The Complete Jessrobin Interview

It is common knowledge that band images are formed by publicists, spin doctors and the media. Just ask icons like chronic bedwetter Justin Bieber and flat-chested prude Katy Perry. Million dollar marketing campaigns build band brands targeted for certain demographics. One might expect things to be different for an aging cover band in a suburban island city, but no. The Media Blitz surrounding this Saturday's Halloween Bash at Rooster's Roadhouse has found Old Coal on sfgate.com, 107.7 the Bone and Alameda Patch (http://alameda.patch.com/articles/yes-they-do-still-rock-dad-band-school-benefit-saturday-night). The latter article portrays Old Coal as serious rocking Dads based on respectful journalistic craftiness and paraphrasing. Here at oldcoal.com, we offer the complete interview with singer NeilSon Jessrobin.

We're seated here on the grand, bedazzled stage of Roosters Roadhouse where in a few short days legendary middle aged cover band "Old Coal" will take the stage for the first time in nearly a year. A homecoming of sorts. Seated with me is Old Coal frontman and lead singer NeilSon Jessrobin (sporting a low cut silver shirt, loaded with sequins). Trying to ignore the machismo created by his dark flowing chest hair, I ask NeilSon some questions:

Rock Journalist (RJ): We know about your karoke vocal craft but can you tell us about the other instruments that make up the band?
NeilSon Jessrobin (NJ): Not counting our European tour ensemble of high pitched wind instruments, our band features 5 cylinders of varying diameters covered with kangaroo hyde used for percussion, a wiggle stick and one of those funny guitars with only four strings. And we have a lock of Neil Diamond's chest hair in a Ziploc baggy. It's not an instrument, but it's really cool. As for the guys, we're not very well acquainted.

(RJ): Did you front any other Dad Bands prior to Old Coal? How long?
(NJ:) As you know, the 90s were all about Mom's Bands, so generally speaking, no. How long? Oh, wouldn't you like to know.

(RJ:) How did Old Coal come to be? How did you all find each other?
(NJ:) Eharmony.com - We found that all 4 of us were incredible matches on all 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility including dance style and leather pants preference. Next thing you know, we're headlining a non-sanctioned gig on the lido deck of a Disney Senior cruise in Lake Berryessa.

(RJ): Do you consider yourself a "Hobby Rocker" or a "garage band?"
(NJ): Chamber minstrels.

(RJ:) What is the best part of being on stage in front of a crowd?
(NJ:) That I get to see the world through Bono's eyes and say words like Apartheid whenever I want to. Nothing beats finding your inner Celine Dionne.

(RJ:) What do your kids think about you being in a band?
(NJ:) They enjoyed it until I converted their bedroom into a recording studio and started kicking their asses in Wii RockBand. But they know, in the end, that this puts them on the fast track to Reality TV shows. And if my dream can help them achieve theirs, it's certainly well-directed energy. It beats bowling.

(RJ:) What's next for Old Coal?
(NJ:) The usual. 99 cent tacos at Jack in the Box, belly button hair weaves and then preparing for our Thanksgiving Bash in San Francisco.