Question and Answers with Rob Ruckus of The Vermin

I first learned of Rob Ruckus from the A&E show "Bad Ink". The show follows him and his tattoo artist buddy, Dirk Vermin, searching Vegas for bad tattoos and then correcting them. They are hilarious and keep you laughing the entire show.  Their punk band, The Vermin, is one of the best, true punk bands around.  Watching him play bass is magic.  He can also be found bartending at the Double Down Saloon in Vegas.

Ruckus really cares about his fans, which is evident on Twitter where he seems to reach out to as many as he can. Few celebrities would grant their fans so much attention. He is kind enough to answer my insomnia driven questions about his tattoos and music and has given me permission to share them with you.

Elaine:     May I ask how old you are and who's portrait is on your right forearm?

Ruckus:     Old enough and Vincent Price

Elaine:     Is that a luchador on your arm?

Ruckus:     Yes it is, El Demonio Azul!! The Blue Demon!!

Elaine:     I think your ink is interesting. Was gonna guess one was Bela Lugosi too but can't tell

Ruckus:     Well I got Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, and Vlad the Impailer. But no Bela, Yet!!

Elaine:     So old horror flick fan I see.

Ruckus:     yup

Elaine:     Boris must be the one I see and I got my creepy peeps mixed up
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Ruckus:     It's Boris as Frankenstein. Oh yeah I got Max Schrek as Nosferatu, maybe that's what you see.

Elaine:     Who influenced you the most musically?

Ruckus:     The Damned.

Elaine:        To further my punk education, what are at least 3 bands that would be a must to listen to?

Ruckus:     The Damned, TSOL, and The Specials are great places to start.

Ruckus:     Check my radio shows. http://www.ruckusontheradio.com

Elaine :      Why the bass?

Ruckus:     Started on viola, sat on it, then they moved me to upright. 6th grade. Forward a few years and I found the Ramones.

Elaine:     How did you learn to play? Lessons? Self taught?

Ruckus:     Self taught!! Playing country and jazz stuff taught me when NOT to play.

Ruckus:    In other words when to let 1 nite ring instead of hitting as fast as possible.

Elaine:     Can u still play viola and upright? Other instruments?

Ruckus:     Upright yes, viola no, and a Lil guitar.

Elaine:         What other music genres influence you?

Ruckus:     I play any and everything from jazz to country, ambient gothic to punk rock  Something good in most all music.

Elaine:         Is there some sort of difference or division between Vegas punk and LA punk?

Ruckus:     Not at all. They played here, we played there. Still great friends.

Elaine:     There are so many divisions in punk. What would you consider The Vermin to be?

Ruckus:     Just old school punk as far as I'm concerned. Still don't like labels.

Elaine:     I love the mix of genres on ur radio cast! No metal?

Ruckus:     Not really a metal fan myself.

Elaine:        Your taste is eclectic. How do you find your music?

Ruckus:     I see em live, know the band, cover the songs or just like the record cover. Mostly seeing live though.

Elaine:        Do you listen to radio?
 
Ruckus:     Never

Elaine:        Do u like any of the (for lack of better word) mainstream punk bands?

Ruckus:      Some, not many. I'm an old fucker, I like the older shit or new stuff by old guys.

Ruckus:      If you mean bad religion and NOFX type stuff yes, blink 182, NO!!!!

Elaine:         Lol why dont u like blink?

Ruckus:     Just think its fake. I like my music with soul!! bumps, bruises and all. They seem too polished for my taste. If others dig em that's great.

Ruckus:     Just not MY thing.

Elaine:      You're very sweet for chatting with me.
  
Ruckus:     No worries. Storm in lv screwed my Internet. Everything is slow. You should interview bands.  You got good ?s. chat later. G'nite!!

There you have it, my first, and will always be my favorite, musician interview!  Hopefully, he will answer a few more questions for me later, like why he ends up nekkid on stage!  I urge you to check Ruckus out!  He's irreverent, captivating, and talented

Download music by The Vermin!  If you're a punk you won't regret it.  You will thank me.
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You can check his musical style on Ruckus On The Radio Punk Rock Podcast from Las Vegas Nevada http://fb.me/1bSEsbwZ6

Catch him playing Sept. 29th in Cedar City, Utah with  THE WESTERN BONE CLEAVERS

Oct. 18 - 25th he will be touring Japan with The Bloodcocks UK.

You REALLY don't want to miss Ruckus and Dirk's show "Bad Ink". Sunday nights at 10 on A&E.

Who knows, if you drop in at the Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas, he just might be the one to pour your cubra libra!!!