Joey Allen (Warrant) July 2005 Interview

Looking back at this interview

What a joy it was to talk with Joey. After several line up changes the classic Warrant lineup regrouped (minus Jani Lane). Black N Blue front man Jaime St. James was entrenched as the new singer. A new record was on the way. Warrant signed a ton of items for us. Warrant rented equipment from the music shop where our future 7Shadows owner was working. As the evening ended we actually wound up helping the load out which was a really cool experience.

Joey Allen (July 2005)

What motivated you to get back into the rock n roll circus?

You know it was an email from Erik Turner. We talked and we got together just to jam after Jani had left the band and it was fun. It was a little shock that it was as fun as it was because I had left it (at least left the Warrant world) for awhile. Everything kind of happened after that. It wasn’t a planned out thing. It was like, “Hey you wanna do a show?” We did a show it was fun, and on and on and here we are today.

It’s a cliché statement, but when you got together with the guys was it like putting on an old pair of shoes again?

Pretty much. Obviously I hadn’t played any of the Warrant tunes in over 10 years.
It was kind of like getting on a bike again. It was a lot of fun.
With Jaime (St. James) in the mix it was even more fun because there wasn’t any animosity.
He’s a pro. He likes to get up and jam and do what he does. So it was kind of a no brainer.

What is it that Jaime St. James brings to the band?

As far as a lead singer goes, besides his great voice and presence as a front man, he’s just extremely dependable.
He’s there every night. We’ve played over 100+ shows over the last year. He’s had maybe one bad show over the last year so you can’t really deny that he’s a pro. That helps out not having to worry if your singer’s going to show up or bolt on you at any minute. That’s how it was with Warrant back around the ‘94 era.

When you initially left Warrant what pushed you over the edge to make that decision?

You know it was a combination of everything. The fact that the whole Seattle scene had taken such a stranglehold on the music industry. Everybody was in their private hells. I was going through a divorce.
You take stuff like that, other multiple legal tangles and it makes being in a band not mean a whole lot.
So you’re kind of in your own private hell and the best way I knew how to dig through that was out on my own.
That’s when I decided to take a break I guess. I guess you could call it a break since now I’m back !

Just a hiatus, a reprieve.

There ya go ! Extended !

Did you think in the back of your head that you’d eventually get sucked back into it at some point?

I didn’t know. We had talked about it many times (Erik, Jerry and I).
We actually even had a meeting with Jani at one point and I didn’t know what was going to happen. I always wanted to do it cause time had gone on. There wasn’t as much animosity as there used to be. It sounded like it might be a good idea.
Everything takes time.

Do you find it ironic that the movement that swept our music out of the record company radars had such a short shelf life? Grunge in actuality had a much shorter shelf life than our genre.

I liked some of the music, there were some great bands; Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, some really good bands at the time. I never really looked back at it like that, but now that you say it. I don’t know if it was the genre or the record industry itself.
The record industry today isn’t growing artists anymore. It more like “insta grow”. Its like a piece of fruit that was made with a bunch of chemicals. It’s that they don’t spend the time on acts developing at all. It’s cookie cutter. They’ve got themselves into issues because of it.
I mean look at how many records are selling now as compared to back in our days. Major acts like U2 are the only acts that are going multi platinum, unless you step into the rap world, which is a different animal in itself. There’s not a lot of action like there was back in the day. I bet you if you asked all those gentlemen with the big labels who take home paychecks, I bet you they wouldn’t mind if it was back like it was, because there was much more income.

Our genre of music is totally ignored by music historians, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, etc. It’s as if nothing of that era had any value. What’s your take?

You know that’s there loss because there were certainly people buying the records. I don’t really answer to any rock historian or Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. You gotta look at the history of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammys, even the American Music Awards to a certain extent. They haven’t really followed what the people were into. I mean we remember when the best hard rock Grammy went to Jethro Tull. It just doesn’t make any sense.

Well every year you look at it and there’s no Kiss, no Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, forget about it.

Absolutely. It just doesn’t make any sense, but maybe they’ll get it right sooner or later.

After you left Warrant you got into computer programming?

Database administration. I did that for about 7 years. I worked with a company that developed a mid tier ERP package, kind of like a mini Oracle. Then I found a customer that had the package and I went to work for that customer and made a whole lot more money. So I wound about being the database administrator for a small manufacturing company that did about $30 million a year in business.

Flash forward to the present. It’s odd that after Lane left suddenly we have the reunion of the rest of the classic Warrant lineup.

Ahhh.. YOU’RE SHARP !!

Think nothing else needs to be said there, that move pretty much speaks for itself.

Not diss to Jani. He’s his own guy and he’s certainly doing what he wants to do. I think that’s what it came down to. Jerry and Erik had been interested in putting the whole package back together. They brought it to Lane a few times. I think he was the one who was pretty much against it. We’re having a great time doing it without him to be honest.
People want to hear the songs they grew up on and that’s what we do. We go out and we play those songs. We play anywhere from 16-20 songs and that’s what they want to hear. They don’t want to hear 10 songs and 2 covers. We’re doing what Warrant should do at this time and that’s get up there and play the stuff people want to hear.
We’ve recorded a new record which sounds awesome. It should be out in the next few months. We’ve moved on. We wish him (Lane) the best of luck in whatever endeavor he decides to take.

