Dictators NYC: the 'Handsome Dick' Manitoba interview!
The Dictators NYC are in Europe for a string of dates; they're playing four gigs in Italy between July 29 and August 2, so we had the chance to have a nice chat with singer/frontman Richard "Handsome Dick" Manitoba.
Here is a faithful transcription of what he told us...
Your last album with new material was released in 2001 ("D.F.F.D."): do you think you'll release some new music in the future or do you prefer to dig in the band's archives looking for old nuggets?
Both. 40 years of rich material, that the fans want to hear is a good starting point for us. We have 2 newbies very close to being done. I have many more ideas for songs. Being new at songwriting, I will take my time, because I want to make sure they kill/and entertain.
In 2011 you were called Manitoba, then you changed your name to Dictators NYC: what's the story behind this move?
Simple. The same exact band, because of the Dictators name association, is better attended live. People want something they know, and, after 40 years of being in the Dictators, and being part of the fiber of the music, we felt we owed it to ourselves and our fans, to reach the most people, with our music. The fans wanted this music, but were more apt to pay for the Dictators NYC, than Manitoba. Maybe they thought it was a totally different project… which it wasn't!
How did you choose the songs for your setlist? Are you playing any Manitoba?s Wild Kingdom stuff?
For now, we all chip in with opinions from a long list of Dictators originals, Manitoba's Wild Kingdom songs and our favorite covers, some played for a long time, some newer. I guess I answered part 2 in part 1!
It seems every member of the band has other projects/bands: is it hard to make schedules match and get together to play, tour and rehearse?
Yes. Timewise, getting 5 guys together at the same time is difficult. But we prioritize the band and make sure, before we say yes to touring, we are... ready!!! We, for the most part, have families, businesses and other bands. This makes it tough, but there is so much joy in Dictatorland, playing and travelling and being appreciated, as I stated above, we prioritize.
Personally I always thought the third album of The Dictators, "Bloodbrothers" is a true masterpiece, an amazing example of proto-american metal and steroid-driven punk... but people in general talk only about the first two albums. What do you think of "Bloodbrothers", 36 years later?
Personally, "Bloodbrothers" and "D.F.F.D." are, hands down, my favorite 2 Dictators records
Have you ever noticed the similarities between the main riff of your "Minnesota Strip" and Danzig's "Twist of Cain"? I think he should credit The Dictators for it!
Yes. He should, only, if honestly, he heard "Minnesota Strip" before he wrote "Twist of Cain". If not, then no.
You've been in Italy before: what do you think of this country? Do you like/know any Italian bands?
I am sorry to say, I am not familiar with Italian bands. Please turn me on to some, so I can have reference points as to what I like and what I don't. I must be honest here: I love the women, the look of Italian women. I think the language is the sexiest, most beautiful sounding in the world. And if I were stuck on a desert island, and I was asked "what cuisine, pick one, would you live with for the rest of your life? You will eat no other cuisine" I would pick Italian. Hands down. Not even close!!!
Catch the band live, in Italy, on these dates:
July 29 - Bolognetti Rocks - Bologna
July 30 - Spazio BOSS - La Spezia
July 31 - Arena Sonica - Brescia
August 02 - Arci Tambourine - Seregno (MB)
[Andrea Valentini]
