Who were you on tour with?
I was playing bass in a band called Everybody Out! We were supporting a band from Boston called the Dropkick Murphys — I don’t think many people have heard of them. The gig was only temporary. Needless to say, I am no longer a member of Everybody Out! As for the band name, I’m pretty sure the exclamation point is included, sorta like Headstart! That exclamation point seems to be all the rage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How is touring different than playing gigs at home?
As far as touring goes, definitely not what I was used to (sleeping in the van). We played amazing venues (Roseland Ballroom, House of Blues, Agora Theatre), we were catered, we had hotel rooms. I’d say the smallest crowd we played to was approximately 900 people. The smallest crowd I’ve played at home would probably be like two people (never opened up for the Dropkick Murphys in Portland before). Touring with EBO isn’t even the same sport as gigging locally with HFWG. Cons to touring — it definitely sucks not sleeping in your own bed next to your girlfriend. Oh, and in most cases, you can’t really get decent food anywhere near the venues. I get both luxuries when I’m playing at home with Hi-Fivin’.
What is the best thing that happened on tour?
We played a show on the festival pier with Flogging Molly in Philly to about 10,000 people. Beyond insane. I got to spit on stage, in true rock and roll fashion, at the House of Blues in downtown Disney. Playing at the prestigious Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan was quite a thrill. I’d say the shows were the best thing that happened on tour. Other than that, we were headed to a hotel or another venue. Nothing fun about being in a van with seven dudes.
What’s in store for the Hi-Fivin’ White Guys?
The White Guys have taken on another guitar player — Shane Liepold, from New York. We are writing a bunch of new material and taking it in a more aggressive direction, and from a couple different angles. Josh will no longer be the only vocalist, as Shane and I will start to sing the songs we bring to the table. All of the new songwriting will mean a new record! Hopefully we’ll be back on the road — a few weeks of touring — this fall. Fingers are crossed.
Is Josh still crazy?
Absolutely, and he is in perfect company. If Josh weren’t crazy (as much as the rest of us), we wouldn’t like him.
Does HFWG have a message?
Other than the goofy songs we have, we sing anti-television (network programming, not TVs altogether), anti-emo and anti-war songs. Besides that, I’d say we are the poster-boys for not taking yourself too serious — see us live for a general idea.