Rob Zombie has been carving out a strange legacy of music in the world of rock, beginning in 1985 with the formation of his brainchild, White Zombie, a bizarre hybrid of hardcore/punk aggression mixed with New York City "art-damage" and "hard rock thunder." Add to that his love of horror/sci-fi films, trash culture from the hot rod set and pretty much all things on the dark side. (Rob Zombie Web Site)
Rob Zombie, the man obsessed, was online Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. ET.
Rob Zombie
(washingtonpost.com)
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The King of the Dark Side will talk about his music career from "La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1" up to his "Greatest Hits: Past, Present & Future;" the movie he wrote and directed, "House of 1000 Corpses," now available on DVD along with a line of action figures, Halloween masks and T-shirts plus the sequel, "House of 1000 Corpses 2;" the release this week of his first horror anthology comic book series, "Rob Zombie's Spookshow International" and a new graphic novel he is currently working on.
A transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
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Washington, D.C:
Are you always a scary guy?
Or do you ever show a cute, tender side, like with a female for example?
Rob Zombie: I only have one side... the dark side. Why waste your time showing girls a tender side, they only dig the evil anyway.
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Washington, D.C.:
Did you intentionally make Dr. Satan look like the crypt-keeper, from 'Tales From the Crypt', or was that just a coincidence?
Rob Zombie: No. That the first time anyone has ever even said that. Dr. Satan is supposed to look like the great grandfather of Otis. And Otis is supposed to look like Johnny Winter. So I guess Dr. Satan is supposed to look like an ancient Johnny Winter.
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Somewhere, USA:
Rob, ever think about growing up? Or is that just over rated?
Rob Zombie: I always find that question funny. Somehow if you become successful at something you enjoy then you never grow up. I guess the same goes for all sports figures, astronauts, cowboys, etc.
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Hyped, UP:
Totally dug your "American Made Music to Strip By". Any more remix albums in the works?
Rob Zombie: I don't think so. I think White Zombie was the first hard rock band to even do a full remix album back in the day. I tried to carry on the tradition with American Made Music but now I feel the remix album idea is old.
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Fairfax, Va.:
You have quite a talent for illustration. Any plans to release a book of your work?
Rob Zombie: I thought about this many times. But it seems like I can't find the time at the moment. But I will definitely get to it in the future.
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Norfolk, Va.:
Hey Rob,
What are you going to be for Halloween?
Rob Zombie: I am going as Lon Chaney Jr. from The Mummy's Hand.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Hi Rob -- Thanks for dropping by the Post.
We're lifelong fans of yours over at
ReallyScary.com. You mentioned in a
recent interview that the sequel to House
of 1000 Corpses would be a bit darker.
Can you tell us what sort of differences to
expect? And most important -- will Baby be
back?!?
Rob Zombie: Yes, Baby will be back in action. It is hard to talk about a film that doesn't exist yet, but it will be a much darker, rougher movie. Otis and company are really shown as the evil folks that they are. No joking around in this one. It will make the first one look like When Harry Met Sally.
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New York, N.Y.:
How will you feel many years from now when you're on an elevator and you hear the Muzak version of one of your songs?
Rob Zombie: I will feel great. Because I will be earning money while riding in an elevator. Can't beat that.
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Washington, D.C.:
I love the two new songs on Past, Present and Future. Are you working on a new studio album right now?
Rob Zombie: No. I am working on the sequel to House of 1000 Corpses.
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Los Angeles, Calif.:
How are you decorating your home for Halloween?
Rob Zombie: I cover the entire house in candy corn, thus releasing the rats. Needless to say I then have a house covered in rats. The trick or treaters love it.
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Washington, D.C.:
House of 1000 corpses was the greatest horror movie since Night of the Living Dead! Congratulations! Any new movies in the works?
Rob Zombie: Thank you. Glad to hear you dug it. Right now I am working on the sequel.
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Lyme, Conn.:
If your band has fizzled out, what else might you have done in life? Indeed, you already have had success in several different careers. Are there any other careers you might like to try in life?
Rob Zombie: Crash test dummy.
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Los Angeles, Calif.:
What is the scariest thing you think you could show in a movie?
Rob Zombie: The inside of Richard Simmons's hot pants.
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K Street Dungeon:
Rob,
When you're done working for the day and it's time to kick back chez Zombie, what's on the CD player?
Rob Zombie: Dolly Parton.
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Alexandria, Ky.:
Since violence and death mark more and more of what Americans think about, what do you want your message to be to your fans?
Rob Zombie: Enjoy your life and ignore the stupid advice people give you. Especially mine.
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Washington, D.C.:
Dude, you're right. Us chicks totally dig the evil.
Rob Zombie: Mom, stop bothering me.
