Fatso Jetson is one of the most prominent bands in the Coachella Valley music scene. Fronted by Mario Lalli, one of the pillars of the local music world, Fatso Jetson has just released a new album, Idle Hands, and is playing a show at Pappy and Harriet’s on Friday, Nov. 11, along with Mondo Generator, The Freeks and the Flying Eyes; tickets are $10. For more information on Fatso Jetson, visit www.fatsojetson.com. Larry Lalli, the bassist of Fatso Jetson and Mario’s cousin, was kind enough to answer the Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Black Flag, 45 Grave, D.O.A., Descendents, Husker Du and UXB at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles in July 1982. I had seen some smaller club/garage/living-room gigs, but the Olympic show made a lasting impression on me.
What was the first album you owned?
The self-titled Boston album or Peter Frampton’s Frampton Comes Alive! I got them right about the same time. Then my older brothers turned me on to Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and KISS.
What bands are you listening to right now?
As far as new music, I’m in a bit of a rut.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
EDM and pop country.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
That’s a tough question. Talking Heads, but if dead people count, Jimi Hendrix.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
No guilt, only pleasure.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Pappy and Harriet’s.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Sun sure did shine this year. Who’d you look like underneath?” from “Hey Garland I Dig Your Tweed Coat” by Captain Beefheart.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Black Flag. Also, many of the ’80s SST bands: Minutemen, Saccharine Trust, Meat Puppets. The music was amazing, but more than that, the ideas put forth in the songs were relatable. The DIY aspect of the punk scene was inspiring, and Black Flag kind of wrote the book on that.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Bootsy Collins to tell a story about touring with James Brown’s band back in the day.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Sofa No. 2” by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Double Nickels on the Dime, Minutemen.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Driftin’ Back” by Neil Young with Crazy Horse. (Scroll down to hear it.)
