Fantastic interview, Swami is such a legend. Once went back to bar Bloc in Glasgow after a Hot Snakes show and the band walked in, at some point through the night I plucked up the courage to tell John how much I love his work and how much his guitar playing has influenced me. Theres a small dance floor in the place and there's a DJ playing rock n roll tunes, John just smiles and says "lets dance", he puts his arm round me and we walk towards the dance floor and danced together until the song finished, then he shook my hand and returned back to the table with the rest of the band.
I’ve been saying for years that John Reis is to the San Diego music scene what Tony Gwynn is to San Diego Baseball. Legend. Needs a statue outside The Casbah. What a gut punch it was losing Rick Froberg. A Master shredder and unique vocalist. I was able to catch Hot Snakes for the Jericho Sirens tour and wow what a great band. Being from Tijuana all the San Diego/TJ talk always makes me giddy.
This is a full-on incredible interview by Justin and John is just John and perfect as usual. We all miss Rick. He might not have liked "Legacy"... but he left one hell of a great one...and he should know that somewhere.
Thanks so much for posting this interview. I haven't been able to listen to any of Rick's music since I heard the terrible news of his passing until yesterday. I still can't wrap my head around the notion that he's gone. For me there was so much life in his art, and I guess I never really thought I would outlast Rick. Does anyone really ever think that their heroes will die? There are cliches about people living on through the art they leave behind. I am happy to report that I really can't stay down with a Froberg record on. It still has the power to grab you by the collar and yank you upright. I think that's also part of his legacy. It doesn't matter how angry the lyrics and music are, there's a joy to every note. John is a brave man to even try to convey his loss before it's had time to really feel like Rick is gone. I lost an aunt and uncle that were more like my parents than my actual parents recently. My uncle passed a few days before Thanksgiving (2023) and my Aunt followed in January (2024). After the initial shock it just seemed impossible that they both are really gone, so I know what what he means about Rick not feeling gone. It's so horrible your mind doesn't know what to do with it. When someone mentions it feels like you're body might literally jump out of your skin. Those that we can't even remember living without are very hard to accept. Thank you Rick and John. You made and left behind music that those lucky enough to hear and understand will always carry as part of themselves.Thank you so much for that.
Loved watching this! I sincerely miss Rick and have been lucky enough to count all of you guys as acquaintances and friends, as well as being amongst my heroes. I wish I had sage insight or words regarding loss, but there's nothing to offer other than I find that pushing forward is always the best way to honor those you love. It's also always cool to hear each of your takes on playing music, influences, our local scene, and sheer creativity in general.
I listened to the whole episode on Apple Podcasts and learned that there was a video version too at the end, so I obviously have to watch it. Great the second time around and great as always! ❤ you guys!
Such a great interview. Saw Rocket the first time at World Beat Center. They opened with Middle\Born long before Scream Dracula Scream came out, and they absolutely slayed it! They were the best!!
Paint as a fragrance was the best damn thing that happened to me as a small town punk trying to find my way... Scream Dracula Scream is still one of my top 3 favorite albums. Rocket is my peace, thanks John.
First saw Rocket from the Crypt at the long ago closed Empire club in San Diego in 1999. I was 16 and his music brings back lots of great memories growing up in SD.
I was at the Danzig show at Rio's. and also my band was asked to open for GG Allin at the Spirit show (My guess was the show was around 1991-1992 as John said but it was a long time ago) but we passed because I wasn't sure how dangerous it would be. These stories are crazy to hear.
Such a great interview. As much as I love when John goes over the top with the ridiculousness and made up stories, it's so nice to hear him being 100% sincere and just hear about the things that truly bring him such joy or really get him deep in the heart. He is one of those characters that absolutely turned me on my head in regards to what music can be, and I'm just so thankful for him having come into my orbit.
hey justin. met you in LA at brain dead the other night. we have a lot in common. same age, rickenbackers and dan armstrongs, and i love john reis (i have an rftc tattoo on my leg). this is a great episode. loved your documentary. man, maybe i shoulda grown up in s.d. instead of ventura? yeah probably. keep it up. love what you do.
I’m here for John. Locust dude outs himself the more he talks. He’s just not as real and intelligent as John. Seems like a sweet and creative guy, I just wish he’d say less.
"There's nothing more fun than being kick ass" Best quote ever!
So great to hear from John. RIP Rick. Downstroke Warlords forever.
Fantastic interview, Swami is such a legend. Once went back to bar Bloc in Glasgow after a Hot Snakes show and the band walked in, at some point through the night I plucked up the courage to tell John how much I love his work and how much his guitar playing has influenced me. Theres a small dance floor in the place and there's a DJ playing rock n roll tunes, John just smiles and says "lets dance", he puts his arm round me and we walk towards the dance floor and danced together until the song finished, then he shook my hand and returned back to the table with the rest of the band.
I’ve been saying for years that John Reis is to the San Diego music scene what Tony Gwynn is to San Diego Baseball. Legend. Needs a statue outside The Casbah. What a gut punch it was losing Rick Froberg. A Master shredder and unique vocalist. I was able to catch Hot Snakes for the Jericho Sirens tour and wow what a great band.
Being from Tijuana all the San Diego/TJ talk always makes me giddy.
my heart goes out to John, and all of Rick's friends and family. Rest in peace Rick and thank you for doing this.
