Brett Reed of Rancid

First up from Issue 2: Brett Reed of Rancid.
Interview at the United Center, Chicago, IL 7/16/1998 (I actually found the date this time!)

Whoever thought it would be a good idea to hold a hard-core extravaganza show in a parking lot during the middle of July in Chicago was either a complete idiot of fucking out of their mind.  All I saw as I approached the United Center Parking lot I envisioned cracked sculls on cracked asphalt and sweltering heat reflecting up from the asphalt. I guess it could have been worse. . . It could have been gravel. Strawberries the size of Clinton's legal expenses would then have to be added to the picture.


I picked up my press pass and before I located the beer tent I had developed the thirst of twenty.  The first of several beers was purchased (at exorbitant prices, too bad Moisst doesn't supply expense accounts) and I headed up front to check some of the acts.  As I surveyed the pit as it shifted between stages all I could think about was what it would be like to bathe in the sweat of countless others in the fucking aborted setting of the venue.


Rancid eventually took the stage and pounded out their set.  It was during this time that I noticed that I had a photo pass.  I headed up front and stood stage side with my disposable camera and beer in hand as I snapped shots amongst those equipped with high-powered telephoto lenses and the like.  The set ended and on the way to the interview stopped for yet another beer.  I then stopped into a port-o-san and stared at used toilet paper, blue viscous fluid, and bloody rags as I formulated my attack at this interview.  I left with a well enhanced buzz, and found I had only two questions to ask and needed another beer.  The beer would be easy to procure. . . more questions wouldn't be so easy to come by.  If my subject wasn't entertaining I was dead in the water.


I checked in at the press table and nursed my beer while I waited for the band to show.  I was eventually seated with their drummer ,Brett Reed, and we sat down for a little chat.