On February 12, Dicky Barrett of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones logged for SonicNet's first Prodigy chat. He fielded questions of all flavors, concerning Lolla, the plaid situation and "selling out." Read on. . .

Sonicman The Bosstones are Boston's best ska-core band and they wanna hear what you have to say.... Dicky Barrett is on the horn from NYC right now, ready to get to your questions. Ask him about the current state of the ska scene.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones had a song in Clueless. Did you see it? Ask Dicky who he likes better, the Specials or Madness. What are the origins of ska? Ask the Bosstones NOW. Old school punk versus new school? What do you think? Ask them now.

koolherc What was it like to do Lollapalooza?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Wasn't as bad as I thought it was...it was really organized...the people were great...we got along with everybody!

Damaged II Hey, so how old were you when you started?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I was a baby when I started, started at one. I was 23 when I started in the Bosstones.

Sonicman Dicky from the Bosstones is on the phone from NYC, ready to answer your questions....

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Hey All... Thanks for not Slagging me. This is pretty painless!!

PEAS PEAS What is the definition of ska?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones IT originated in Jamaica in the 60's um...I consider it to be music for the people and very working class.

initialstate How does it feel to be on MTV and know that your listeners aren't your old, loyal fans anymore, but young people that only watch MTV for their inspiration?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I don't really care too much about MTV & being on it doesn't really matter. I make music to make myself happy & if anyone else likes it ...it's complete gravy!

JoeQueer Can I talk to Dicky? He rules. You guys like old Specials stuff huh? That's cool. I'm more into Madness. Anyway, ever coming to NJ??? PLEASE!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We've been there & we will probably go there again. Unfortunately, I never know when we will be there exactly. I love The Specials. I remember when old Specials was new Specials.

initialstate Do you know that most of your fans don't even know what ska is?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We're working on that!

koolherc What do you do in your spare time?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Interviews

JoeQueer Can I get a free shirt or some autographs? I would buy some but I can't afford the stuff. Stickers?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Yes. Come up and ask me at a show.

koolherc So, do you all still live in Boston?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Yes.

Sonicman Dicky is in the BIG city now, ready to hear yer screeds. Let em fly.

wick77 Hey Bosstones, do you like frogs?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We love all reptiles equally. Is a frog an amphibian & aren't frogs & amphibians the same thing?

initialstate You are playing near me soon, and the price is 18 dollars a ticket. When you played here last time I don't even think it cost 10 dollars. Why the rise in price?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I'm not sure where, but I'm going to look into it. 18$ is too expensive. Thanks for letting me know.

Sonicman The Bosstones are the hottest ska-core band in the country. Ask them what they think about the new ska sensation.

PEAS PEAS Do you have problems with people bootlegging your shows?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones NO...but I question their sanity.

koolherc Do you guys like rap music? What kind? Do you like Wu Tang?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Wu Tang's good, cuz they're from Staten Island. I'm not a huge fan of rap. My buddy Higgs keeps me up on what's going on with that stuff.

nastyLori Who is your favorite author?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Probably Brendan Behan. He's an Irish writer. His lifestyle is what I really am into.

ChaSeR XiX What is Johny Vegas saying during Drunks and Children?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones It's Dicky here, I'm not sure. It has something to do with him being older & sober.

CaptainCluck I love your covers of Police Beat and Lights Out. Are you going to do any more covers of SSD or the like? They rock!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones That's a great idea! Thank you. Throw in some suggestions...maybe Bad Brains or Jerry's Kids...or Strawdogs.

PEAS PEAS Is the watering can full?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Sure??

initialstate How do you feel the ska scene is now that you've made it so popular (at least, to those that realize that you are ska and not "alternative")?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I think the ska scene is great & I thank you for saying that we have anything to do for making it popular.

ChaSeR XiX I'm sure at least one of you is a hockey fan. What do you think about what the Bruins are doing to their jerseys?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Vegas is a hockey fan. I'm more interesting in what they're doing to the season. That's more of a disgrace. (Dicky here)

Sonicman Did you now the Bosstones were voted Artist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards?

CaptainCluck How much did you get paid to be in Clueless? You were the only highlight of that AWFUL movie.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I got more than Alicia Silverstone did, but I'm sure I won't in the next film.

