The Reverend Horton Heat “Custom Culture Rockabilly” Experience
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BUDDY THE ORIGINAL TEXAS MUSIC MAGAZINE MAY 2013 VOLUME XXXX, NUMBER 11 The Reverend Horton Heat “custom culture rockabilly” experience After “Laughin’ and Cryin’’ the new Reverend Horton Heat CD on Victory Records will bring a harder edge. By Dana Jones, Photos by Chuck Flores HOW IS LIFE GOING FOR THE REVEREND They’re all mixed in a pot- HHorton Heat? “It’s amazing. I mean, I get to luck of an audi- Hsing songs about the cars I love, drinking ence, and as the and chasing girls. Beats the hell out of the alterna- Reverend Horton Heat tive.” takes the stage, Most definitely. Brummel, “Signing a veteran art- they suddenly Texas-born Jim Heath may ist of The Reverend Horton Heat’s become one not be a household name, but his caliber and reputation coupled group of de- legendary band The Reverend with the fact that they are one of voted, singing Horton Heat has probably been the hardest touring rock artists, along, dancing, heard in most households in year after year, was a very excit- America. He’s worked hard, and ing way for us to end 2012. A toe-tapping, from that has had both artistic large number of us here have kindred spirits. and commercial success. It’s not been fans for many years. We It’ll be almost just the countless stage shows, very much look forward to work- completely over a million albums sold, nu- ing with the band and its original music, merous appearances on multi- longstanding team.” and the crowd artist compilations, videos and happily expects two concert DVDs. Commer- New CD no less. They cially, The Reverend Horton AMIDST THE INCREDIBLY anxiously await Heat’s music has been featured busy touring schedule, Heath and and buy the al- in movies, TV, and video games. crew have already begun work- bums and mer- Heath has had movie and TV ing on the first, currently un- chandise. They appearances as well. titled, CD of the new deal. “We’re will sometimes The end of 2012 marked the in pre-production, and already travel hours for beginning of a new era for the have a couple songs recorded,” shows, and fol- almost 30-year-old band. They Heath said.”“We’re in that phase low a tour for signed a three record deal with of trying to figure out how it will several dates. Chicago-based Victory Records, be. It should be easy goin’. Vic- His devoted fol- the #1 independent rock record tory is a harder edged label with lowers, and label in the country. “We are a little harder edged stuff. Our there are many, very excited to be a Victory band CD are a truly di- now. Since we are going to get Laughin’ and Cryin’ with the verse congrega- back to doing some edgier stuff, Reverend Horton Heat was almost tion. it makes perfect sense to be on country. This one is gonna be When asked Victory. Plus, they are as pas- different.” Heath is very pleased about his sionate as we are.” to be signed with a label willing The Reverend Horton Heat to let the band do their music the unique fan base, currently features Heath on vo- way they want to get back to he describes his cals and guitar, along with long- doing it. “Stay tuned for some music as “cus- time bandmate Jimbo Wallace crazy ideas about our new al- tom culture on the upright bass, and Scott bum.” CHUCK FLORES rockabilly” Churilla on drums. Joining with In their earlier days, the band He was named a Buddy Texas Tornado Guitarist in 1986: Jim Heath where lots of a label that had an appreciation did a lot of hard partying. “Then, groups of for their style and originality will everywhere we went, there was a rive and party hard before the D9 and just make some music. flower Festival in Richardson on people feel comfortable. He’s likely be a perfect match. Ac- group of three, five, or maybe show even started. It was fun for Writers do that, too. They are May 18, he’ll be headed to Aus- right. And while his music is cording to Victory founder Tony ten people waiting for us to ar- those people, for us, it was work.” just people and writers, not a tralia for a couple of weeks, then often described as psychobilly, it The same pattern day after day ‘real rock star.’ That’s just hyping it’s back to a heavy U.S.tour ranges from a mixture of began to have an effect on them a person, who might not be that schedule.’ rockabilly, country, swing, big and they felt, the quality of their talented.” band, punk, surf, rock and blues, shows. To make real music, there are The experience sometimes with humorous lyr- “Me and the guys have a strong “I remember me and Jimbo two important factors, accord- THE EXPERIENCE THAT IS A ics, sometimes more serious. (Wallace) decided to play for all, ing to Heath. “You gotta work at Reverend Horton Heat show be- Fans will hear their favorites, work ethic from way back. instead of a few. We had been it and have fun. Definitely have gins in the venue’s parking lot. new fans will say they didn’t doing a disservice because of our fun.” Heath says even with the It’s inevitable there will be at realize it was a Horton Heat song, That being said, there are lots party obligation. We made a deal regular gigs, that there’s always least a few really cool classic cars, and everyone will leave having that we wouldn’t drink before a room for practice and hard work. with passersby gazing, pointing had a great time enjoying quality of factors. It’s what we love to show. Not even beer. It was a big “I am ALWAYS working on stuff.” and discussing their merits. The music, which is what Heath truly decision.” A few fans were surely He must be onto something. His experience continues indoors, strives to do for his fans. do. It’s our art form, whether disappointed, but the longevity longevity in the music industry where pin-up girls wearing bright Heath says he and his band of The Reverend Horton Heat and still growing fan base spans red lipstick, beauty marks, mas- are successful for several rea- hanging around a studio or leads one to believe they made not only the U.S. but many other cara, fake lashes, classic hairdos, sons. the right decision. countries as well. Heath says retro clothing and high heels look “Me and the guys have a playing a gig. And, music After all these years, Heath is they are never “off” tour and his as though they’ve crawled off the strong work ethic from way back. still a very down to earth man. entire career is based on touring. tattooed arms of men from a past That being said, there are lots of needs to have a crowd, because He loves what he does, takes From Thanksgiving 2012 era. The fans range in age from factors. It’s what we love to do. pride in doing it right, and wishes through February, the band only those who are not even old It’s our art form, whether hang- it gives the music a heartbeat.” others in music would do the had three weekends off. “A good, enough to drink, to those who ing around a studio or playing a same. “The most annoying people successful band stays challenged. are in their golden years and gig. And,” Heath adds, “music —JIM HEATH are rock stars who ‘live the life.’ Part of that is being booked into have probably been following needs to have a crowd, because it They learn the notes that make oblivion!” After playing the Wild- the band for decades. ■ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ gives the music a heartbeat.” MAY 2013 BUDDY 9.