In a recent interview posted on Ryan Trush’s Lipstick & Leather YouTube channel, Klaus Eichstadt, guitarist for Ugly Kid Joe, gave fans a behind-the-scenes look into the band’s early days, unforgettable tours, and humorous collaborations. The interview took listeners through Ugly Kid Joe’s journey from their beginnings in Isla Vista, California, to their international success as a band known for their unique blend of hard rock, funk-metal, and humor.
Eichstadt reminisced about the early 90s when the band was living among skate rats and homeless people while indulging in dollar burritos, describing Isla Vista’s “nice vibe” where different subcultures came together. This laid-back lifestyle helped shape the band’s irreverent sound and attitude, which would soon gain them a devoted following.
Eichstadt also talked about their touring experiences in the 90s, mentioning their time on the road with bands like War Babies and Sugar Tooth. Sugar Tooth’s guitarist Dave Fortman eventually joined Ugly Kid Joe, leading to a seamless and amicable merging of talents that Eichstadt fondly remembered.
One of the interview’s highlights was Eichstadt’s discussion of Scrappy, the band’s beloved dog mascot. Fans will be happy to hear that Scrappy remains a significant part of the band’s identity and will feature on future album artwork, ensuring his legacy continues.
Ryan Trush, known for his in-depth interviews on Lipstick & Leather, guided the conversation toward the band’s love for performing covers. Eichstadt revealed that while Ugly Kid Joe has never officially recorded AC/DC’s “Gone Shootin’,” they have performed it live on occasion. He also recalled sharing festival stages with legends like the Pretenders and Slash’s Snakepit at events like Germany’s Rock am Ring.
The interview took a humorous turn when Eichstadt shared the story of how Saturday Night Live comedian Julia Sweeney, known for her character Pat, ended up working with the band. After a mix-up led to her arriving at their studio dressed as Pat, she went on to appear in the band’s videos for “Everything About You” and “Neighbor,” bringing her comedic genius to their visuals.
One of the most chaotic stories Eichstadt shared was about a festival in Seabird Island, British Columbia, where Ugly Kid Joe found themselves in the middle of a mud fight with the crowd during their set. Sharing the stage with April Wine and Def Leppard, this unexpected mud battle has since become part of the band’s colorful lore.
In closing, Eichstadt hinted at the band’s plans for the future, including possible full-album performances like they did for America’s Least Wanted. He also teased fans with the potential release of previously unreleased tracks like “Wrong or Right,” “Another Girl,” and “Ghost.”
For Ugly Kid Joe fans, this interview on the Lipstick & Leather YouTube channel is a must-watch, offering a blend of nostalgia, humor, and exciting glimpses into what’s to come.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