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At work in Maryland:
Are you planning to tour the D.C. area anytime soon?
Rob Zombie: No.
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Derry, Maine:
As a horror writer, I sometimes find it hard
to make fiction that is scarier than current
events. Do you think you'd ever do a
horror movie more grounded in reality?
Rob Zombie: Maybe, but I'm sick of reality horror shows like Joe millionaire
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Doing this chat instead of working in Gaithersburg:
Does Rob Zombie secretly listen to Hanson when no one is around? Does he watch Staying Alive with the sound down really low so no on will know he's watching a bad Travolta flick instead of a Herschell Gordon Lewis flick?
What's your favorite "guilty pleasure" type music and film?
Rob Zombie: No. Guilty pleasure, hmmmm? I never feel guilty about anything.
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New Orleans, La.:
Do you find Lestat's style attractive at all?
Rob Zombie: No, too sassy.
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Washington, D.C.:
What was your favorite Halloween costume from your childhood?
Rob Zombie: I bought a cheap cave man mask and wore a hockey uniform and called it a Hockey Monster. I was about five.
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mlc1138, Va.:
Dug your steadi-cam shots. What was it like to work
with Sid Haig?
Rob Zombie: Sid is a great guy. We have become great friends and hope to work together many more times.
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Washington, D.C.:
Somebody told me that you are only 5'2" tall. How tall are you?
Rob Zombie: No I'm not five two ... I'm four three. I'm a hobbit.
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Frederick, Md.:
What band, besides your own, has been your own personal favorite to tour with?
Rob Zombie: Danzig, Korn, Pantera.
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Washington, D.C.:
Rob,
What's up man? Love your hard hittin' rock music. You must be super busy all the time. How often do you find time to party with this stuff going on?
Rob Zombie: This is a party.
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London, U.K.:
If you are the King of the Dark Side, who is in your court?
Rob Zombie: When did I say King of anything? You people made that up.
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Boston, Mass.:
Will you ever do a Bauhaus cover? I understand they were a big influence on you!
Rob Zombie: Not a big influence. But they are cool.
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Washington, D.C.:
Are you a real zombie? Do you find a problem with zombie discrimination in this country? Are you pleased that the title of one of your songs was referenced in Blade Runner?
Rob Zombie: Blade Runner came first.
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Yazoo City, Miss.:
What does the hand sign mean that the Post is showing you doing? Calling the devil?
Rob Zombie: Table for two, please.
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Memphis, Tenn.:
Rob -
How about "Fear Factor"? How could you make it better?
Rob Zombie: Let them die.
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Washington, D.C.:
Ever fear your terminal sarcasm could be misunderstood?
Rob Zombie: No. I know for a fact that it will always be misunderstood.
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Under there, D.C.:
You 're so cool. What's it like to be so cool?
Rob Zombie: Same as the Fonzie. Aaaayyyye!
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Baltimore, Md.:
How did you get to be good friends with Lionel Richie?
Rob Zombie: Lionel is a creation of the devil. So we hit it off pretty good.
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Livingston, Mont.:
Rob, you seem like a bright guy with a self-deprecating sense of humor. I was wondering about your pre-rock and roll years. What kind of education did you have and what kind of work did you do before White Zombie got going?
Rob Zombie: I worked on Pee Wee's Playhouse as a PA and worked for a bunch of different porno mags as an art director. No joke.
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Alexandria, Va.:
Has Weird Al ever asked you to do a parody of one of your songs? Would you give him permission if he did?
Rob Zombie: Yes, I'm still waiting for More Humid Than Humid.
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Washington, D.C.:
Rob,
When are you going to get that Flock of Seagulls hairdo going again like you had back in the 80's? I kind of liked that Oliver Twist look you had going.
Riff
Rob Zombie: Yes.
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Dre in Virginia:
If you had a choice, would you go to Heaven or Hell?
Rob Zombie: Detroit.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
You are well known for your brilliant analysis of the limits of the post-modern, ironic horror films like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer but what do you think of the more recent fare like Freddy vs. Jason and the remake of Chainsaw?
Rob Zombie: Didn't see F vs. J and I'm going to check out TCM tonight.
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Harrisburg, Pa.:
Rob,
I enjoyed your work a lot with White Zombie and your solo albums. One of my favorite tracks that you recorded was with Alice Cooper, "Hands of Death", for the "Songs in the Key of X" X-files soundtrack. Will you be working with Cooper again? And are there other collaborations in the works? Thanks!
Rob Zombie: Maybe, we talk about writing songs together but we never get around to it. Alice is the man.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
What's up with all the Mexican wrestlers in your videos? How did that obsession yet started? By the way, YOU ARE A GENIUS!
