Albums of Purgatory Interview Dead Milkmen's Rodney Anonymous

Albums of Purgatory: Firstly, How did Burn Witch Burn start?

Rodney Anonymous: I ran into my old friend, Bill, at a picnic. He told me that he'd become bored with the guitar
and was playing the mandolin. Vienna plays the violin, and I could tell that the Milkmen were coming to an end. So, I guess you could say that fate through us all together.

AoP: Do you still speak to any of the other Dead Milkmen?

RA: I just saw Joe on New Year's Eve (we've spend almost every New Year together for the last 20 years.). I'm going to give him a call and see if he wants to come with me to see Carfax Abbey. I had lunch with Dean about a year OK, and sometimes we converse via e-mail. I haven't seen or spoken with Dave in almost 10 years.

AoP: What are your fondest memories from those days?

RA: When we first started (before we could get gigs), we'd all hang out a dean's house; drink beer (Lord Chesterfield Ale) and sleep (pass out) on the floor. That was great. It was like having brothers.

AoP: What was your favourite 'Milkmen song?

RA: The Woman who is also a Mongoose.

AoP: What's your favourite Burn Witch Burn song?

RA: Beaumont Arkansas - the only love song that I've ever written.

AoP: What's your favourite all-time song?

RA: Nemesis by Shriekback. It's the only song that I'll dance to. The lyrics are brilliant.

AoP: What was the first record you bought?

RA: Hmmm... I can remember paying for "Some Girls" by the Rolling Stones and Talking Heads' "Fear of
Music", but the first record I ever "acquired" (shoplifted) was Bowie's "Station To Station". By the way, I'm still a chronic Shoplifter. A few weeks ago, I swiped a copy of Bean for Vienna.

AoP: What would be your dream band line-up?

RA: Vocals: Vienna (I know, she's my wife, but i love her voice...but she's difficult to work with)
or Rozz Williams (OK, he's dead)...hmmmm...can I come
back to this?

Lead Guitar: Daniel Ash

Vocals: David Bowie - the old guy's still got some
fight in 'im.

Rhythm Guitar: Ron Wood - What? Sooner or later,
Ron'll climb on stage to jam with the band.

Might as well make him a member.

Bass: Does it really matter? It's going to be on the
DAT with the drums.

Keyboards: Marilyn Manson. It would do Brian some good
to rest up and be a side-man for a while.

Drums: Alesis HR 16 & the guys in Front Line Assembly.

Cello: Melora

Lyrics: Melora...again.

AoP: Which bands have you enjoyed touring with the most over
the years?

RA: Possum Dixon, King Missile, Mojo Nixon, Thelonious
Monster, Glass Eye, Sorry if I forgot anybody.


AoP: Where has been your favourite place to play?

RA: Clark Park in West Philly.


AoP: Do you have any funny stories you can share with us?

RA: I attended Rodemill Boys' Bible Academy. I work at the city zoo. I seen two of your pictures. I'm only
eighteen years old, but I already work for the city. My daddy made me com...

AoP: Finally, what you up to now, since Burn Witch Burn broke up?

RA: Well, I record songs at home & stick 'em up on my website:

http://home.earthlink.net/~wyvernss/

And I'm hoping to get my new band, Toadvine, up and running this Spring.