King Norris, the rock band featuring Howard Stern Radio Show soundman Fred Norris, performed at O’Donoughues in Hoboken last Friday, Dec. 7. King Norris, which also includes Frank Fallon (drums) and Robert Boyd (bass), has been performing nationally, appearing with such notables as Eddie Money, the Jeff Healey Band, and Ozzy Osbourne at Ozz Fest. They were featured acts on the H.O.R.D.E. festival in the ’90s and have played at several 92.3 K-Rock “Dysfunctional Family Picnics” in New York City.
The Reporter ran into Norris at the Hoboken show for a brief interview.
Q: Have you guys played in Hoboken before?
A: We have played in Hoboken at least a half dozen times before. We have always been excited to play here. There is an energy that you feel from the people that live, work and breathe in Hoboken that you do not always feel anywhere else. Maybe it’s the fact that Hoboken is so close to Manhattan’s big city energy. Maybe Hoboken people are geniuses.
Q: How long are your performances?
A: The performances are anywhere from an hour to two hours, depending on what is appropriate for the venue. We try to pace the show for maximum impact, meaning, don’t blow yourself out on the first three songs. We try to keep the energy up. Even when I have been up since 4:30 a.m. and playing on a Friday night. It’s a combination of adrenaline, coffee and ginseng that get us through. Sometimes it means that I can’t have a drink – preferred combination: Scotch on the rocks and a Heineken – and that is very sad. I like my alcohol. So I guess I suffer for my art.
Q: Does being affiliated with Howard Stern helps the band sell gigs?
A: What do you think? Absolutely. In this day and age, there has to be a decent reason for people to drag themselves out of their homes, get in their cars and drive. People come down to the clubs where we play to see somebody they know from the radio show and the “E” television show. They don’t know what to expect. We’re a “music” band so we don’t do the comedy that is associated with the radio show or trot out the bits that everyone is familiar with. Once they get to the club, people are always curious about just what it is that we do. We do music, music, and music. That’s it, no mystery. The only surprise is whether or not we are capable. About 99 percent of the time we do a good job.
Q: How many albums have you guys released?
A: So far, just the one. We are in the process of trying to get back into a studio and make some new songs. The arduous task of trying to make something musical happen is always a challenge. When it works, it’s exhilarating. When it doesn’t, it’s like sticking your tongue into a fan and seeing if you can make it stop. I don’t know what that means, it’s just not fun when things don’t happen like they should.
Q: I would like to know how you manage to find time for the band and the radio show.
A: Working with two great musicians who carry the immense burden of providing a very solid rhythm base make it easier for me to sing and play like I know what I’m doing. They carry the songs. They carry me from the van to the stage on a sedan chair like the Sultan of Brunai. I take naps. I also have a great wife who moves my jaw for me when I’m too tired to eat.
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