Wilmington, North Carolina’s own Weedeater are back in Sacramento yet again and will be delivering their own brand of “weed metal” for unsuspecting ears.
Since then, the band have delivered some of the finest stoner / sludge metal steeped in the traditions of THC, marijuana culture, and strong booze. After delivering both ‘… And Justice for Y’all’ (2001) and ‘Sixteen Tons’ (2003) – both on indie Beserker Records – the trio solidified themselves as one of the most ferocious live bands on the touring
And although the band’s recorded output is scant at best, Weedeater have delivered on their promise of quality over quantity. For those newcomers who haven’t heard ‘God Luck and Good Speed’ (2007) or ‘Jason… The Dragon’ (2011) issued on Southern Lord Records, you are in for an aural treat sure to cause dizziness and bouts of dysphoria. And while ‘Goliathan’ (2015) was released nine years ago on Season Of Mist Records, the band are proven road dogs who don’t need a new release as a reason to tour.
Today, the band is rounded out by founding members Dave “Dixie” Collins (vocals, bass) and Dave “Shep” Shepherd (guitar) along with new (er) member Ramzi Ateyeh (drums).
We caught up with the band’s fearless leader while criss-crossing the US.
Capital Chaos TV: Weedeater have been around for 26 years and only released five full-lengths. Why?
Dixie Dave: We’ve been around even longer that that. So if we haven’t released enough records in that amount of time, you could say we suck even more. Or should I say we suck the best? All good fuckin’ bourbon has to be aged. Good bourbon takes seven years. Great bourbon twelve years or longer. Who’s to say how long it takes to make a record?
Capital Chaos TV: Will we see a new album in 2024/2025?
Dixie Dave: We did have plans to record one very soon, but now we don’t know who we’re gonna do it with. The guy we were gonna be recording with passed away. Rest in peace, Steve Albini. What a great motherf****r. Either way, we will do another record sometime.
Capital Chaos TV: The band have landed numerous support slots for major headliners across the US. Anything after the June 2024 Gwar run?
Dixie Dave: I don’t really know what we’re gonna do after that. We’re gonna go home for a little bit. We are supposed to play some shows with our very good friends King Parrot in Australia. Other than that, we might play some festival in Mexico City.
Capital Chaos TV: You and “Shep” are the band’s originals and you’ve been through a couple of drummers. Sadly, we lost Carlos Denogean back in 2018. What about each of your previous drummers’ styles appealed to you.
Dixie Dave: All of them are pretty bad ass in different ways, but Kiko was the original drummer for Weedeater and he’s the man. He’s a goddamn caveman. He’s fucking brutal and also a jazz-trained drummer. Having both of those traits is the most optimum thing for us. We’ve had some of the best drummers I’ve ever had the pleasure to play with since then.
Capital Chaos TV: Is touring tougher in this economy?
Dixie Dave: Yes. Merch sales are a huge deal these days. Please come out to the show and buy a shit-ton.
Weedeater play the Cafe Colonial located at 3520 Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento on Saturday, May 25th. Rounding out the bill is Rebelmatic and Demonsmoke. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 at http://www.cafecolonial916.com. Cafe Colonial is located at 3520 Stockton Blvd.. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts promptly at 8pm. All ages are welcome.
Weedeater also play The Cornerstone in Berkeley located at 2367 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley on Sunday, May 26th. Support comes from Rebelmatic and Bloodhum. Tickets are $23 advance and $27 at the door. Doors at 7pm and the show starts promptly at 8pm. All ages are welcome.
(Capital Chaos TV)