How’s the new record shaping up?

The new record is completely recorded. It will be mixed and mastered in the next few weeks hopefully.
It’s done. It’s in the can, but it’s not mixed. It’s what we’re good at. It’s 80’s rock n roll. The die hards will definitely like the record.
When we did the record “Dog Eat Dog” (the 3rd Warrant record) it was a little heavier for us. It was something we wanted to do at the time, but in retrospect…if any record should’ve followed “Cherry Pie” it probably should’ve been the one we just recorded. It’s more true to that whole style and genre of music.

It’s puzzling when our bands try to reinvent their sound to appeal to the latest trends.

It really is. It’s not rocket science. I mean everybody that stepped up and wrote for the record did it because they believe in it. It’s what we do best. We’re aware more than anybody of where we stand in the music industry. It’d be great to be back on the radio and back on MTV but the fact of the matter is 99.9% that’s not going to happen.
We just want to make a record for people who enjoy it and get out there and play.
We see new fans out there all the time. People bring their kids out on the road, to the gigs. It’s interesting.

Did you get to flex more muscle in writing the album?

Personally, at the time all the writing went down I only contributed one song. I didn’t get into the writing process that much. The people that wrote had a bunch of songs that had been piling up. Jerry, Erik and Jaime did most of the writing to be honest with you. Stephen and I didn’t take a backseat, but here’s 20 songs people had been recording and writing. We took a look at what was best , figured it out and demoed it up. There’s always time where you’re in the studio recording and you got an idea here or there.
So definitely in that aspect. As far as the writing, it was open if I wanted to I just didn’t take the opportunity.

We’re going to jump into the “Music Video Time Capsule” for a minute.

What was your favorite video you were in?

The one I never made ! No..My favorite video and why…Probably “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. It only took like 7 hours to shoot. You got to love it when it’s a half day. It doesn’t matter what you do, day job or not. For the time it really just fit the band. It was a lot of fun.

What’s your least favorite video?

Hopefully this doesn’t bum anybody out, but I’d have to say the white leather in the “Heaven” video.
That just has to go.

But that was cool man !

I don’t know whose idea that was, but it wasn’t mine! It’s all fun though. I can’t really say any of the videos sucked.
I mean how hard is it to make a video like that and have a good time? It was just a lot of fun.

Every musician has had their fair share of odd jobs. What was your worst “Struggling Musician” job?

It wouldn’t be a job specifically, but trying to find a job with long hair back in the day. I couldn’t get a job to save my life.
I had a degree but the long hair thing just killed me.
Every job I’ve done I’ve enjoyed in some way or another. You have to look at things optimistically otherwise you’re just not going to show up eventually and that’s not what it’s all about.

When did you feel like you’d finally hit the “Big Time” ?

Opening for Motley Crue on the “Dr. Feelgood” tour. That was a hell of a lot of fun so I’d probably have to say that time.

You have 5 songs (spanning your entire recording career) to put into the “Joey Allen Time Capsule”. What 5 songs are in the capsule?

Wow man… I’m a rocker at heart, so I’d have to say, “So Damn Pretty (Should Be Against the Law)” off the first record. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and “Sure Feels Good” off the second record. Off the third record “Hole in My Wall”.
Off the new record…I’d have to say a song called “Roller Coaster”.

We saw a set list on the Warrant website and it listed Roller Coaster as being in the current set.

Yea. We’re actually in the middle of revamping our website. A lot of people get pissed at us because we’re slow to it.
We’re in the middle of revamping it for the new record.

So we’re going to hear new music in the set list?

Yea. We’re playing two new songs. We play at least one. Most of the time we play two. We’re definitely playing some new music so people can get a taste of it.

What was your “Spinal Tap Moment”? (Please give us at least 1).

Come on there’s been millions. Now you got my head spinning. Oh man, I gotta watch out what I say here cause I don’t want to rag on anyone.

You can change the names to protect the innocent (and the guilty).

Well while I was on tour with one certain singer, Being late for a gig because he had to get his hair apparatus serviced.
How’s that? I won’t name that singer, but it’s not hard to figure that one out is it?

We call those hair apparatuses “hats”. I don’t, and have never worn, a hat. As you’ll see on the new Warrant website.
The hair is pretty much gone for me. I’ve been one to take it on the chin and just say, “Hey what the fuck?” you know.
Why not, who cares. I can kick ass on guitar and that‘s all I care about to be honest with you.

And that’s really all that matters.

I make funny faces. I still got the guitar faces going on.

What are you playing with gear wise. What are your favorite new toys?

My new Krank Revolution Series One amp. I use G&L guitars. I got a red tele with a Floyd Rose on it that just kicks ass.
I use a MM4 Line 6 modulator. It’s pretty good. I like the effect because you can have some presets so it’s like more than one toy. You can have 4 presets in the thing. I’ve got a Morley Bad Horsie Two that’s just killer.

We’ve been meaning to check out the Line 6 stuff.

