Sex Tattoos & Rock ‘n’ Roll – Review

Sex, Tattoos & Rock ‘n’ Roll

by Scott Hefflon

Yet another issues of Sex, Tattoos & Rock ‘n’ Roll without the sex.  It’s a clever name, it’s a good tat mag, but it just doesn’t live up to its title.  This issue has all the lovable, crazy-looking boys and girls that make the true alternative music scene.  There are no cute photos of Pearl Jam, Counting Crows, The Smithereens or any number of good bands, but just not inked bands. 

Last issue, we had to sift through Extreme’s Pat Badger and JBJ’s David Bryan to get at Wrecking Crew, Pantera, Eyehategod, and Genitortures.  I even enjoyed the Air Supply bit.  True, I’m a closet fan (and have recorded a few parodies based on their tunes), but it was just cool to see an article on Air Supply end a column that starts off: Danzig, Butthole Surfers, Skatenigs…

While this issue doesn’t have too much for surprises (except, perhaps, Concrete Blonde and a hot, closing tribute to X), it is packed with all the right HEAVIES!   Bad asses like Entombed, Fear Factory, Fudge Tunnel, and the gods of Sepultura can all be found grinning, growling, and sportin’ their stylin’ tattoos.  The mag is wild in its melting photos, splattered close-ups, and more of the right-on-the-mark “journalism.”  The writers get involved with each band and spew out witticisms at every turn.  In general, the magazine packs the punch of the bands it covers.  Now if they could follow through on the sex…

Seeing as how tattoos are illegal in this wonderful state of Massachusetts, we embrace the opportunity to tell y’all where OUTSIDE of MA you can get yourself some fine ink.  If you’ve never been into a tat shop, it’s a wild experience.  These are the people your Leave it to Beaver parents told you to stay away from.  Much like drug-addicted rock and rollers, huh?  Welcome to the real world.  These guys are artists and take their work seriously.  During each “interview,” each stressed the sterility and maintenance factors of their work.  While I don’t necessarily recommend window shopping (you might get a response of “You’re wasting my fucking time.  Come back when you’re ready.  Or better yet, don’t!”), you should definitely look around before committing ink to skin.  Find an artist you’re comfortable with and express yourself.