They’re not as famous as the Ramones or the Stooges, but the Dictators were just as instrumental in creating what we now know as punk rock. Formed in New York in 1973 and led by the swaggering, charismatic Richard “Handsome Dick” Manitoba—who started with the band as a roadie, occasional vocalist, and mascot, working his way up to full-time front man by their third LP, 1978’s Bloodbrothers—they played boneheaded tough-guy garage rock that was always smarter than it sounded. The Dictators broke up in 1979, frustrated by their lack of mainstream success, and in 1980 lead guitarist Ross “the Boss” Friedman became a founding member of power-metal institution Manowar. Bassist Mark “the Animal” Mendoza, who left before the split, went on to play in Twisted Sister.
Little Richie Speck: I went online and I saw where your album, the Dictators’ Go Girl Crazy!, was voted the number one American punk album of all time.
And that I’ve lived long enough to see what first was an abject failure become an important thing to a lot of people’s lives.
And your music stands up too. That’s part of it.
I get that! [Laughter.] Nothing to complain about.
I was offered my own imprint, and I turned it down. I appreciate the respect, but I’ll spread myself too thin. I have an 11-year-old child. I have a family to run. I have a bar. I do five national radio shows for Little Steven [Van Zandt] on Sirius XM Radio. And I have tours. For the first time in my life—it’s very exciting—I’m writing songs. I’m bringing songs to the band. So this band will actually not just be playing covers, Dictators songs, and Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom songs. Within the year, we should have at least a handful of new songs.
Part of the HoZac Blackout Sat 5/17, 9 PM Empty Bottle $25, $55 three-day pass 21+
Tutu & the Pirates, Lucky 3 Blues Band, JD’s Revenge
Fri 6/6, 9 PM Mayne Stage $10 all-ages
