John joined Econoline Crush after a stint with fellow industrial band Stabbing Westward, who toured with EC in 1998. Replacing Niko Quintal, he played drums with the band until their eventual demise in 2001.
Questions in YELLOW
Answers in GREEN
How did you go about joining EC?
In the summer of 1998, I was hired to play drums for Stabbing Westward, their drummer, Andy (Kubiszewski), was home with a broken collarbone. Econoline Crush was on the bill, first up on a three-band tour. I became friends with EC and the crew. When the tour ended, we exchanged phone numbers, then Trevor called me two months later and asked me to come on tour with EC. I said "sure, of course".
What did it feel like to be recognized as a member of EC?
At first, it was a little weird, but the fans got used to it. I knew there was a long list band members but EC definitely had the potential to become something big in the U.S.
Are you proud of what you brought to the band?
Sure, more ROCK, and a bit of danger.
Would you like to see EC reform for a final goodbye since we didn't get a last show for EC. Almost somekind of closure for the band and fans?
Don't know, really. It would be fun, but I'm not sure if anyone would care
Was it difficult to write Brand New History and wonder if it would live up to fans expectations, with Devil You Know being such a phenominal success?
As far as writing the record, I�m from Los Angeles and still live here, Trevor, Dan, and Ziggy lived in Vancouver, so they did the writing until it was time to record the record. I pretty much learned the songs in the studio, much like a hired or session player, I still do alot of that.
Do you think it's great to see that the band still has a great following after all these years?
Being from L.A., I don't really get to see that.
Would you like to see the music videos and rarities be released? as Muchmusic doesn't play EC anymore.
Sure, why not.
Are you still in contact with any of the members of the band?
I talk to Ziggy more than anyone. We were great friends during the tours. Occasionally, Dan comes to L.A. with D.O.A. for some gigs. Trevor and I just reconnected via E-mail.
What is your favourite Econoline Crush song and why?
"You Don't Know What It's Like" is my fav. We used to play it live before we recorded it, so, I felt like the drum groove was mine.
What is the one moment that you will always remember about your time playing with EC?
Wow, there was a bunch. Ask Ziggy, probably the "finger Kick", that was one of Ziggy's trademark moves.
Where are they Now?: John is currently back with Stabbing Westward front man, Christopher Hall in the band The Dreaming. John is playing drums. They recently had a song appear on the soundtrack for Electra