Simone Parato

I fell in love from the very first time with the LORDS OF ALTAMONT, not only because of their flaming garage rock, but also for their pleasent attitude off stage. A couple of weeks after their gig at the Serie-Z festival, we had a chat with Jake Cavaliere, talkin’ about Hell’s Angels, Farfisa and tattoos...

Hi Jake, lets jump your old band experiences and tell me about The Lords Of Altamont...
Lords were formed after our instro band (BOMBORAS) broke up in 1999/2000. We basically were ready for something a little more our style. Everyone that help start the Lords were seasoned players and had one time played professionally. Max (drums) played with SPIDER BABY, and LEVI DEXTER.
Dorin (first guitarist/first line up) had played in the CRAMPS for a year.
Johnny (guitarist) had been in the BOMBORAS and INVISIBLE MEN. Gabe (first bass player) had played with FUZZTONES. I had been in several bands, FUZZTONES, and BOMBORAS. All five of us had a pretty good idea about what we wanted out of our band. We took out time assembling the songs and stage show.

What about line-up chnages that followed?
After several shows we decided Dorin needed some time to sort some things out. We had replaced him with Shawn Medina on second guitar. Shawn had been playing in LOS BORRACHOS.
Soon after that Gabe became really busy with the Fuzztones. He left us for a very fulfilling career with Rudi Protrudi. Spencer, replaced Gabe on bass. He is really solid and reliable. Plus he is really into the music. I personally am really happy with the way things turned out, I wish all of us can play together, but we are no fucking Grateful Dead. The three guys I play with now (Max, Shawn and Spencer) are bad ass, and care about the music. They live it!

I see Johnny “Stiggs” Devilla retired from the band, what happened?
Johnny has been going through big changes in his life. He really isn't willing to sit in a van going town to town for a few bucks and drink tickets anymore.
We keep in close contact with Johnny, he's one of my best friends.

"Born in the age of Altamont, Mommy was a hippie and Daddy was a drunk" (Demolition 23)
What your opinion about those days & the stuff the Hells Angels were involved into?
Hells Angels? I wasn't there. Really tough for me to comment.
I guess Altamont really is a defining day in history. Hippies, lovefest, music, attitude all changed. I don't think the Angels had much to do with it (change in era), other that getting caught on tape, exploited and used as an excuse for every ones frustration.

And what about the flower power? It seems all the hippies turned to yuppies...
As far as Hippies to Yuppies? They both suck! They trade their micro busses for BMW's and drink Starbucks before a day of non constructive work. What was a hippie anyway? Early stage yuppies!

Tell me about "To Hell With The Lords"! Are you working on new material right now?
We recorded 100% analog. Too much pro-tools going around. It's like the plague. Soon every self respecting band with have been exposed to it! Analog!!!
We had a lot of fun. I wish we had a little more money to put into it. But, I guess it wouldn't be what it is.
Our new record we are presently working on is called: “Lords have mercy!”
Billy Zoom from X started working with us on this one. We will see how it goes.

You play an Italian Farfisa! Tell me about this instrument, what do you like of its sound?
I love Farfisa. I should have showed you my tattoo that covers my whole right forearm. It's the Farfisa logo! I also like vox and Hammond, but Farfisa is my true love. They were built well and always work! The have a distinct sound that I love. Some call it cheesie. I call it my sound!

By the way... your surname is Cavaliere... do you have any Italian origin?
My last name is Italian. My grandparents are from Italy. They moved to the united states before my father was born. People ask all the time if it is made up because of Felix Cavaliere (organ for Rascals). It's really just a nice coincidence.

We met at the Serie-Z, how did you feel playing there? What was your fave band gig? (except yours, obviously!)
We had so much fun at Serie Z. We played in Madrid later that week, and had so much fun! The show got pretty crazy. People having a good time.
My favorite band was probably TWISTED SISTER. It was like watching Spinal Tap in the making!

I saw you hanging around with Motochrist and Texas Terri. Did you have a good time?
We ended up doing five more shows in Spain with Motochrist and Terri. It was a great time.
Motochrist guys are pretty crazy! They like to Party.
It was interesting to see how different bands function together on the road. The only band the lords have traveled with are the Cramps, and thats on a larger scale.
Texas Terri is very focussed and knows what she wants! It's really motivating!

Now let's talk about the Spanish food! I nearly went poisoned with that crap!! Do you and the guys too had bad experiences??
I have to be careful what I say to this. My wife is part Spanish. The guys in the lords didn't mind the food... Beer and meat! As for my self, it's tough being a vegetarian and diabetic! I easily could have
starved.

When I turn on the TV, I see always White Stripes & company videos and stuff... MTV call it new rock'n roll...
Lucky them. Thank god MTV is able to educate the world about rock n roll.
NOT!

You wear a lot of beautiful old style tattoos... tell me about them & tattooing!
Tattoo shops are on every corner in L.A. Most of them suck! I go to John Saletra, at "Tabu Tattoo".
A tattoo shows dedication, like a band or a marriage. I've been collecting for 12 years now. I like traditional the most. Not too artsy! It's a tattoo not a Picasso. Some have meaning and some fill space. My favorite really is my Farfisa tatto. I definately get tattoos for myself.
I don't care if no one ever see's my tattoos. They are for me.

Have you ever bought a Tyketto record or worn spandex & boots? Be honest!
If I gave you a million dollar, would ya?
NO, my pants do get pretty tight. Always wear boots, Beattle boots!

Ok, that's enuff, the last words are for you... try to convince these italian motherfuckers to praise The Lords!
Just give us a chance to convert all of you! No more weak wrist shoe gazing art rock! The Lords are here to knock your pussy asses off the stage!
Oh, we are very interested in touring Italy. Anybody can help?