Monster A Go Go Interview
Monster-A-Go-Go: Let me start by thanking you for doing this interview. I feel very honored to be able to include you in the premiere issue of MAGG.
The BONE JANGLER: And, you should! (laughs)
MAGG: To start off, why don't you explain to our readers, who (or what) is The BONE JANGLER? Can you introduce yourself, and tell them a bit about your background?
TBJ: I am, as they say, an ancient enigma, an omnipotent one. I came here from beyond your concepts of space and time, having been alerted to Earth's presence by the Big Bang that spawned it.
Your Earth women are what keeps me here, if you know what I mean.
MAGG: What would you say is THE most important thing that everyone should know, or understand about you?
TBJ: People need to realize that I'm authentic, in every sense of the term. Despite my immortality, I don't have time for deception. I say what I mean, and mean what I say. People need to recognize, and appreciate, my honesty, and sincerity.
MAGG: How long have you been a horror movie fan? What is your earliest horror movie related memory (or memories)?
TBJ: I've been a fan for as long as the genre has existed. I have too many horror movie-related memories to necessarily pick out any one in particular.
MAGG: How did you become involved in hosting a TV horror movie program?
TBJ: Nocturna & I had been watching many of the various Horror Hosts throughout the years, and, after a while, we noticed that a) many of them seemed like clones of one another, and b) the genre itself was beginning to disappear from the airwaves. We figured that we were uniquely qualified to pick up the mantle, so to say, and so that's exactly what we did.
I think we gave the genre a much-needed kick in the balls, when we came out. We've influenced so many people, dragging the genre, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. I know that many of the newer Horror Hosts have approached me, stating that our program has been highly influential to them.
MAGG: How long has your show been on the air? How has it changed, if at all, throughout the years?
TBJ: Well, that's an interesting question. We recently aired our 16th Anniversary show, yet, many people are under the assumption that we've been around just a little less than 5 years. Blame it on our ability to effortlessly transcend your so-called boundaries of time, and space. (laughs)
MAGG: You seem to have accumulated quite an interesting group on your show; Charles Crowley (The Undisputed World's National Television Heavyweight Champion Of The World), The Deacon, Mr. Laffypants, Rock Lancelot, Chef Ryan, The Enforcer, and especially the bewitchingly beautiful Nocturna, amongst others. What can you tell us about each of these folks, and how they came to join your show?
TBJ: Let me start off with Nocturna.
Nocturna is an enchantress, The Enchantress, and she's also the Queen Of The BONE JANGLER's Coven, my harem of sexy/wicked women you'd best not fuck with.
Nocturna has a mysterious background, one which will be examined, very soon, on our website. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I can say that we've only been together for about a century, a drop in the bucket for us.
Charles Crowley is someone who was drawn to our evil nature. He's been a wrestler for some time. Upon meeting him, I realized his potential, and immediately became his manager. He's got that special "something", you know? I call it a controlled lunacy. He does a lot of our dirty work, if you will. He's our most important ally.
The Deacon is an interesting fellow. He was also drawn to our agenda. He considers himself to be "The Minister Of The Sinister", spreading the gospel that is The BONE JANGLER.
Mr. Laffypants is the host of our parent network's children's show. You'll see his show advertised during many of our programs. He's actually not the original Mr. Laffypants.
The original began as a mid-season replacement series, with only 13 episodes taped. When the show became an overnight sensation, and the network renewed the contract, the original Mr. Laffypants had already moved on to something else. So, the network chose to run those same 13 episodes in perpetuity for about 35 years! (laughs)
This current guy isn't exactly a hit with the kids, leading many people to speculate that he's a relative of one of the station owners.
Chef Ryan is another personality from our parent network. He's an out-of-work mechanic who somehow had a cooking show thrust upon him. Let's just say that his "cooking" is one of a kind! (laughs)
The Enforcer is the star of the parent network's premiere action/adventure show. He's a chain-smoking, sandwich-eating, gun-toting private eye who isn't afraid to bend the rules. His back story really hasn't been touched on, as of yet. When people realize where he's been, and what he's gone through, they'll really be blown away, and not by The Enforcer's .45!
MAGG: Can you give our readers some insight into what goes into creating an episode of The BONE JANGLER show? How many crew members are involved behind the scenes? Do you script out everything in advance?
TBJ: The films come from my vast library of public domain films. I pick the ones I like, and go from there.
There aren't more than 2 people acting as "crew members" at any given taping.
As far as scripts go, there aren't any.
We prefer it this way. It's much rawer, and undiluted, this way. Gives it that "live" feeling, and, again, it's just that much more authentic, and honest.
MAGG: What are some of the film "classics" that you have hosted in the past?
TBJ: We've hosted several. "Killer Shrews". "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein", "Brain That Wouldn't Die", "Plan 9 From Outer Space", and "Beach Girls And The Monster" come to mind. "Reefer Madness" seems to be a favorite, particularly among the Horror celebrities.
Hmm... Why might that be?
MAGG: "The BONE JANGLER" is now seen in many television markets. Can you explain how your show is distributed?
