The first time I saw The Candy Snatchers was in 1992 at this shitty club in Richmond, Virginia called Twisters. For years I had already been into the most drunken, depraved and fucked up punk rock that was made available. I loved the Germs, Flipper, the early G.G. Allin Jabbers/Scumfucs stuff and I had seen all the bands that I could that kept that tradition going - but nothing compared to these four fuck-ups from Virginia Beach. From the first note I knew that this was the best band going in the U.S. and probably the world.

Absolutely relentless rage spewed forth from lead singer Larry May's throat, but it wasn't the usually screamy-sometimes-metallic crap that you hear other "punk" vocalists do - this guy can really sing without being a fucking pussy. For those of you who attempt to sing or already do, you know this is not easy. But it came easily for Larry. What didn't come so easily, but still was just as impressive, were the few times Larry broke beer bottles and tore pieces of shattered glass across his forehead. Believe me, blood and broken glass can really make an already great show much more exciting.

The guitarist, Matthew Odietus, had (and still has!) the most intense blown out tone that every guitarist in any sort of hard rock/punk rock genre is looking for, but cannot find. At first I thought it was just his weird and rare Ovation electric he was playing or his Marshall amp, but since that show Matthew has broken, sold, pawned, stolen and borrowed well over 10 guitars and quite a few amps and he always got that tone - it was definitely coming from him. Every short guitar solo sounded as if it was being held together by the smallest thread, but it lasted until the last note. This style of playing that Matthew has is not something that one can learn - it's truly an intuitive way of playing. (Chuck Berry or Keith Richards have it, too. Go ahead and learn every note those guys played and you will NEVER play it like they did). Matthew also made things crazier by slashing himself across the chest with broken glass.

Besides these two amazing factors, which for most bands would be more than enough, the former bassist, Willy Johns, was stripped naked and played half the show with his bass on fire - yes, on fire. This was an amazing feat, but it started to get out of control at future shows when crazy fans would spray lighter fluid on crucial parts of the bass, making it unplayable and stopping the show(s) altogether in some instances. But to see this for the first time was about the coolest thing I have ever witnessed at an already killer show. I would mention the drummer who played really well, but Larry and Matthew never talk about him unless I ask - so I won't write about him now - except that his name is Greg and he is really into JFK (yes, the former president of the U.S.).

I could go on and on and write a fucking 100 page history of these guys, but I honestly don't want to right now nor do I have the energy. I could tell you about all the sex, drugs, fights, jail time and fish throwing that these guys have been a part of, but we'll have to waitfor another time

-besides, I'm not getting paid for this. I will tell you that The Candy Snatchers still play and they are still amazing. They have had quite a few member changes since that first show I saw, but their current line-up has been solid for a few years now. Due to a change from recreational to occupational drug use by Willy, he was forced to leave the band and was replaced by Goose. Despite the loss of real fire at their shows, Goose did breathe new flames into the bands rhythm section and is basically responsible for getting the band back on the road. After a string of many drummers, the past few years have been solidly filled by Serge. Being of Mexican descent, Serge was originally hired as cheap labor, but due to ability to play well was eventually somewhat accepted a full-time member - at least that's what they tell him.

Now go out and buy all The Candy Snatchers' records - especially the ones I produced.

-Dean Rispler-

just another Jew from Brooklyn, NY, JAN. 2004