Hunt Sales is alive and well, despite what you may have heard. He has an eye patch, beau coup tattoos, a gruff voice, and a no bullshit attitude. He’s been through too much to put up with pomposity.
The son of comedian and actor Soupy Sales, Hunt Sales’ resume is impressive in more ways than one. He’s played Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren, Los Super Seven, Bootsy Collins, Will Sexton, Lowell Fulson, and Eric Clapton, as well as David Bowie in Tin Machine.
For decades, Sales was a high-functioning addict. After as he says, “I saw death coming,” he did an about-face and cleaned up. His new album, Get Your Shit Together, is his first solo project, as well as his debut as a singer-songwriter. Co-produced by Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records, the album embraces songs about loss, love and passion, addiction, and determination, all on a matrix of visceral rock and roll.
Tattoo sat down with Sales to find out how he got started in music, and his musical influences.
How would you describe yourself?
The hardest working 65-year-old in show business.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I’m an optimist; the most trouble I’ve ever gotten into hasn’t happened yet, I’m building up to it.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or shower?
In the car, I’m thinking about the new song I’m writing. I take a shower once a month whether I need it or not.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Art Blakey.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
I was at a recording session at 6-years-old and saw Earl Palmer play and that’s when I knew what I wanted to do.
What musicians influenced you most?
The ones that take it to an outer worldly place.
How, if at all, do your musical influences shape and impact your music?
All the music I started getting into and listening to from the age of six-years-old until now impacts my music. Everything I hear.
You’ve played with Iggy Pop and Todd Rundgren, among others. Of all the artists you’ve played with, who is the most memorable?
Garth Hudson.
For a long time, you were a high-functioning addict. What made you finally decide to get clean?
I saw death coming and I said fuck you, I wanna’ live.
You’ve been around the block more than once; still, you’re a survivor. Any regrets?
I would say some of the bad tattoos that I have, but I’ve gotten over that.
I have to ask this question: what kind of drums and cymbals do you play?
Vintage Premier drums, Ludwig snare drums, and Zildjian cymbals.
What’s the story behind the title of your new album, “Get Your Shit Together”?
It’s a shout out to me, to you, and to those who may need to do a check-up from the neck up.
Will you be doing any touring?
Eventually, yes. God willing.