In Conversation: Lydia Lunch and Anton

Lydia Lunch on Performance and Artistic Philosophy

Stage Incident

Lunch recounted an incident during a performance where an audience member made a remark. She stated that she invited the individual on stage and struck him with a blackjack, describing herself as being prepared for such situations.

"I was prepared for such situations."

Musical Influences

Lunch cited the band Suicide as an influence after seeing them as a teenager in New York. She noted the band's "manic musical schizophrenia" and Alan Vega's stage presence as influential elements.

Collaborations and Remembrances

A fan of Beasts of Bourbon, Lunch recalled meeting Tex Perkins and indicated they may perform the cover "Hard for You" on an upcoming tour. Regarding the late Rowland S. Howard, Lunch stated she prefers celebrating his life rather than expressing loss, adding that "the dead do not care."

On the topic of street naming for musicians, Lunch commented that it is "better than having a hamburger named after them."

Personal Preferences and Opinions

Lunch stated she dislikes sandwiches and would only accept one without bread that has a "meaty, juicy interior." She rejected the notion that her work is shocking and criticized pop culture as an "existential vacuum."

When asked about Nick Cave, Lunch provided no comment.

Agony Aunt Column and Funeral Plans

Lunch wrote a sex advice column titled Tough Love and noted a memorable question regarding salmonella and a turkey. She stated there will be no funeral for her, adding that she plans to "disappear without a trace" and does not wish to die in her sleep.

Anton on Health, Politics, and Touring

Health and Mortality

Anton, 58, discussed his open-heart surgery, stating the experience heightened his awareness of mortality. Despite a lifestyle that included being thin, eating fish, and 12 years as a vegetarian, he attributes reduced life expectancy to past heavy alcohol consumption and ongoing smoking. He estimated his life expectancy at less than five years due to smoking.

"I estimate my life expectancy at less than five years due to smoking."

Anton manages his health with approximately 20 daily medications for heart conditions and bipolar disorder. He acknowledged the need for improved self-care, noting he had previously quit smoking but resumed.

Political Views

Living in Berlin, Anton expressed disappointment with the political situation in the United States. He described himself as "conservative by nature" but supports the concept of "a fair deal for everybody." He criticized what he perceives as failures in checks and balances, citing issues such as Supreme Court appointments and discussions of presidential immunity.

On-Stage Incidents and Professionalism

Anton recounted several on-stage incidents. These included a band member throwing a cymbal that reportedly hit an audience member, and Anton tackling a guitarist to prevent a microphone stand from being thrown into the crowd.

He also described a past incident in Australia where a glass was thrown at him, leading to a former guitarist retaliating by throwing one back and subsequently attacking Anton after being asked to leave the stage.

Anton stated his commitment to providing positive concert experiences and noted that his current band members are more professional. He expressed a desire to "redeem himself" for Australian fans after previous events, aiming to deliver quality performances and regain audience respect.

Audience Dynamics and Dig! Documentary

Anton observed that a segment of his audience seeks chaos, which he distinguishes from his genuine fanbase. He views the documentary Dig! as having done him a disservice, asserting it was misleadingly edited to portray him as combative without sufficient evidence, claiming he was often reacting to others' instigations.

Personal Habits and Preferences

Regarding insomnia, Anton advises utilizing the time productively. He mentioned reading the Bible multiple times in his youth to understand religious arguments. He described his ideal sandwich, the "Anton sandwich," as containing tuna fish, mayonnaise, white onion, Cornish pickles, pepper, pine nuts, baby spinach, and either aged cheddar or parmesan cheese.

For his funeral, Anton suggested the song "Waltzing Matilda," and also proposed the TISM song "(He'll Never Be An) Ol' Man River" as an option.