Sonicman Dicky of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones is on the horn, waiting for more questions. Hey ho let's go...

nastyLori What did you think of Lolla this year? How has it changed? Didya like playing w/ Jimmy Gestapo?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I think we're talking about Randall's Island Lolla & Jimmy came on stage with us. It's always great when he joins us & he's probably the nicest most sincere guy you'll ever meet.

PEAS PEAS Do you think you rock?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I try to. I leave it up to other people to decide whether I do or not. (Dicky here)

initialstate Who do you feel are the best bands around today

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I really like the band the Stubborn All-Stars, H2O, Bouncing Souls, Bim Skala Bim, Mung....

Azazael A friend of mine told me about an upcoming concert at Penn State, main campus (or somewhere near there). When is that going to be, and are tickets still available?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Uh. I don't know...all the college.

ChaSeR XiX About where does Philadelphia rank on your list of favorite cities to play in?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones SECOND!

nastyLori What is your favorite ontheroad restaurant?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Denny's.

Azazael Have you started work on a new album, and when will it be released?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We've been working on it now, since before Lollapalooza & we are going to release this one when it's finished. A little different approach than the last ones. It should be out at the end of the summer (fingers crossed).

wick77 ribett

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Hey is that you Frogboy?? Hello.

nastyLori Which do you like touring more: US or Europe?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones US!!

nastyLori Drug of Choice?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Sleep!

PEAS PEAS Do you think peas are cool? PEAS RULE PEAS RULE PEAS RULE...

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Yes, I do, but I think the potato is cool. It's the apple of the earth!

Sonicman The Bosstones are some bad rankin, skankin dudes. And they wanna hear from you now...

Azazael What are your favorite song(s) and album(s)?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones All of mine. Everything The Clash has done, old school punk rock & I think the best thing is "...And Out Come The Wolves" from Rancid.

ChaSeR XiX What's the deal with all the different names for Drunks and Children, Dogs and Chaplains, Guns and Kittens...etc.?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Originally, the song was called Drunks & Children; but we chickened out & we didn't call it that...we called it "Bums & Chickens." And on Devils Night Out we called it.... It's real name "Drunks & Children" & on Ska Core the Devil & More we called it Guns & Kittens & on the most recent album we called it Dogs & Chaplains just to keep it going. BUT it's real name is BOB.

RayBourque77 Hey guys, first off you guys kick serious butt. How come you hardly ever play your covers live? In my opinion, you guys do "What's At Stake" better than SlapShot!!!!!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Thank you. We prefer to do the material we wrote. But we do have a fondness for covering other people's material....

CaptainCluck You think my band can open up for yours sometime? Email me at SJZP63D PLEASE!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Sure, but I'm on the phone & I can't e-mail you right now. But I will try....

ChaSeR XiX When is the next time that you will be playing in the Philadelphia area?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Not sure...soon I hope. But we'll be in Pittsburgh in a coupla days, if you can make the drive.

g0d oF jElly Do you guys like John Zorn, inventor of ska?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I have an admiration for all great inventors! I really like Louis Pasteur.

JoeQueer Did I make Dicky blush?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Sure, but that's not tough to do. :)

DariusKoski You guys are coming to St. Petersburg, FL in the very near future. What can I expect at your show this year?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We love Jannus Landing. We'll do the same show we always do!

Damaged II Who is your favorite hardcore/punk band?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Right now...SICK OF IT ALL. But that changes often.

Azazael What kind of drums and cymbals do you use?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Zildjan cymbals & black drums with a glitter green snare drum. Sorry it's Dicky...Little Joe's not here.

RayBourque77 You guys are getting pretty popular. Please tell me that you'll never stop playing clubs. Best show I ever saw from you guys was at the Middle East 1 1/2 years ago!!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We PROMISE. Thank you! We just played five shows at the Middle East in Dec. We'll try & do that every year (knock on wood).

fufjek How long can you keep up the plaid schtick?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Huh huh...I'll be buried in plaid!

fufjek Is there an antiracist meaning in what you do?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Of course there is. Lately we've been travelling with the ARA (Anti-Racist Action Group). We allow them to use our shows to deliver their message. The message that we believe in. They just deliver it better. Their booth is set up somewhere near our t-shirts. Say hello to Chizer & get a little wisdom at the same time!

g0d oF jElly What kind of beer/cigarettes do you enjoy? (red dog)

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Um no...I used to drink more beer than I did now, but when I did it was Budweiser, Jameson's Whiskey & Marlboros & that combination is popular with most of the people I grew up with.

fufjek How big can you see your band getting? Bon Jovi sized?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Physically, we are capable of getting very BIG. I don't consider Bon Jovi to be bigger than Green Day these days.

