It was an unseasonably cool night in the desert as photojournalist J.B. BRIDGES, my PA MERRILL “The Boss” PEARCEY,
and I, THE FAIRY ROCK MOTHER, pointed the Altima toward Tempe, AZ. My “fairy senses” were a-twitchin’ in anticipation
of ION Indie Magazine’s invasion of the super-secret compound of Metal band, ST. MADNESS—ominously referred to as
“Bad Manor”. I had been invited to be a “bat on the wall” (I ain’t no stinkin’ fly!) for the pre-show rituals leading up to their
performance at JOE’S GROTTTO in Phoenix.
I felt like Bond, James Bond (but with much better hair and of course, wings), as I held the spy-like instructions in my
impeccably manicured hand. There were 3 flagpole markers to the entrance, a secret code to an iron gate and then the
maneuvering and weaving through small “alley-like” narrow roads. I had to stifle the urge to hum the “Mission Impossible”
theme song, as I called out the detailed instructions. And justlikethat, Bad Manor loomed in front of us—in all of its gothic
glory!
How can I describe Bad Manor? It’s sort of like Ozzy hurled in there (in a good way). If Bad Manor were featured in Home
and Garden Magazine, I believe it would go something like this:
“The ambiance of Bad Manor is one of mayhem and mutilation--with lovely scarlet splatters of ox blood for a “pop” of color.
Mannequin carcasses are casually strewn about in a nonchalant fashion--creating a pervasive feeling of impending doom—
with an open floor plan. Enhancing the gory textures of the exposed entrails, is the inference of vampirism--with a dash of
sadomasochism for “fun”. This room is sure to be a hit at any gathering of the undead on your social calendar!”
My next thought was “I wonder if finger sandwiches will be served? This fairy needs to get her “eat” on.” (Sorry, couldn’t
resist.)
We were met with warm smiles and words of welcome as we were introduced to the “chain gang”. The current band consists
of the monster-musicians and a cast of characters in supporting roles, that all comprise the family unit that is St. Madness.
Besides lead singer/songwriter PROPHET, there is guitarist SID RIPSTER, bassist SCARLET RIVERS and drummer BIG
DADDY SUG. But wait—there’s more! Adding to the “madness” are INK DEMON GENE, LOKI TOKI, DR. BLAKEMORE and
the nimbly diabolic dancer KIM FAIRCLOUGH--who joins St. Madness onstage for the “touching” love song “Sexual Abuse”.
To experience a St. Madness show is likened to “performance-art” theater set to epic music. But first…makeup!!!!
J.B. slid silently about with his camera capturing the cosmeticwielding coalition as they artfully applied their makeup and
assumed their identities in preparation for their show. I asked
for one word to describe the essence of St. Madness, and
the answers were varied…“madness”, “perseverance”,
“powerful”, “carnimetal”, “fun”, “different” and ”family”.
This is a large close-knit familial unit, sort of like The
Osmonds—but with leather, horns, stage blood, death
masks, fishnets, chains, and painted-on gaping
wounds. On second thought, they are more like The
Osbournes.
I would glance occasionally in Prophet’s direction
and, although others were animated and
engaging in high-spirited chatter, he sat
silently aside, ritualistically applying his
greasepaint. To me, he appeared
introspective and I read his countenance
as contemplative of the task at hand.
Prophet was a man “in the zone”.
But first, the back story…