I was trying to get into some other effects. I messed around with the Line 6 Beta Two for about a year. I was just like tubes, tubes, tubes, tubes. I used to build proto type amplifiers for Jackson guitars. I was like I got go back to tubes, tubes, tubes!
It kept on calling me back, so I got together with the guys over at Krank. I dig their stuff. It’s loud and killer.
My tone’s great live.

Everybody has there favorite “Jam Songs”. What are your Top 5 favorite jam band songs?

Damn. “American Band” is one of them. Gotta throw a ZZ Top in there , “Tush”. “Back in Black” – AC/DC.
“Rock n Roll”- Led Zeppelin. And of course can’t leave the Priest out, “Breakin The Law” old school !

A Few Quick Hits:

First Concert You Ever Saw:

Cheap Trick opening for Kiss 1978.

Worst Concert You Ever Saw:

You know how many thousands of concerts I’ve been to?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad concert to be honest with you. I’ve seen so many different bands.
Nowadays I’ll go to a show and I’m lucky if I catch 3 songs before I go hit the bar. It’s usually my friends.

I went see Def Leppard the other night and it was just awesome. I didn’t stick around to say hi to anybody, but I’m good friends with Phil Collen. I just gave him a thumbs up and split. Then I called him on his cell and told him what was up with his tone.
Hah ! I know Phil very well. We #@<% with each other. I know what amps he was using there so I #@<%ed with him.
He’s a really good guy. His son and my daughter have known each other for years. It’s a good relationship with Phil.

Favorite TV Show growing up:

The Gong Show. Chuck Barris he’s the man !

What’s Joey Allen best at ?

Being a nice guy ! I don’t know. Musically I’m the best Joey Allen out there music wise . That’s a tough question. I’m a good father. I love my daughter to death. I’m a good friend.

What are you worst at?

Patience by far. IS THIS OVER YET?

We’re trying dude !

ah you gotta laugh man !

Favorite childhood toy:

Tonka trucks man ! The metal ones that cut your fingers!

What would most people be surprised to know about you?

F**K man. These are questions I’ve never seen before.. I’m a very very good water skier and snow skier.
I grew up doing that shit. I could’ve gone professional with either one of them if I’d have pursued it.

Yea, but Rock N Roll is so much more glamorous.

Absolutely (keep telling me that).

What’s your guilty pleasure?

My daughter’s gonna read this, I gotta be PG. My guilty pleasure is seafood.. I see food and I eat it.
NO. Now people are gonna think I’m a big fat slob !

“The Life and Times of Joey Allen” is being made into a multi-million dollar movie. Who plays Joey and how does the movie end?

Gary Oldman and the movie ends happily ever after.

What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned over the years?

As long as you’re on the right side of the grass life ain’t that bad. You gotta put it into perspective and look at what’s going on in the world. Look at the kids that are out there fighting for our freedom.
It kind puts a perspective on life. I’m damn glad to be alive. I certainly tip my hat to those people.
Whether you’re against or for the war or whatever’s going on over there I certainly tip my hat to those people who are over there.

It’s so easy to get caught with blinders on.

Oh yes man, like getting cut off on the freeway and getting out of hand about it. Then you see these guys who can’t drive anymore cause they got hurt, or are sitting over there in the desert. I just can’t fathom anybody having anything but support for that whole movement, you know those soldiers who are over there fighting for us.

You have 5 albums you can listen to for the rest of your life. (no box sets, live albums or greatest hits).

No live records ? Thin Lizzy- “Thunder and Lightning”. AC/DC – “Back n Black”.
You’re hitting me hard here ! I gotta throw in a current one I just can’t get out of my head. It’s System of A Down – “Mesmerize” (for right now). What else.. Cheap Trick – “Heaven Tonight”.
Let me see what’s in my Itunes real quick… Judas Priest – “Screaming for Vengeance”.

What’s your favorite “Cowbell Tune” ?

“Don’t Fear the Reaper”.. is there a cowbell in that ? That’s the one brother ! By the way Steven Sweet can do a great Christopher Walken.

Is there any chance we can get can get a good Warrant cowbell song going?

Well we could try it! There’s still some cowbell that needs to be laid on the new record. There’s some percussion.
Maybe you could come out and lay down some cowbell for us !

Happily !

Absolutely! That’s classic. More cowbell !

Any parting shot you wanna leave to our rock warriors?

Just f#@in enjoy life, enjoy music and #@<% all the haters of any kind !

That’s poetry!

Isn’t it beautiful?

Thanks Joey. You are another Warrior Keeping the Spirit Alive.
Keep Defending the Faith !!

ARTIST UPDATE 2019.
Warrant carried on with St. James fronting the band until 2008. The band briefly reunited with Jani Lane. This dissolved rather quickly and Lane was permanently replaced by former Lynch Mob vocalist Robert Mason. Robert has been in the band ever since. Warrant has released two albums with Mason.
As we all know, Jani Lane tragically passed away in 2011.
Warrant is still touring regularly. Catch them out on the road. For the latest updates on Warrant check out their website. It includes news and links to their social media pages.
warrantrocks.com