There have been a few Weezer related items in the news recently, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to discuss them with noted Weezer fanatic and leader of Weezer tribute band “Wepeel,” CJ Stewart.
Note: While conducting this interview, I had a great e-mail exchange with CJ regarding the correct spelling of the word “punani. “ So for all you punani fans out there, it’s originally an Indian word, and can be spelled either “punani,” or “punany.”
Ben: So, let’s talk about this tour Weezer is planning where they will perform the entirety of the Blue Album the first night, then all of Pinkerton the second. Do you think they’re acknowledging the fact that those are the only two albums anyone cares about?CJ: I do. How could they not know that? Unless they are so knee deep in punani that they can’t think straight.
Ben: How are things going with Weepel, anyway? Do you guys have any shows lined up?CJ: Things are going fantastic; we just signed to Sub Pop and are taking our covers worldwide. We have a fuck-load of shows coming up. They are mostly overseas.
Ben: Have you ever thought of contacting Matt Sharp (former Weezer bassist)? He’s probably not doing much these days, and could be down to join Wepeel?CJ: Well I have talked to him before; I finagled my way into interviewing him years ago by pretending I wrote for a magazine. He didn’t seem very interested in joining. I hung up on him after calling him an effhead. He took it well.
Ben: Maybe you should try again? I mean hell, with your lucrative new record contract and international dates; he should be thrilled at the opportunity!CJ: Perhaps I will give it a shot. Maybe you can come up with some better questions as well. Fuck.
Ben: Have you met anyone in Humboldt that loves Weezer more than you? Perhaps you can get them to join your band?CJ: Judging by our show attendance, everyone in Humboldt loves Weezer more than me. I wouldn’t want anyone that likes Weezer to join the band since Weezer fucking sucks and so do people that like them.
Ben: Man, you've really tricked the masses into buying into this Weezer myth. So it's safe to say at this point, you're continuing to perform only ironically?CJ: People are sheep Ben, you know? I slap on some glasses and rock the shit out of my guitar and these fucktards love me. Isn’t that ironic? (Just kidding Wepeel fans, I love you and want to have sex with each and every one you).
Ben: Do you think Rivers Cuomo and company still think they’re making great art, or they’ve come to terms with the fact that they’re creating corporate dick-cheese pop to pay the bills?CJ: I think Rivers should have died in 1996. I mean what if Kurt Cobain was still making music? It would suck balls. To answer your question, eff no.
Ben: Yeah, I often wonder what Kurt Cobain would be doing now. I'd guess he'd be recording collaborations with Fall Out Boy for iPod commercials.CJ: Yes. He would probably record with Lil Wayne too, like Rivers did. Lil Wayne calls himself “weez” and he sucks. Coincidence?
Ben: Do you ever feel like Rivers is fucking with you by releasing such terrible music?CJ: I take it as a personal slap in the face. If I ever meet him again I will surely kick him in the nuts, and eff his hot Asian wife. And I’m not even into Asians.
Ben: A guy in Seattle named James Burns has started a campaign to raise ten million dollars to pay Weezer in exchange for their retirement from music. I find this hilarious and brilliant, are you going to throw down a few bucks?CJ: Not only do I fully support this campaign, but I was recently forced to file for bankruptcy due to my contribution to this wonderful cause.
Ben: Well you have been amazing as usual CJ, I truly appreciate everything you do. You are a real humanitarian and a killer fucking dude, bro. I'm lucky to know a celebrity of your magnitude and I bow in your presence.CJ: I know.