TBJ: The show is currently seen on 37 stations, in 21 states. There are plans afoot to give it more of a global audience, but I don't wish to spoil anything by mentioning them this early on.
The show is mostly broadcast on public access channels, and on one UHF channel.
I send the stations the shows, and they air them. Most of them were brought about because I solicited the stations. In may instances, someone in those areas approached me about airing it on their local stations. Of course, many of these stations are Horror Host Underground affiliates. The Horror Host Underground is a collective of Horror Hosts from around the nation, and many of them air one another's shows in their hometown markets.
MAGG: You are part of a long tradition of TV horror hosts. What horror movie hosts of the past, if any, have had the greatest effect on your show, and how?
TBJ: None of them have had any direct influence on how I do our shows. However, Chicago's original Svengoolie (Jerry G. Bishop) is my all-time favorite Horror Host, and anything that might have inadvertently rubbed off couldn't be a bad thing. Ohio's Son Of Ghoul, in a manner of speaking has been a sort of mentor to me. Just watching his shows, it's been like a tutorial on how to do it right. New Jersey's Halloween Jack knows how to deliver the goods, as well. Those two are my favorite current Horror Hosts.
MAGG: Your show is part of a resurgence of modern TV horror hosted shows that are now springing up across the country. Why do you think that horror hosts are making such a strong comeback at this time?
TBJ: I think that everything is cyclical, and many of the people who grew up watching these sorts of shows are longing for a return of them. Unfortunately, most of the people who run the bigger commercial stations would rather run an infomercial. It costs them nothing to make, as they don't make them, and, they get paid for airing them. Thankfully, things are looking up!
MAGG: What makes "The BONE JANGLER" show different than any other horror movie hosted program on TV, past, or present?
TBJ: Well, for one, our show is NOT campy. Not at all. Our show is much more explicit, and of an adult nature. Also, I'm viewed as a champion of the First Amendment. When you watch our show, there's no wondering what we're saying on there. We name names, and tell it like it is, without fear of reprisals. We make a lot of people nervous, in a very "I hope they don't mention me" kind of way. Of course, if these people weren't guilty of any wrong doing they'd have nothing to fear. Not knowing what's going to be said is a big reason why people watch the show. We tend to do a lot of things that you're just "not supposed to" do, or say, on TV. And, it all comes off quite naturally, as it is.
MAGG: What are some of your personal all-time favorite horror movies, and why?
TBJ: My favorite movie, horror, or otherwise, is "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein". I thought that it was very well done. The comedy aspects didn't spoil the horror aspects, for the most part. I actually have too many favorites to pick out a select few. But, hands down, "A&CMF" is my favorite.
MAGG: Are there any other aspects of horror that interest you (i.e. literature, comic books, OTR, TV, games, collectibles, etc.)?
TBJ: Almost all aspects of horror interest me. However, gaming, and just plain games of any sort, does not interest me. I like "Monopoly", but that doesn't count. Does "Clue" count? (laughs)
MAGG: I know that you and Nocturna are very big on the convention circuit. Do you enjoy attending conventions? What is a "typical" TBJ/Nocturna convention appearance like?
TBJ: Yes, Nocturna & I love to do the conventions. Like almost anything else, there are aspects of it that we don't enjoy. But, by and large, we really, really dig it. We both enjoy meeting the honest fans, the people who drive a zillion miles just to see you. It sounds strange, coming from me, but, I enjoy making people happy. To have the opportunity to do that, just by being yourself, that's pretty powerful. You get the chance to make a profound, and lasting, impact on stranger's lives, and, quite often, you make new lifelong friends. Of course, these mortals will all die one day, but it's fun while it lasts. (laughs)
MAGG: I also know that, in addition to your horror movie hosting duties, you are also involved in the world of professional wrestling. Can you explain how that came about?
TBJ: Meeting up with Charles Crowley was all that needed to happen. I saw the potential he possessed, sensed he was lacking direction, and decided to invade the world of professional wrestling as a manager.
It seems I'm always invading something, doesn't it? (laughs)
MAGG: Have you always been a wrasslin' fan? If so, what are your earliest memories of professional wrestling? What federation(s) did you start out watching? Who are some of your favorite wrestlers, managers, announcers, and how have they influenced your own professional wrestling career?
TBJ: Actually, I haven't always been a wrestling fan. I used to change the channel, whenever I caught a glimpse of some fat, farmer-looking, "athlete" hawking used cars on local television.Then, one day, I happened to catch Ric Flair in action, and that was it!
Ric Flair, to me, is the all-time greatest wrestling personality. He knows all of the moves, and he's confident to the point of rubbing it in your face. He always talked the talk, and walked the walk, and no one can match his skills on the mic.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Flair, and he was very excited about my, at that time, impending Horror Host career. Nothing but smiles. He liked my attitude, and he seemed especially interested in The Coven.
MAGG: As if being a TV Horror Host and professional wrestling manager weren't enough to keep you very busy, I believe that you are also an accomplished musician. How big a part of your life revolves around music, and making music?
TBJ: Well, music is very important to me. I see people who don't even own a stereo of any sort, and wonder what they're living for. If I'm awake, I'm probably listening to music, lots of it, very eclectic stuff.
