Steve McDonald Talks About Redd Kross, Punk History, and Touring Australia
Redd Kross’s Steve McDonald recently engaged in a detailed discussion with Paul Cashmere ahead of the band’s tour with The Hard-Ons in Australia. McDonald delved into the band’s journey from punk outsiders in Los Angeles to a resilient and versatile force in underground rock.
The conversation touched on the band’s historical connection with The Hard-Ons, their ties with Tim Rogers, and the significance of touring together decades later. McDonald also explored the dynamics of performing for aging rock audiences, the allure of matinee shows, and how Redd Kross balances their extensive catalog with newer, rawer material.
McDonald shared insights into the production of Redd Kross’s latest double album, a project that coincided with the creation of the Born Innocent documentary and the band’s oral-history memoir. Revisiting forty years of tumult, creativity, and brotherly friction with Jeff McDonald fueled one of their most intense releases yet.
Reflecting on Redd Kross’s musical identity, McDonald highlighted the band’s ability to navigate seamlessly between punk, glam, pop, and alternative genres without being pigeonholed. Their journey from sharing the stage with Black Flag to collaborating with Sonic Youth and Poison exemplifies their genre-defying approach.
Throughout the interview, McDonald narrated colorful anecdotes involving The Partridge Family, flying kiwi fruit, Suicidal Tendencies, Melvins, and OFF!. He emphasized the importance of authenticity over perfection in documenting the band’s evolution, offering a candid and humorous perspective on their unconventional path to success.
The discussion provided a window into Redd Kross’s unanticipated longevity and the depth of their impact on the music scene. McDonald’s anecdotes shed light on the band’s resilience, creative evolution, and enduring relevance in a landscape where adaptability and honesty reign supreme.