This is a full-on incredible interview by Justin and John is just John and perfect as usual. We all miss Rick. He might not have liked "Legacy"... but he left one hell of a great one...and he should know that somewhere.
Thanks so much for posting this interview. I haven't been able to listen to any of Rick's music since I heard the terrible news of his passing until yesterday. I still can't wrap my head around the notion that he's gone. For me there was so much life in his art, and I guess I never really thought I would outlast Rick. Does anyone really ever think that their heroes will die? There are cliches about people living on through the art they leave behind. I am happy to report that I really can't stay down with a Froberg record on. It still has the power to grab you by the collar and yank you upright. I think that's also part of his legacy. It doesn't matter how angry the lyrics and music are, there's a joy to every note. John is a brave man to even try to convey his loss before it's had time to really feel like Rick is gone. I lost an aunt and uncle that were more like my parents than my actual parents recently. My uncle passed a few days before Thanksgiving (2023) and my Aunt followed in January (2024). After the initial shock it just seemed impossible that they both are really gone, so I know what what he means about Rick not feeling gone. It's so horrible your mind doesn't know what to do with it. When someone mentions it feels like you're body might literally jump out of your skin. Those that we can't even remember living without are very hard to accept. Thank you Rick and John. You made and left behind music that those lucky enough to hear and understand will always carry as part of themselves.Thank you so much for that.
John is a legend, thanks for the interview!
Jon Reis deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and probably 3 of his bands.. I mean should be first ballots.
Amazing interview. Love John Reis. Rest in peace Rick. I feel so lucky that I got to see Hot Snakes play live in 2019 even though I live in Finland.
John, thanks for such a thoughtful conversation about the timeline we all shared.
This is awesome . Been a Swami fan since ‘94 , great interview , great to hear him talk like this , in this format . RIck Froberg forever . 🔥🐍
What is grosser than ambition. Best quote. Philosophy for the win. ❤
Loved watching this! I sincerely miss Rick and have been lucky enough to count all of you guys as acquaintances and friends, as well as being amongst my heroes. I wish I had sage insight or words regarding loss, but there's nothing to offer other than I find that pushing forward is always the best way to honor those you love. It's also always cool to hear each of your takes on playing music, influences, our local scene, and sheer creativity in general.
What a great insightful interview. Though I'm not from there, I love the bond San Diego folk have.
Brilliant interview. Thank you guys ❤
I listened to the whole episode on Apple Podcasts and learned that there was a video version too at the end, so I obviously have to watch it. Great the second time around and great as always! ❤ you guys!
Great interview. Thanks man.
Such a great interview. Saw Rocket the first time at World Beat Center. They opened with Middle\Born long before Scream Dracula Scream came out, and they absolutely slayed it! They were the best!!
Paint as a fragrance was the best damn thing that happened to me as a small town punk trying to find my way... Scream Dracula Scream is still one of my top 3 favorite albums. Rocket is my peace, thanks John.
Brilliant interview. Love John so much. Sweet Metz T shirt, by the way! Great vibes all around.
John is so inspirational and such an important part of the San Diego music scene...this interview is great! Thanks for doing this!
Thanks for doing this.
First saw Rocket from the Crypt at the long ago closed Empire club in San Diego in 1999. I was 16 and his music brings back lots of great memories growing up in SD.
Rick Froberg forever 🙏
Best interview with John I’ve ever seen
I was at the Danzig show at Rio's. and also my band was asked to open for GG Allin at the Spirit show (My guess was the show was around 1991-1992 as John said but it was a long time ago) but we passed because I wasn't sure how dangerous it would be. These stories are crazy to hear.
Dope, this is very cool, ❤ it.
Great interview
This was great.
Such a great interview. As much as I love when John goes over the top with the ridiculousness and made up stories, it's so nice to hear him being 100% sincere and just hear about the things that truly bring him such joy or really get him deep in the heart. He is one of those characters that absolutely turned me on my head in regards to what music can be, and I'm just so thankful for him having come into my orbit.
great work guys. xmx
When do we get to hear the last Hot Snakes LP?
Ahhh, the mayor of San Diego himself!!!
wasnt that an episode of jenny jones g.g. was on? i remember watching as it aired, but who can tell between all those shows
Coitus Interruptus. Anarchy Picnic and Jackie Robinson YMCA shows!
We Played with Pitchfork at a living room party.
hey justin. met you in LA at brain dead the other night. we have a lot in common. same age, rickenbackers and dan armstrongs, and i love john reis (i have an rftc tattoo on my leg). this is a great episode. loved your documentary. man, maybe i shoulda grown up in s.d. instead of ventura? yeah probably. keep it up. love what you do.
also, i dont listen to much music anymore (except my own stuff im writing) but i watch democracy now! and listen to npr everyday.
i did an rftc painting in high school they used on their mailorder zine cover
wow so goooood brother
😎THE GOAT😎
Ps: RIP Rick
What movie are they talking about? around the 34 minute mark?
I would like to know as well...
I’m here for John. Locust dude outs himself the more he talks. He’s just not as real and intelligent as John. Seems like a sweet and creative guy, I just wish he’d say less.
jason statham playing g.g?
Ooh yeah!! 😂😂😂