Vinnie Stigma is a name synonymous with New York hard core. Stigma formed Agnostic Front in 1980, a band which lead the way for the explosion of the New York hardcore scene in the early 80’s. Thirty six years later Agnostic Front is still going strong and touring the world, but that’s not enough to keep Vinnie Stigma occupied. At 60 years young Vinnie is still making albums with Agnostic Front, performing as solo artist Stigma, and running his tattoo shop New York Hardcore Tattoo. Watching Vinnie Stigma on stage is like a shot of adrenaline because Vinnie is more than just a musician, he’s a performer. With Stigma you’re gonna get a show you won’t forget.
Hola boys and girls! This is Concha reporting for you live from Rebellion Fest and I am here, oh my god my knees are knocking, I am here with Vinnie Stigma from Agnostic Front, the love of my life. I love you since I was 14 years old!
I love you too baby how you doin?
I’m spectacular! I’m so happy to be here you Vinnie! Tell me how is this tour going for you?
Well so far so good but on the way here I got kicked off the plane. But they let me back on you know cuz a friend of mine got real drunk, but they let us back on and I wound up making it to the show.
Oh thank God Vinnie cuz I was gonna ask if you got kicked out cuz you’re Al Quaeda?
No, not yet I didn’t know where to sign up!
Hahaha!! Well you made it thank God! How has Rebellion Fest been for you so far?
Well, we play every other year and our plane landed at 1 and I’ve been hugging and kissing everyone for the last 4-5 hours.
When’s my turn? When’s my turn?! That’s all I want to know!
Right after this interview!
Woo hoo!! So I understand you’re touring the rest of Europe yeah?
Yeah. Tomorrow I play Italy, then Germany, Switzerland, France, you know the whole thing and then we’re coming back and doing the persistence tour with Suicidal.
Wow that’s going to be amazing! Now did you play Asbury Park Punk Rock Bowling?
Oh yeah that was really good, that’s like the Rebellion here the punk rock bowling it’s kind of the same vibe, the same friends. We meet a lot of great people we have a great time. We do that every other year also.
Awesome! Yeah cuz my plan is next to go out to punk rock bowling in asbury park cuz I’ve already been to Vegas, so I wanna get over to the East Coast.
Yeah, exactly cuz you wanna get over there before the stone pony ‘cuz God forbid it be like CBGB and you miss it you know.
Yeah exactly! So let me ask you a little bit about your tattoos cuz you have the most amazing ink, where are u getting them? Mostly on the east cost, traveling around the world?
Well I’ve been doing this for way over forty years, and I have a tattoo shop called New York Hardcore tattoo.
Do you tattoo?
I do guest tattoos like Lars (Fredrickson from Rancid). Yeah he was involved with my shop too, you know cuz he’s my brother. But I do little bullshit tattoos. I own the shop.
And where exactly is the shop?
127 Stanton Street the Lower East Side New York City
Oh my God I’m going there and I’m getting a tattoo.
I’m gonna get my head tattooed.
When?
I’m waiting for the guy he didn’t want to tattoo me until he films me. I’m like I’m ready to go! I wanna get my head tattooed and for my 60th birthday you know. My birthday came and went but I’m still waiting!
Oh dammit!
But I’m gonna get it while I’m still 60! What am I gonna do! Get a gold watch! Hahaha!
Well I’ll tell you what I’m gonna message you and I’m gonna make an appointment with you cause I want you to tattoo me.
Ok, ok, I will. I’ll do a little line then I’ll have a real good person tattoo you.
Hahaha! Sounds good Vinnie I love it I love it! So tell me Vinnie did you get any of this work done in your shop?
Yeah I got my whole back done and I’m sleeved, of course.
You still have your first tattoo?
Well it’s still there, yeah.
Is it covered up under something?
No it’s there, fading away!
Love it love it that’s great. You have beautiful ink. I love the style you have chosen.
This is called Faded Glory. It’s time, it’s the trilogy of my life you know.
Right and I think for anybody that has as many tattoos as we do, that’s what it’s about.
Yeah that’s the way it is. You don’t get tattooed over night you know. You don’t wanna look like one of “them” you know!
Hahahaha! Yeah exactly! I was talking to somebody earlier about these kids nowadays they’re starting on their neck and their starting on their hands, come man! That’s where you finish!!
I know, I know, I hear ya (shaking head)
Ok Vinnie my love I want to thank you so much for this interview and your time, you’re such a saint, thank you so much!
You’re welcome!!
