Rekindling The Fire With EDDIE CASILLAS From VOODOO GLOW SKULLS

Californian ska/punk outfit Voodoo Glow Skulls have been an
integral part of the ska/punk scene since their inception in
1988.
Born into a musical landscape that was only in the early stages of
combining the two genres, the band quickly forged their own path
based on a relentless touring ethic and uncompromising values that
saw them play a large part in shaping what is now a modern-day
institution.
Later this month, Voodoo Glow Skulls make their long-awaited return
to Australia after an absence of more than ten years in which the
band underwent personal changes that almost crippled them. But,
with the status quo now firmly restored, it's all systems go as
Voodoo Glow Skulls join Japanese outfit Hey Smith for a run of
shows starting on November 27.
HEAVY caught up with original member and guitarist Eddie Casillas
to find out more.
"We had a bunch of band changes and personnel line-ups," Eddie
replied when asked what has changed with Voodoo Glow Skulls since
their last visit to Australia. "My older brother, the lead singer
Frank, quit the band in 2017 - so only a few years after we were
there last - and then is back now. Just came back recently again
and rejoined at the beginning of October. He's coming back to
Australia with us, so he didn't miss any Australia (laughs), He
just gets to jump back in as one of the first things he does. We
put out another record without my brother that came out in 2021.
That's a lot of things happening."
We ask how the loss of his brother affected both the band and Eddie
personally.
"It was a big deal," he nodded. "It was one of those things where
it feels almost like a test. What are you gonna do, sink or swim?
Are you gonna keep on doing what you've always done? Or are you
gonna hang it up and retire? Which we were gonna do. We were gonna
hang it up and just retire. Make an announcement."
In the full interview we spoke more about the tour, including what
to expect, with Eddie explaining that the band are focusing on
playing classic songs with high-energy performances. He also
mentioned the addition of new horn players to the line-up, which he
believes will enhance the show. We spoke about the period when his
brother Frank left the band and Eddie having to assume lead vocals
for their last album, as well as how they got themselves as support
for the upcoming tour.
We discussed the early days of the band and the musical climate in
California in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mentioning bands like
Fishbone, Jane's Addiction, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as
influential. 
Eddie noted that the ska-punk scene was relatively rare at the
time, with only a few bands like Fishbone and Oingo Boingo doing
the rounds. Eddie also observed that the scene has changed
significantly since then, with the genre now being more mainstream
and popular, plus more.


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