Ticket stubs and all that shit.

• How do you feel about today’s music?  

I feel very good but band today seem to lack guitar solos. Bands lack identity and character. I feel like those warm records that we have come to know and love have become a thing of the past.

The Playboy, I would like to thank you for taking time to do this interview. I have enjoyed being around you the past year and half as you truly are one of the Greatest Drummers that I have ever seen. The energy level that you bring to a drum kit is amazing and lets not forget extremely fun to be part of. YOU ROCK!!!! \m/\m/

Thanks Jim. You know what Jim is backwards? Neither do I.

Top Jimmy, He's the King. JK.

The Playboy

Meet The Boys Behind The Hair - SPADE

Hello all you metal maniacs and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  I am just going to get straight into the goods.  We are back this Friday, Feb 7th at The 21st Saloon sponsored by ViaMental Radio.  Starting this week we are doing a very special Meet The Boys Behind The Hair edition of HAIR IN THE AIR.  Each week our very special guest blog host Jim Kaufman will be asking each guy in 3D In Your Face some tough questions about life in a Rock N Roll band.  Jim is a great friend and true fan of the band.  I (Spade) will be leading off this week.  Enough about me, here is your host Jim Kaufman.

3D In Your Face Returns To The 21st Saloon This Friday, Feb 7th.

Thanks Spade for that great intro.  I have known Spade for about a year and half now and what a pleasure it has been getting to know these Great Guys of 3D In Your Face!!!!  I've told Spade on a number of occasions, that 3D In Your Face knows what it means to put on a performance. You know 3D In Your Face is going to give a HIGH ENERGY PERFORMANCE every time they play.  I've seen some of the big names from the 80's Rock Industry and have had the privledge of hanging out with some of them after their shows.  But it's 3D In Your Face that I enjoy most of all, I think a lot it has to do with how they interact with their FANS the 3D In Your Face ARMY as it has become!  I appreciate all the hard work that everyone in 3D In Your Face has done over the years and I thought it would be awesome to find out, Who Are These Guys.  So before the interview begins let me say,  I have really enjoyed learning more about these guys and I know you will too.  Okay so lets get this interview started! 

First off Spade tell us, the Fans of 3D In Your Face, a little bit about yourself. Give us a little glimpse into the history of the Wild Bass Player, that we know as “Spade”. (Give us example for instance, hometown, siblings, education, names of former bands, hobbies, I want you to just blurt out whatever, Fans love the little things that you might find silly or boring. (When I was at Skull Fest, the singers would share stories that they thought were boring, when in fact they were very interesting and it allowed the Fans to connect with them on a personal level. I really appreciated that.)

Well Jim, first off I would like to thank you for taking the time to interview me. These interviews always mean a lot to me. I grew up in Fremont, Nebraska a smaller town about 30 miles from Omaha. I had an older brother, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. I went to Fremont High School and played football, track, and power-lifting. Sports were very big in my hometown and I was actually the captain of our football team and nominated homecoming king (but I didn't win). I trained all year long and spent every day after school practicing or in the weight room. I didn't enjoy it as much as I liked being on a team. Eventually all my hard work landed me on the University of Nebraska Track and Field Team as a hammer thrower. Quite the departure from SPADE the rock n roll dude.

• at what age did you pick up an instrument and what was that instrument? 

I got my first instrument when I was 16 or 17. It was a Epiphone Les Paul Special with an amp. One of the combo packages. The guitar was great and a real sturdy work horse. I played it for many years until it got stolen from my practice place after a big party. Before that I was in the church bell choir.

• Are there different types of instruments can you play?

I can play the guitar which was the first instrument I learned and I can play the bass. I am slowly learning to sing correctly, which is a skill that seems harder than it should be. 

• Give us a little insight to your childhood and the people in your personal life that inspired you?

My childhood was relatively normal. I grew up with very loving parents (two sets) in a nice town. The only problem was that there was no escape. Everything was always the same. I wanted something different than the rest of the kids my age. I felt different inside but I had a real hard time expressing it. The music made me move. It was challenging and yet rewarding. The biggest influence on me as a kid where my grandparents. They were hard asses that worked very hard for what they had. They were old school and they demanded respect. My grandparents were also cultured, or at least cultured to me. They had seen a lot of things and experience many new places. I wanted to do that. I wanted to work hard for what I wanted but I also didn't want anyone to tell me how to live my life. Every Sunday morning they would ask me where I had played the night before and how the van was running. They supported a grandson that wore makeup and had long hair.  

• Who is your greatest musical influence?

