Interview with the masters
Interview with Mitch Lafon
Mitch Lafon
Rock Journalist and Photographer
Backstage with former Motley Crue drummer and Pamela Anderson's ex-hubby, Tommy Lee at a Motley Crue show at Toronto's Warehouse (June 19th 1997).
Former Skid Row lead singer, Sebastian Bach. Taken at the Plymouth Theatre in NYC on July 27th 2000 (after Baz's performance as the lead in Broadway's Jekyll & Hyde).
Backstage with former Motley Crue drummer and Pamela Anderson's ex-hubby, Tommy Lee at a Motley Crue show at Toronto's Warehouse (June 19th 1997).
Former Skid Row lead singer, Sebastian Bach. Taken at the Plymouth Theatre in NYC on July 27th 2000 (after Baz's performance as the lead in Broadway's Jekyll & Hyde).
1. When did you first decide you wanted to be a Rock Journalist and Photographer?
I did my first interview in 1980 when I was 11 years old. My mom took me to NYC to interview Gene Simmons of Kiss. In fact, the interview can be heard on Kiss' official web site (www.kissonline.com). However, I never really thought of becoming a rock journalist. It just happened. Over the years, I became friends with a lot of rock stars and would sometimes (with their permission) pass on "inside" info to mags. Eventually, the editors at the mags said why don't you just write for us...and a career was born.
My favorite pic.... My idol, Kiss' ACE FREHLEY. Taken (by me) on June 22nd, 2000 at the Molson Center in Montreal.
2. At what age did you first get your big break and what did you do?
I guess that would have to be at 11 with the Kiss interview. That opened a lot of doors....
3. Who was your biggest influence?
Hum, good question. I don't think I have one main influence. Every city I've been to, every person I've met, every girl I've dated, etc... Have all shaped me and influenced who I am today. And those influences won't end. I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago nor will I be the same person 10 years from now. The only people that stay the same are dead.....
4. Did you have to go to college to learn this kind of journalism and photography?
Nope. I got a Bachelor's of Education in Teaching English As A Second Language and my masters was in Educational Psychology. I got into the rock world by accident. And the photography was an even bigger accident. I started asking bands for photo passes so I could have memories of the shows. Then I needed the pics to supplement the articles that I was writing for the mags.
5. Can you make a living off of this profession?
Of course, but you've gotta stay active and alert. And don't wait for stories to come to you. Follow leads, get things moving on your end.
6. What is the difference between Rock journalism and news journalism?
Hum, I hope that there aren't any journalism teachers reading this, but I would say none. You have to gather facts, get a story together, make it interesting for your target audience and write it in a way your target audience will understand. It's not about being pedantic or Shakespeare. It's about telling a story in a way that's interesting and understandable.
7. What is your favorite part about working with music?
Free stuff! Free CDs, free shows, access to places that people would only dream of, watching shows from the stage, meeting interesting people, travel, so much to enjoy! And when you're single...a backstage pass is like a magnet.... :o)
8. What is your favorite all time band and song?
KISS-- first concert was Kiss in 79. Kiss was my whole childhood. I had all the records, tapes, 8 tracks and now CDs. I had all the toys and crap. They, in a way, were my identity and defined who I was. They were responsible for me being such a music fan.
Song? Depends on the day.....and not always a Kiss song. Anything by Cheap Trick rules.
9. Do you use any kind of math in this profession?
Sure to count money. Math is great for the brain and great for science, etc... and I was an honour student in Math (in HS), but nope....I only need to add and substract now....even multiplication and dividing have fallen by the way side.....
10. What is your favorite part about being a Rock Journalist and photographer?
Talking to bands. Doing a great interview is always a kick. As for photography, you never know what comes out until it's developped...so the mystery is cool. Finding that one cool shot amongst the rumble. Having a "souvenir" that no other fan has...having that one of a kind item. Then, of course, seeing an interview and picture printed is a big kick. I still flip through the mags like a kid when they show up in the mail.
Mitch with former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Zakk Wylde, in Santa Clarita, California (March 2000).
Mitch with Poison (and Samantha 7) guitarist CC DeVille backstage at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre (June 28th 2000).
2000 Copyright Material. All rights Reserved to Mid horror Productions. Pictures lisensed to Shock La Entertainment Group by Mitch Lafon..Thanks Mitch