As for making music, I play my guitar every single day, improvising all the way. I like to create, you know? I'm just constantly creating something, whether it be music, or whatever.
MAGG: What types of music do you enjoy? What singers/musicians/songwriters have most influenced your own musical pursuits?
TBJ: The Beatles are my absolute favorite recording artists of all time, bar none. Aside from them, Jimi Hendrix has had a profound influence on me. I enjoy all kinds of music. I particularly like music is aggressive, avant garde, and well off the beaten path. I'm the sort of person who is always the first to hear of new artists. When people hear me play a CD, they usually say something like, "Okay, now who is THAT?"
MAGG: Do you perform professionally? If so, can you tell us a bit about what that is like?
TBJ: Well, I don't perform much these days, what with the show, and all. The show is sort of like a big tree, with many different branches. However, when I do perform, it's exciting. I like to improvise, and, as a result, not even I, knows what will happen next!
MAGG: I know that, in addition to all of your other endeavors, you are also an entrepreneur and businessman. What can you tell our readers about that facet of your life?
TBJ: I own a comic book shop/used bookstore. It's a wild mix, as you've got something for everyone, yet most people have their favorite elements of my store, but I don't really "get into" 1/2 of it. Makes for a wide variety of customers, which I enjoy. There's no stereotypical customer at my shop.
MAGG: With all of your interests, and obligations, what would you say is a "typical" day in the life of The BONE JANGLER? Can you walk us through it?
TBJ: There is nothing "typical" about my life, I must admit. Basically, it amounts to lots of work, and play, simultaneously. I really put a lot of effort into my shows, which, thankfully, is noticed, and appreciated, by many people throughout the world, and not just the USA!
MAGG: I've noticed that you are omni-present on the internet, between your own website (www.thebonejangler.com), various horror movie host sites, numerous Yahoo, and other, online groups. How big a part is the internet of both your personal, and professional, life?
TBJ: Well, the internet is essential, if one is to "conquer the world" in a promotional sense. So, professionally, it's extremely important.
On a personal level, I really don't spend much time chatting, or surfing. I'd say that, of all the time I spend online, which is considerable, about 95% of that time is spent doing something related to the shows.
MAGG: With all of your many creative and professional commitments, do you have any time left for a little R & R? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any type of collection(s), horror or otherwise?
TBJ: I'm a pack rat, when it comes to collecting things! I collect too many things to even begin to think about listing them in one sitting! I just accumulate stuff, and it's a sickness!!
MAGG: With so many varied aspects making up your life, would you say that you see yourself more as a horror movie host, a wrestling manager, a shopkeeper, musician, or something else, first and foremost?
TBJ: Oh, I'm "something else", first and foremost!!! (laughs)
MAGG: With all that you have managed to accomplish in your life thus far, are there any creative fields left that you still wish to tackle?
TBJ: Oh, I'm just getting started, in my old age! (laughs) I have much to accomplish. Thankfully, my immortality should allow for me to do just that!
MAGG: What is your opinion of the horror films being made today? Are there any recent right films that you particularly enjoyed, and, if so, which ones, and why?
TBJ: I think that, by and large, too many of today's horror films suck! I think that too many of them lack imagination. Of course, that could be said of most Hollywood films being made today. It's all remakes of older, better films, and TV sitcoms. Too many of today's horror films lack the style and sophistication of the oldies, and rely too much on gore, and effects. With the old black and white pictures, the lack of color instilled a sense of mystery that the new ones lack. Plus, if you're going to go for the modern approach, which started in the late 60s, where is the nudity??? (laughs) It's just like cable TV. When cable was first introduced, everyone who had it loved it because there was no censorship. It was graphic. You heard them say "fuck", and there were plenty of tits and ass, and no commercials. That's what people paid for. now, cable TV, like far too many of the current horror films, sucks.
Having said all of that, there are still many fine horror films being made today, and "The Devil's rejects" is my favorite film of the last several years.
MAGG: What does the future hold for The BONE JANGLER?
TBJ: Seeing as I've mastered matters such as time and space, I already know the answer to this question. However, I don't wish to spoil it for anyone who may be reading this.
Let's just say that the future will see The BONE JANGLER getting waaay more exposure, and leave it at that.
MAGG: Well, I would like to thank you for helping to kick off this inaugural issue of MONSTER-A-GO-GO. Any last words you'd like to share with our readers before we wrap things up?
TBJ: Yeah. I'd like to say that, if you're a true Horror Host fan, please, do yourself a favor, and go to your local cable access station, and become a "sponsor" of THE HORROR HOST UNDERGROUND (www.horrorhosts.com). It won't cost you anything, but a small amount of your time, and the return on your small investment is that you'll be able to watch several Horror Hosts from around the country on your TV, every single week.
Aside from that, I'd like to tell everyone reading this to be true to themselves in every possible way. Don't be afraid to speak your mind. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need, and want. And, if someone doesn't like it... Fuck 'em! (laughs heartily)
Current Mood: 
amused 
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
t_bone_daddy's journal
rushed