Gilman924 When are you going to play in San Jose, CA???

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Umm...soon I hope.

Sonicman It's not too late to ask questions...so do it now.

fufjek Don't' you hate how all the young kids love Rancid but don't know the true hardcore?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones I really like Rancid & I'm glad people like them. Maybe through Rancid they be interested in learning Rancid's roots.

fufjek Do you feel like you're a product of the Boston Scene? What bands were big when you were coming up?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Definitely. Gang Green, Del Fuegos, Dogmatics, Lyres...

MoNtY PiRate How did you guys get discovered?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Ed McMann's Talent search.

MoNtY PiRate How did you guys meet?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We grew up together in Boston, sneaking into clubs together.

Gilman924 When are you guys going to come out with a new album???

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones When it's finished!! Hopefully before the Fall.

MoNtY PiRate How did you get the name Mighty Mighty Bosstones?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Originally it was just the Bosstones, which was something that I thought of. Then we found out that there was a Harvard acappella men's singing group with the same name from the 50s & we figured that cuz they went to Harvard they probably had good lawyers. So this bartender friend of ours gave us the "mighty mighty." It was something that he stole from the Commodores song "Brick House."

MoNtY PiRate How do all of you guys get along?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Really Good. They're my closet friends!!

Sonicman How many Bosstones albums do you have? What do you think of the new one? Tell Dicky now...

Sonicman Dicky's psyched to talk to you all. Hit him up with some more questions.

RayBourque77 I heard that when you signed with Mercury, that part of the deal included a live Bosstones album. Is this true and when can we expect it??

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones That's not a bad idea, but I don't remember it being in our deal.

blueglitter You guys rule.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Thanks Blue Glitter. You rule too!!

JoeQueer How are you guys adapting to all this media exposure? I know as well as you do, it hasn't changed you guys.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We're adapting well. but I don't see all the media exposure that you are referring to.

Sonicman Anyone catch the Bosstones at this year's Lollapalooza?

Splittsville How did u like playing the Trocadero?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones In Phila?? It's great. We had some trouble with that place involving the Butthole Surfers tour, but since then the Bosstones & The Trocadero have patched things up. We really like playing with Ruder Than You.

Sonicman It's not too late to start asking questions for big ol' Dicky of the Bosstones.

RayBourque77 Dicky, how the hell do you get your voice the way it is when you sing?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Birth. My whole family talks this way, including my mother.

Space grrls Do you have a girlfriend? How does touring affect your relationship?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Yes. And it's hard on it.

Space grrls What's your favorite candy?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Gummy Bears!

Sonicman Hey, have you seen the latest Mighty Mighty Bosstones video? Tell them what you thought.

Space grrls What was the last toy you bought?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones A Toy Story Puppet. Buzz Light Year.

Space grrls What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Pittsburgh.

linoleum X Who are your inspirations?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Too many....

JacksonSmart There are a few things I'm wondering. One of them is: how rotten are you?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Not rotten at all. I don't think??

Sppeanut Hey Dicky!! Since I'll be moving up in Beantown, how's the music scene there?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones It's always pretty cool.

RayBourque77 What happened to Josh Dalsimar. Why'd he leave the Bosstones????

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones He went to college in California. It wasn't that he went to CA, we just didn't want any college boys in the band.

Mick Jones When are you guys coming back from Japan?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones We are back.

JacksonSmart Dicky, do you get a lot of shit for having such an old-fashioned name? Are you an old-fashioned guy?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones No, Yes.

JacksonSmart Did you get to brush up against Alicia Silverstone? What a darling.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones No. I was nowhere near her.

veganXgirl Didn't you once sing for a straight edge vegan band?

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones It wasn't a straight edge band, but is was a Boston hard core band.

Sonicman The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have been called away to save a kitten from a garbage disposal. They had a blast!

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Hey, thanks everyone. I'm on tight schedule. Gotta go. Bye. :)

Sonicman Thanks for hanging out everyone.

Sonicman See ya around on SonicNet on Prodigy.

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