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Taken From The Midnight Star July/August 1998

1. Had you ever played a theremin prior to "Slime Creatures From Outer Space"? It sounds like you were having fun.

I believe that was the first time. I knew I wanted a theremin-like sound on "Slime Creatures" to simulate those cheesy 50's sci-fi soundtracks, and Steve just happened to have an actual theremin! In fact, when we did the song live, I played Steve's theremin on stage!
2. If the 3 Tenors did another concert and let you pick the songs for the medley (okay, so it's a really hypothetical question...) what would you make them sing? (#'s 1 & 2 - Unruly Julie Jiles)
A medley of "Kung Fu Fighting," "The Night Chicago Died" and "Billy, Don't Be A Hero."
3. Do you plan on releasing a CD of previously unreleased songs or alternate takes? How about a live CD and video? (Robert and Doreen Self)
No. Pretty much everything worth releasing has been released already - I'm not very proud of the stuff that I did when I was 17. If hardcore fans want to circulate tapes the early stuff, I guess that's okay, but I just wouldn't want to subject the general population to that. And I wouldn't really want to release a live CD because most of my songs sound pretty close live to the way they do on record. Plus, the stuff that we do only in concert couldn't be done legally on record anyway. As far as a live video is concerned, I think the Disney Channel special is about as close as we'll come to that any time soon. If you missed it, there's still a (small) chance that it'll be released on home video some day.
4. Do you do any sports like swimming, roller blading, skiing or biking?
I've decided my ankles are too weak for roller-blading, and I've only been skiing twice. I enjoy tennis and racquetball, but I don't get to play very often at all. I guess the most exercise I get is... going on the road!
5. Where do you like to go on vacation?
I rarely travel to places where I'm not performing or working, but I took a week off at the end of last year and visited Jim at his place in Hana (Hawaii). I had the time of my life - snorkeling, cliff diving, and all the papayas you could eat! Thanks again, Jim!
6. You're known for your parodies, but would you ever release of just your
original songs? (#'s 4-6 - Vicki and Kelsey McLoughlin) I don't think so. The fact is, it's the parodies that "sell" the album to the bulk of the population, so I think it would behoove me to keep a healthy mix of the parodies and originals.
7. If you're not Jewish, why do you use a lot of Yiddish in your songs?
I'm in the entertainment industry - . It's like a second language!
8. Are any of the band members Jewish? (Oh, by the way, I AM Jewish) (#'s 7 & 8 - Russell Kay)
Hmmm... let's see... Schwartz.... gee, I dunno!
9. Now that you are often without your trademark glasses and mustache, do you enjoy being more anonymous or does it bother you, not being recognized in public? (Carlotta)
It's a nice change of pace. I'm actually quite amazed - it's like Clark Kent... I take off my glasses, and 90% of the people have no idea who I am! I'm actually still debating about what to do when the next album comes out - do I continue to wear glasses even though I don't need them?? Hmmm...
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