My greatest music influence always seems to be changing and I think that is a good thing. I keep discovering guys that I think are amazing. Most recently I rediscovered Jack Blades from Night Ranger and Damn Yankees. That guys is one hell of a singer and bass player. Not to mention he wrote so many classic Rock N Roll songs. It always goes back to KISS for me. KISS was the reason that I started playing music. Ace Frehley was the reason I picked up a guitar. KISS was also the reason I didn't get a lot of dates in high school.

• What is the Greatest Album of all time and why?

Easy Elvis Presley, "Elvis Presley". Before Elvis there was no such thing as Rock N Roll. We are forever in debt.  

• what is your fondest 3D In Your Face moment and/or in any part of your music career?

This is a very hard question. I have been with 3D In Your Face now for almost 9 years. Granted I can't really remember 6 of those years due to the drinking. My favorite moment was when we finally released the "Midnight Devils" record. All the hard work finally payed off. 

• What's the most bizarre thing to happen while you were onstage?

I am the king of having embarrassing things happen to me onstage. I think something happens every night we play. The worst thing happened at Cappy's in Lincoln. I went to step up onto the drum riser and my pants ripped from my belt to my knee. If you know me you know I never wear underwear. Whamm my bird was hanging out in the breeze. So I covered it with my guitar but I showed every guy in the band before I got off the stage.  The crowd got it's money worth that night.

• What's the hardest thing about being in a band? 

The hardest thing about being in a band is being fully satisfied with your career. It seems that once you accomplish one goal you have to start on another. There is never any down time at this point in my career. I feel that if I am not working to further my career it is slipping backwards. I want more shows, more albums sales, more interviews, more travel, more fans, and more everything. I have trouble stopping to smell the roses.

• Being in a band, what are some of the sacrifices that you have had to make?

Sacrifice is the name of the game. We have given up any hope of a normal life. But honestly we have traded a normal life for the best job in the world. Playing in a Rock N Roll band is my dream and I will give up everything to make it happen.  

• Fans know that musicians name their instruments (musical instruments now) so Spade do you have names for all of your Bass Guitars? If so, what are they and how did the name come about? 

Unfortunately I don't have any names for my basses. When we are on stage I usually just yell a color in Chappy's general direction and he knows which one to grab.  

• What is your choice in Bass Guitars? 

For the last three years I have played Epihphone Thunderbirds exclusively. I have a white limited edition Thunderbird, a Nikki Sixx Custom, and a baby blue Thunderbird.

• If you could have any guitar what would it be?

A 1959 Gibson Les Paul or a 1-5 Gibson Ace Frehley Custom Les Paul.

• I have noticed that your shows are getting more and more fan involvement, we all know 3D play’s great music but I think the high energy that 3D In Your Face puts out at every show is contagious. What do you do to get yourself in physical readiness for 3 to 4 hour show?

Very good question. During the week Sniper and I like to go out and jog. I find it to be one of the most relaxing activities I can do. It pushes you physically and mentally to the edge. We usually do around 3 -4 miles a day when we aren't playing. Right before we hit the stage we stretch out like a pro athlete before the big game. Lots of water, no soda, and no alcohol.  

• What Famous Bass Player would you like to meet?

Duff Mckagan from Guns N' Roses. This go wrote the book on amazing rock n roll bass. If you listen to his bass lines and song writing on Appetite it will blow your mind. 

• What do the 80’s mean to you?  

Since I am the young guy I can only speculate on the 80's. I was born in 1985 so I don't really remember any of the 80's. That being said the 80's were the glory days of Glam Rock, it was still honest, and simple.  

• Name 3 things that from the 80’s that you miss.

I don't really remember anything from the 80's. I was only 5.

• How do you feel about today’s music?  

Music today still excites me. I am very happy that there is a new wave of Glam Metal coming back into the public's conciseness and I feel 3D In Your Face is a part of that movement. Rock N Roll bands are playing shows again and people are getting excited by this. The energy is there again and the technology is allowing bands to do things never before heard of. The dream is still alive.  

• Spade, what can you tell us about the making of “Midnight Devils”? What did you learn from making this new album, and how did you grow from making it?

I truly feel that the "Midnight Devils" album was written by Rock N Roll fans for Rock N Roll fans. It was written the way bands used to write albums back in the day. 3D In Your Face has been constantly touring and we put together each and every song while still playing around 70 shows a year. Every song on the record is based on true things that have happened to each of us in our lives. This was the first full album that I have ever released and I wanted to be apart each and every facet until it was released. I learned to be honest when I was writing these songs. Tell the story and let it take you where it needs to go. People will realize your meaning regardless. Never try and force something to work, it will never turn out right. Create from an honest place and you can never go wrong. We set out to create a solid Rock N Roll album and we succeeded. I am excited to see where we go next.

ROCK ROCK 'TIL YOU DROP

Jim Kaufman