Crashed Out is an amazing high powered punk band from England led by lead singer Chris Wright. They got the name crashed out from a song by the Exploited with the same name. Having been together for over two decades the band shows no signs of slowing down. Chris also happens to be a very talented and successful tattooist and the owner of Viking Tattoos. If you are ever in northeast England, specifically Jarrow-on-Tyne, you have to get yourself an appointment with Chris, who is one of the best artists coming out of Europe. I sat down with Chris to talk about his ink, his shop, and his music.
Hola! This is Concha reporting for you live from Blackpool and I am here with the lead singer of the most amazing band Crashed Out. And I want you to give a big round of applause for him, in your car or your driving or wherever you are, and go ahead and let you introduce yourself and tell me about your band?
My name is Chris Wright, I’m the singer of Crashed Out. I’m also a tattoo artist.
And tell me about the band, who are your biggest influences?
A lot of different artists from the rock scene, probably AC/DC, Motorhead, bands like that, even Iron Maiden, uh the punk rock scene probably the Clash, obviously. Angelic Upstarts, Exploited, the name is taken from the Exploited song, Rancid, Toy Dolls, The Dickies, of course, bands that can really play.
And how would you describe your music?
It’s in the punk rock genre but it’s definitely more towards the rock sound. So we got street rock people call it or street rock an’ roll. So it’s punk rock attitude with more rock as well.
I like that. Who are you here to see the best, who did you want to see the most at this Rebellion Festival?
I came with an open mind, but I seen a band yesterday from Italy called Guida. I just heard of them bits and pieces from Youtube, and I watched them yesterday and they blew my mind, absolutely brilliant, kinda like Slade, Sweet, glam rock type. Great rock n’ roll, it’s really good, it blew my mind, brilliant.
How long has Crashed Out been together now?
Well, I been in the band 15 years but the band’s been together 20 years. My brother started it when he was 15 years old and he started the band and was influenced by the punk rock what I was playing when he was around me as a kid. He started the band they were going for 5 years. They released 2 albums while just kids and the singer had enough. And after a few years, people were asking what’s up with Crashed Out?! Are you guys getting back? I stepped in and took it from there. So I’ve been in for 15/16 year the band has been together 21.
Wow, that’s a long time man. That’s what I love about the bands over here. They all have been around for so long and doing this, we just love it! Let me ask you about albums, anything new coming out? Where can we buy your merchandise?
Well, it’s easier to buy from us, we are on Long Shot Records in the U.S.A. that just released an e.p. with a Los Angeles band, The Generators.
Know the Generators well.
Yeah, they are great guys. We are going to try and get over there, the west side and next year we are going to try and organize a tour with The Generators. But we released an e.p. with them, it’s brand new. It actually just came out this weekend and you can get that at our website “Crashed Out” on Facebook or FB me also Rondell Records in Europe or Longshot Records/Pirate Press in the U.S.
Is this album you released with The Generators, is it like half and half?
It is, Yes, it’s not an album, it’s only an e.p. It’s 4 tracks each but this is the newest stuff, brand new.
So you’re on one side and them the other?
Yea, that’s what it is.
Who’s on top? That’s what I want to know.
Haha, I’ll let you decide.
Hahaha! Let’s talk about your day job, you’re a tattoo artist?
Yea, I’ve been tattooing since I was a kid. I always messed around tattooing from about age 15. Got me first one hand poke stuff and tattoo machines I was just obsessed.
Jailhouse style?
Yes, Jailhouse style. I opened my shop about 20 years ago.
Wow, that’s amazing, and your shop is where?
It’s in Jarrow, near Newcastle called Viking Tattoo Studio.
Very cool, I can see you have a lot of your own ink. Where did you get it?
I’ve traveled the world and got stuff on my body from all different artists. The last decent pieces I got is from a friends shop in Newcastle called Northside Tattoos and it was Allan Lowther who did my work.
And any you can’t show us?
Uh yea just one.
Haha! I like those, feel free to drop them. It’s been such a pleasure interviewing with you. Can’t wait to see you play!
