“The object of being an artist is to stir the minds of men…Unless you’re saying something musically, lyrically, or you’re touching people emotionally somehow, you are not an artist. You are a factory that makes records.” — Blackie Lawless
Erica Ehm was never gun shy about her distaste for W.A.S.P., yet she helmed the best interview I’ve ever seen with frontman Blackie Lawless. It’s not a shorty either, so grab a beverage.
Blackie was doing press for W.A.S.P.’s “get serious” album The Headless Children. He was invited to co-host the Pepsi Power Hour (live!) in 1989. Erica wasn’t about to throw softball questions, but it’s quite clear that Lawless wins her over. Blackie is remarkably forthright, with a dash of humour. He also picked the tunes for the show, and you’ll find out what songs he chose and why.
The myriad subjects discussed:
- What “Headless Children” means
- What led to Blackie’s change of lyrical direction
- The P.M.R.C.
- The Decline of Western Civilization Part II and Chris Holmes
- Being shot at
- The Who’s reunion tour
- Responsibility
- Helix
- Horses
- Nazis
- and much, much more.
The Headless Children is the main focus, and for good reason. It’s an amazing record, and a terrific interview.
mikeladano.com 
That was a phenomenal clip. Blackie was working hard there and he came off really well under heavy fire. Good humoured and well spoken and there was some nice chemistry going on between the two on screen.
That clip has made my morning… Time to put the album on.
Please tell us that you won one of those T-Shirts!
PS – Did you hear the edit on the album CD reissue yet?
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Great clip. Blackie was on better for than that other vid you posted off him. I loved him denying they degrade women… sure there was the rack but that’s… different. Haha
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*better form*
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Okay, I got get some headphones for the office, because this looks like it could be good. I have a beverage sitting here so I almost ready to watch it.
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I’ll be honest, I’m not at all a fan of the music, but he comes across really well… not sure I’d bother revisiting any of his music, right enough… but I tip my hat to him.
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Real cool interview. Blackie seems chill here considering they were playing bars and what not…
Still though that album is pretty cool…
Johnny Fuckin Rod haha
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Wow! This was great, Mike! Love it when these guys reveal the substance behind the on stage persona.
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Personally I think this interview is some of Erica’s best work.
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