An Interview with Doug Dagger, lead vocalist for The Generators.
Summer 2001
The Generators play street rock and roll, street rock the way it used to be. Listening to them you�ll be reminded of bands like 999, Sham 69 and The Angelic Upstarts. Their lyrics are anthematic and from the heart-and their real. No Vanilla Ice shit here, these guys have lived the life and felt the pain. They recetly released their 3rd LP on TKO Records, entitled �Tyranny� and are touring like crazy. They will be spending most of the summer in Europe, but cross your fingers for a full US Tour this Fall. For more on The Generators check out their website, The-Generators.com ....
SINKHOLE ZINE~First off, when did the band form and who is in it?
DOUG DAGGER~The Generators formed in 1997 in Los Angeles. The band is: Doug Dagger � Vocals, Mike Snow � Guitar, Dirty Ernie � Drums, The Doo � Guitar, Noddie � Bass.
SHZ~So, who came up with the name-and whats the story behind it?
DD~The name was picked one day at one of first rehearsals. We liked it, thought it was a good name, and it stuck with us.
SHZ~Before we get to The Generators, I wanted to ask a little about Schleprock, one of your previous bands. Now, I dont know much about them, but I know they were part of the Green Day/mainstream punk hysteria and I know you guys were signed to one of the biggest majors (Warner Bros.). What was the rise and fall of Schleprock? What were the good times and what prompted you guys to call it quits?
DD~Schleprock formed in 1988�driving around in vans and living out of suitcases. We traveled the world to play in trashy punk clubs. We opened for everyone, Green Day, Rancid, L7; you name �em, we supported �em. In the end we achieved way more than we set out to do. We signed to Warner Bros., went out on a US/ Canada tour with the Specials, came back to LA burned out and in need of a change. When Warner Bros found out about it they dropped us and I called it quits. Most people probably don�t want to hear this, but Warner never tried to control us. We would have told them to fuck off! Sure, there were some stupid, plastic people there, but they never tried to push us around.
SHZ~I guess this question even preceeds Schleprock, but from the Generators lyrics, you really get the idea that youve been around for a good long time (in the punk scene). What brought you into the scene and how did you manage to live this long?
DD~I started going to punk shows in 1981. I used to go see bands like Social Distortion and Suicidal Tendencies in my friend Peg-Leg�s back yard. He was the guy in Suburbia with the cane and derby hat. I feel lucky to still be alive�a lot of people from those days died from drug overdoses and other things. A lot wound up in jail, too.
SHZ~I think it does, but do you think it makes any difference to the record buying public whether the guys singing the punk anthems have actually lived the lifesyle or not? Because you have, does that make the punx take you more seriously?
DD~I always hope people understand our history. I�ve paid my dues time and time again. I don�t expect anything, we are as real as it gets, and I do think people take us seriously.
SHZ~How did you get signed by TKO?
DD~TKO signed us after they saw us play in San Francisco. They knew we were starting to get attention and the quickly threw us into the studio.
SHZ~Politically, what is the message your trying to get out there, and is there any advice you�d like to give on paper to the kids who listen to your music?
DD~A message to the kids, huh? I guess I would say keep your eyes open, keep aware of what�s going on in the world or in your backyard. The big lies your wonderful government tells you daily. The terrible oppression from all the dirty cops patrolling our streets. The corporate interests and their greed. There are too many things, too many issues, not enough time.
SHZ~What does the future hold in store for the Generators?
DD~I don�t know the future for the Generators. I hope we can get more recruits to the Generators Army and keep releasing records. Our touring schedule will probably get busier..we tour Europe all the time, we have a big fan base there. We need to tour the Midwest and East Coast US this fall. I think its time.
SHZ~Now, last year Cocksparrer came to the States for the first time ever- I think you were on the bill for the San Francisco show. Were you (or I am dead wrong) and tell me about playing with Cocksparrer at that historic show.
DD~We actually played with Cocksparrer in Los Angeles and it was completely nuts. I believe it was the biggest crowd they played in front of in the US. We hung out with them backstage and Colin McFaul had me come out and sing Running Riot with him. It was an honor, a great night that I�ll never forget.
SHZ~I heard a while back that you guys and lent your �ska� song-�City Of Angels� to Corona beer...Is that true?
DD~Yeah, Corona Beer Company tracked us down. They�d heard the song and asked us to re-record it for a radio commercial. We got paid in a summer�s worth of beer.
SHZ~ What kind of shit do you guys listen to, and other than punk/oi!, what do you listen to(or what did you grow up listening to-dont be ashamed now!)
DD~I listen to a lot of different music today; I was cranking Black Sabbath�s Heaven and Hell LP like most people my age when I grew up. I also listened to a lot of KISS, Cheap Trick, Blondie, the Police and many more, my band mates were the same, super open minded.
SHZ~Alright, 5 words to sum it all up...
DD~It�s time to get generated!
For all your Generators needs, you can check out their official website, The-Generators.com
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