BRAD: The Gears has been one of the best-kept secrets of Los Angeles for far too long. Is there any hope of a new record? (If not, when we establish Mystery Island Records, you’ll be our first phone call).
DAVE DRIVE: We'd love to do a live album. Sort of mix some old stuff with some new.
MIKE MANIFOLD: Give us a call when you're ready! In the meantime you can hear some new songs on the bands myspace page: www.myspace.com/thegearslosangeles. They were recorded with Axxel, Spike, Brian Redz, and Sean Shift a little over a year ago.
BRAD: What is the current line up of The Gears?
THE GEARS: Axxel G Reese on vocals, Kidd Spike - guitar, back on drums is the one and only Dave Drive, and the newest member whose been in the band since 2005 is Mike Manifold on bass.
BRAD: I saw you guys perform with The Plugz (and I think The Germs) back in ‘79 in Highland Park, sort of a high school party gone insane. Any of you have any memories of that show?
DAVE DRIVE: What Gig? No.
MIKE MANIFOLD: I wasn't around back then but I've heard people's stories about jocks with fake mohawks who got punked in the audience! Axxel doesn't remember it though, I asked him.
BRAD: It was on Figueroa. Well, we'll forgive you. The Gears were the opening band and all members were wasted. What are some of the other bands you guys played with/play with in L.A.?
DAVE DRIVE: We used to play with The Germs, The Controllers, X, The Blasters.
MIKE MANIFOLD: Nowadays we play with a mix of old and new bands like Mad Parade, Comprehend, The Scrid Hunters, PrimaDonna, The BillyBones.
BRAD: Do cholos come to your shows?
DAVE DRIVE: Chale'
MIKE MANIFOLD: In Highland Park at Mr T's they did! They loved us!
BRAD: Who wrote “Let’s Go to the Beach”? That song is so fuckin good it should have been a radio hit.
DAVE DRIVE: "Crazy" Ruben Urbina, Axxel, and I.
BRAD: Tell us a scary Gears story:
DAVE DRIVE: Listen to Elks Lodge on the Ground Zero record.
MIKE MANIFOLD: I know a scary story. One time we were playing a gig and we almost ran out of beer!
BRAD: What’s the most violent show you guys played?
DAVE DRIVE: The Elks Lodge show!
BRAD: Your favorite punk band other than The Gears is:
DAVE DRIVE: The Ramones.
BRAD: For our pop culture fans: When you guys were little kids, did you ever carry metal lunchboxes to school? If so, which ones?
MIKE MANIFOLD: I had a Happy Days one. You know the one with Fonzie saying Ayyyy! on it!
BRAD: Who drinks the most beer in the group?
DAVE DRIVE: Me!
MIKE MANIFOLD: I bet these guys would get paid in kegs of beer if they could.
BRAD: Tell us something we need to know about The Gears:
MIKE MANIFOLD: The GEARS are still rocking and doing shows around CA. We're doing a gig with some local punk bands in Upland soon at an all ages venue called Biacci's. On June 30th we're doin a benefit for autistic kids for E.E.K. at Johnny's Bar in Hemet. Also we're doing a show in Glendale in August (24th) with PrimaDonna and some very special guests! Get more info, pics, and listen to songs at the band's myspace page: www.myspace.com/thegearslosangeles
