By GREGG KIRK
September 1993, Big Shout Magazine

Who would’ve thunk that Austin, TX’s favorite illegitimate sons, the Butthole Surfers, would ever be signed to a major record label. Not only that but cuts from their latest release, Independent Worm Saloon on Capitol Records, have been receiving rave reviews, high-rotation radio airplay, and plenty of MTV attention — all the things that go along with being a high-dollar, major label band. Even stranger still is the fact that former Led Zeppelin keyboardist John Paul Jones was wrangled into producing this twisted masterpiece, after the band was reportedly brought to his attention when someone gave him a copy of their release Hairway to Steven. What gives?

We decided to find out when the boys from Austin — vocalist Gibby Haynes, drummer King Coffey, guitarist Paul Leary, and bassist Jeff Pinkus — rolled into Philly during their tour with Flaming Lips and Stone Temple Pilots early last month. Here are… SEVEN QUESTIONS WE ASKED THE BUTTHOLE SURFERS:

Question #1: Which domestic beer has most influenced the direction of your band?

Paul Leary: Hmmmmm. It would probably have to be Budweiser, due to their contributing to the anti-marijuana campaign. Rumor has it that Budweiser donated money to the lobby against legalization of marijuana. That has broad-reaching effects for everyone, doesn’t it?

I think probably there would be more of an influence in Kentucky bourbon, especially the Booker Knoll brand, and the fine single malt scotch called Lagavulan, which is not only my favorite scotch whiskey but also the favorite of John Paul Jones, who is a member of the Scotch Whiskey Society. When he came to Austin and found it in my liquor cabinet, he was very impressed.

Question #2: After working with John Paul Jones, who do you think would’ve won in a street fight — you guys or Led Zeppelin, back when they were in top form in ’71?

PL: Well, when you thing about those skinny, frail Jimmy Page kind of dudes, one would actually think the Butthole Surfers would win. But then you take a look at Bonzo, and I think he by himself could kick two entire Butthole Surfer bands’ asses. I think the British know how to fight.

Question #3: Which was your favorite Beatle?

PL: It was Ringo, of course.

Question #4: What is more important to the band on the road — beer, clean laundry, or Massengill products?

PL: It would have to probably be the 12 layers of clean cotton, brand new socks that we get on our (contract) rider, so that we don’t have to carry our dirty socks onto the bus.

Question #5: Is there any truth to the rumor that a member of the band — possibly one of the dogs — has slept with Winona Ryder?

PL: (Laughs) To the extent of my knowledge I know none of the dogs have — I can’t speak for Gibby, but…

Question #6: Now that you guys are on a major label are you currently dating any celebrities?

PL: Well, I’m married. Gibby learned how to bake spoonbread from Mary Steenburgen. He hobnobs with the whole Hollywood crew. However, just last night in my hotel room, I partied with Butch Patrick who was Eddie Munster, and he mentioned that he wanted to direct our next music video. And just last week, we drank beer and ate pizza with Norm from Cheers.

Question #7: Do you have a special message to the people of Philadelphia that doesn’t involve mentioning cream cheese?

PL: We normally don’t have a message, but Philadelphia is such a beautiful city full of beautiful people that…

Big Shout: No, it’s not!

PL: Yeah it is. We’ve always had fun in Philadelphia.