Getting To Know About After School Special
Members
Chris Gonzales--Lead Vocals
Q. What’s your role in the band and how does it channel your inner 80s rockstar?
A. I'm the lead vocalist! I've loved this decade of music since I was a kid, so getting the chance to perform such a wide variety of '80s hits is a dream come true.
Q. What’s your favorite song to perform live and why?
A. Ooh, that's a hard one. It's gotta be between "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, or "New Sensation" by INXS. But our setlist has so many fun songs in it, my answer might change if you ask me tomorrow.
Q. What’s your go-to 80s song to get the crowd moving?
A. "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins, which is why we often start our sets with it
Q. If you could join any 80s band for a day, who would it be and why?
A:. Another tough question, but the more I think about it, it's gotta be Journey at peak fame. Although no one could replace Steve Perry in that era, being able to sing those songs in front of cheering stadium crowds would be a life-defining experience.
Q. If you had a time machine, what moment from the 80s would you go back to?
A. I'd go back to the "We Are the World" recording session. The song is a total cheese-fest but that studio was PACKED with amazing talent. I'd love to pick a bunch of the brains in the room, or just watch the recording process.
Lili Jean--LEAD VOCALS
Q: What’s the most 80s thing about your performance style?
A: My vocals! I use a lot of singing techniques that were used so often in the 80’s. Such as vocal flips!
Q: Which 80s music video do you wish you had starred in?
A: Easy! Lucky star by Madonna. Her outfit in that video will always be iconic.
Q: What’s your favorite 80s movie or TV show?
A: My favorite movie is Willow, and my favorite TV show is Mel’s Diner!
Q: Which 80s fashion trend do you secretly (or not so secretly) still love?
A: Although I wouldn’t wear it anymore, a side pony is always so fun to see!
Q: If you had a time machine, what moment from the 80s would you go back to?
A: I would go back to 1985 to watch ‘Back to the future’ in theaters!
Eric Herndon--Guitar
Eric spent the 80's between the ages of 11 and 21, so the decade dominated all of those tender formative years. If you are of the opinion that 80's music should be played by authentic 80's relics, then After School Special has you covered!
Q. If you had a time machine, what moment from the 80s would you go back to?
A. The earlier the better - most of the good stuff was from 80 to 84. Okay, put me back in the line to see Empire Strikes Back for the first time!
Q. Which 80s music video do you wish you had starred in?
A. If anyone sees this question and does not answer Hot for Teacher, then they must not have seen the video for Hot for Teacher!
Jacob Rodriguez--Bass, Vocals
Q. Which 80s music video do you wish you had starred in?
A. The PG-13 answer would be Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. The PG answer would be Land of Confusion by Genesis. Who wouldn’t see a puppet version of me kibitzing with Reagan and Gaddafi?
Q. What’s your favorite 80s movie or TV show?
A. There are so many, but I guess I would have to go with UHF and Spaceballs, two irreverent comedies that I have passed on my love for to my children, which makes my heart happy .
Q. What’s your most radical 80s memory?
A. I think one of my earliest memories is about his 80s as it gets. I went to a Darth Vader meet and greet at a TG&Y store. I remember being so scared, especially when they said that his spaceship had landed on the roof. And I could hardly speak when I was in his presence. Perhaps I was in a force choke. And I also remember that he autographed my hand with a magic marker making a big X.
Q. What’s the most 80s thing about your performance style?
A. 80s popular music was known for a ton of variety, and so as the bass player, I get to play many different styles, using my fingers, slapping, thumping, popping, as well as picking. I also get to play the five string a little bit and have to emulate synth bass. It’s quite the array of sounds I get to use throughout a performance.
Jason Fisher--Drums, Vocals
Q. What’s your signature 80s stage outfit?
A. I always wear my Karate Kid/Myagi Do headband. I also wear a sleeveless MJ Beat It jacket when it’s not too hot. Pop Culture & Nostalgia.
Q. Who was your 80s movie crush?
A. Ally Sheedy in Short Circuit.
Q. If you had a time machine, what moment from the 80s would you go back to?
A. There was so much great music in 1984. It would be amazing to see some of those concerts.
Q. What 80s toy or gadget do you wish would make a comeback?
A. The clapper. Enough said.
Q. What’s your 80s alter ego name?
A. Thunder Staxx 12.
Q. What’s your favorite song to perform live and why?
A. I really enjoy What I Like About You by The Romantics. We usually do some band introductions and we play a little more “freely”. Always fun.
Q. If the band had a theme song from the 80s, what would it be?
A. Loverboy’s Working for the Weekend. We all work hard all week and everyone really values their time whether it’s with the band, family, or friends.