So, where has this tour taken you?
"The U.S., Australia, Japan and Europe."

Your recent album "Phaseshifter" could be described as high-octane adolescence. Do you agree?
"Yeah, that's fine - through the eyes of an adult. Adolescence with perspective.

Is it true David Cassidy Is your Idol?
"No, but Keith Partridge was an early inspiration. He fronted one of the most famous garage bands of all time (the Partridge Family). They were self-contained; they wrote their own songs. Well, that's the reality we choose to believe."

You once said you were "the world's youngest rock veterans." What did you mean by that?
"When you've been in a rock band 10 years, you qualify for veteran status. We started this in 1979 at the ages of 11 and 14, so I'd say we're vets."

What was your biegest inspiration?
"As a child, I was completely in love with the Beatles. As I got older, I'd say the Ramones because they simplified the act of rock 'n' roll. They showed that anyone could do it."

What's it like being brothers in a band?
"We have a volatile relationship with occasional flare- ups. But then we don't have to get self-help or counseling because we're away from our friends and family so much."

Is there a song you wish you'd written?
"Anything by the Beatles, 'Jumpin Jack Flash' by the Rolling Stones and 'Cherry Bomb' by the Runaways."

Given that everyone plays guitar nowadays, is it still cool to be in a band?
"People still ask for our autographs. It takes a social skill to put a band together. There's a certain vulnerability, but you've got to have blind faith in yourself."

What was the Inspiration behind "Crazy World?"
"Diane Chirazi wrote it 10 years ago and I just love the lyrics plus the fact that it's so ahead of its time."

If you met Madonna tomorrow, what would you say to her?
'Hi.' She's not someone I admire or respect."

Which public figure(s) do you despise?
"Nasty, ugly politicians and dullards who represent mediocrity, which is the cancer of our society."

Did punk rock work?
"On some levels. The Eagles split up, didn't they? It has prevailed. Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins are having hit records and they're punk bands. It made a big impact on mainstream music."

Do you believe what a read in the newspaper?
"It depends on the paper. The tabloids print more real stuff. The L.A. Times is very vague and is always sidestepping because they don't want to be held accountable."

Do you still believe that "the toughest guy In the world Is not going to come near you as long as you have a guitar strapped on?"
"Yeah, so long as they're not armed with a gun. The electric guitar is the most powerful musical instrument known to man. It's like an invisible force shield. But, you're hopeless with an acoustic guitar because then you're annoying the hell out of everyone!"

By: David Marx