WELLINGTON ARMS' Eric Wellington Interviewed!

BBM: Who are Wellington Arms? How did you form?

Eric Wellington: I’ve done a few interviews on how the original line-up started so I'd like to get into detail about how the newer line-up formed because these band mates will have more of an impact then the originals. The current line-up is Nate Woodell on Drums, Paul S on Lead guitar, and Kev M on Bass. Me and Nate have been friends for a decade or so and Paul and Kev go far back as well so it works out great with chemistry as a band because after I teach Paul how to play a song properly he’ll teach Kev the song then me and Nate will work on the drums parts. All three band members showed interest in playing as the Arms because of the energy and lack of it in their previous bands- and I think they worked out perfect because they really want to make a difference. The line-up before that that was featured on the "Valencia" demo was Eric Marie on Drum,s and Blake Wilson on Bass guitar. They are both good friends of mine and musicians, but they both live in separate cities for schooling so they are just stand- ins at the moment.

BBM: What’s behind the name Wellington Arms?

EW: The original bassist Rick Ivan came up with the name, but at the time I really didn't care for it because it sounded too British! The more I thought about it the more it made sense to me because everybody that I knew that was part of "street culture" lived off Wellington Avenue which was weird because it isn't a main street here in Chicago. So I figured since we were all in "arms- reach" of each-other it made sense- especially in case some violence went down because we would be close enough to get the word out and get something done.

BBM: How would you describe your sound?

EW: I certainly shoot for energy when I write these songs, however as far as sound goes I really just let the music present itself because I really don't try to sound like any other band. Most musicians tend to base their music off of another band’s sound which I don’t and I think it helps when it comes to song writing because most musicians can't write a song for the life of them whereas I can because I don't compare my bass or guitar riff to that of another band’s song. I try not to learn other peoples’ songs or take any lessons so I'm not distracted. If I cover a song I tend to do so because it's feels natural to do so as if that song was my own.

BBM: Which bands have influenced you most?

EW: I may not try to learn other bands songs but I'm sure influenced by them. My favourite bands at the moment are Pink Turns Blue, Iron Maiden, Brutal Attack, Skrewdriver, Bruce Springsteen, Ted Nugent, and The Chameleons. Also the “Bloodstains Across Australia” compilation.

BBM: What can we expect from Wellington Arms in the next 12 months?

EW: Wellington Arms will be in the studio for a full length album during this next month for sure and if all goes well we’ll work on a second full length album soon afterwards because we have the material to do so. As far as gigs go... we just played a gig a few weeks ago to kick things off and were lined up in the Chicago area for two more gigs in April. We also might hit up Florida over the summer if it is set up. Time will tell…

BBM: Are there any plans to tour? If so where?

EW: A tour right now may be out of the question but that may change if we see results after this first album is released.

BBM: You mention on your Myspace a cover you once did of Skrewdriver's "9-5". Have you ever come under fire for this and if so does it bother you?

EW: Oh yeah all the time- but I understand politics from the far- left to the far- right completely. They both don't impress me at all and I'll never say sorry for their accusations which 99.9% of the comes from the left-wing .I'm an American libertarian and I believe in preservation's of culture and race (if a person chooses to), patriotism, liberty, individual choice, free markets, and less government in all our lives at the expense of nobody unlike the left-wing and right-wing. Communism/Marxism/Socialism and Nazism isn't the answer and I'm really sick of these ideologies thinking they know best when in reality they are both totalitarian maniacs out to enslave and or destroy one or another over our individual liberty's and choices.

BBM: What do you think of politics in Oi! music?

EW: I think politics are perfectly acceptable because I'm a firm believer in liberty, political theory, and reason, however anybody that focuses their parties or personal beliefs around "race" like the Communist and Nazis do should keep their politics to themselves at the events because most people are not interested in their attempts at utopian delusions and/or genocide that both parties take part in. Wellington Arms does not have time for anti-racists or racists so they should save it for their events and political rallies. We present music that best suits working class values and street culture from our own perspective -not theirs.

BBM: What is your main aim when writing music?

EW: Ha, to make the best track ever that i can relate to haha! Every song I write about is 100% about my life, friends and supporters. Go figure.

BBM: What's your favourite song you've ever written and why?

EW: That would have to be "International lover" for sure because it wraps up the loves triangles that are going on in Europe in perfect form. Europe -GETS IT IN!!! Haha.

BBM: Who is your favourite vocalist of all time?

EW: I have a few to be honest. Paul Di’Anno, Ken McLellan, Wayne Barrett, Ian Stuart, Suggs, Buster Blood Vessel, Gene October, Judge Dread, and Todd Hembroke.

BBM: What would you like to say to the world on behalf of Wellington Arms?

EW: Well a few things actually! First off I hope the full length album that is in the works sits well with you and ya invite us out to your cities and countries for a good party and gig. Second: "The young don't die till there's life no more".  Salute! Cheers!

Eric Wellington, thanks for talking to Ball Breakers Media!