Rob Zombie: My dad was buddies with Mil Mascaras and I used to watch them wrestle as a kid.
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Dre' in Virginia:
What are your beliefs concerning afterlife?
Rob Zombie: I assume that cable TV is free.
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Washington, D.C.:
Do you believe in the end of the world??
Will evil ever rule?
Rob Zombie: I don't even believe in the end of these questions.
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Foggy Bottom, D.C.:
Will there be more robots in the next installment of House of 1000 corpses? I only recall seeing one robot (which was actually more of a cyborg) toward the end in Dr. Satan's den. I have noticed that your videos almost always have one robot in them, so i am wondering if we are going to get to see more quality screen time with the robots next time around. More Robots!
Rob Zombie: Lots of robots, spaceships and girls in bikinis.
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Still not working in Gaithersburg:
You just gotta love a man that not only has hairy feet but also uses the word "sassy."
Rob Zombie: Get a job.
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Re: future movies:
Rob,
Are there directors that you would like to work with? I can definitely see a link between you and John Carpenter -- would you consider handing the reins over to another director and going in front of the camera? Rock on.
Rob Zombie: No, I have no desire to act. But I like Carpenter. He is a cool guy.
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Lyme, Conn.:
What can you tell us about your upcoming graphic novel? What is the plot and what are the characters like? How far along are you and is there a scheduled date when it will be published?
Rob Zombie: Not really a graphic novel First is Spookshow International which is horror comic that hits stores this weekend, then THE NAIL (which I am cowriting with my buddy Steve Niles). That is a violent masterpiece.
Contact a place called Halloween Town for advance copies at
818 509 0757
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Bowie, Md.:
Mr. Zombie, I am of the opinion that you look so handsome in color. Why are almost all your promo pictures done in B/W?
Rob Zombie: I want to live in a B&W world.
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Valarie:
The episode you did for MTV's Cribs was
the only one ever worth watching.
Anything you've added to your decor
recently that you especially like?
Rob Zombie: I moved to a much bigger house that looks like a castle.
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Reston, Va.:
Any thoughts on doing an animated movie?
Rob Zombie: I'm hoping to direct the sequel to Lilo & Stitch.
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Reston, Va.:
What's your opinion on the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Do think it was unnecessary since the first one still is genuinely scary?
Rob Zombie: I haven't seen it.
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Washington, D.C.:
Are you a fan of newer horror movies like The Ring?
Rob Zombie: I thought the Ring was good.
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Six Feet Under:
What were those creatures that tear them out of the coffin all about? Creations of Dr. Satan's? The Edgar Winter look to Otis was so awesome. I am trying to put together an Otis costume for Halloween. Any suggestions? Should I make my own fishboy?
Rob Zombie: Otis was really more Johnny Winter than Edgar.
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Midgetville, Va.:
I think Sid Haig should have been nominated for an Oscar last year ... but unfortunately that's a bit far fetched.
Who's your favorite horror movie actor and actress of all time?
Thanks RZ ... keep on pumping out that horror!
TJ Bothered
Rob Zombie: Boris Karloff and Gloria Stuart.
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Still Chatting instead of working in Gaithersburg.:
Casting Karen Black in your film was genius. I still have nightmares about her as that doll from Trilogy of Terror.
Any other horror film greats you'd like to work with?
Rob Zombie: Yes, a few but most of the people I love have passed on.
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Washington, D.C.:
You were practically a staple of Ozzfest the past few years. Do you plan on touring any more in the near future, or is your musical career on hold for the movies? Is this a temporary or indefinite thing?
Rob Zombie: No touring plans right now.
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Washington, D.C.:
Hi Rob -- Spookshow International looks
great! The couple of sample pages I've
seen show you, Baby and Capt.
Spaulding as sort of hosts for the comic --
is this meant as a tip of the cap to any
particular comics hosts of old, like
Mystery Comics' Witches, Cain and Abel
or the Cryptkeeper? Which were your
favorites when you were a kid?
Thanks.
Rob Zombie: This comic is a throwback to the glory days of monster comics.
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Washington, D.C.:
Do you have anything in common with Count Dracula?
Rob Zombie: No he is a pug.
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Los Angeles, Calif.:
Does King of the Dark Side outrank a Prince of Darkness? What are your thoughts on Ozzie Osborne?
Rob Zombie: Only when playing Foos ball.
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Rob Zombie: OK gang. thanks for coming I'm out of here. Don't forget that Spookshow International along with House of 1000 Corpses action figures and Halloween masks are all available at Halloween Town, a really cool store here in Hollywood. click on: HalloweenTownStore.com or call 818-509-0757. They are cool monster fans and will help find cool stuff.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN BOILS AND GHOULS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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