The Marionette of the Punk Rock Puppet Show

An Interview with Bill Manspeaker of Green Jelly

By George Archibald

After 30 years of punk rock chaos Green Jelly founder and vocalist Bill Manspeaker is still going strong. Manspeaker is just as animated live, as the videos he helped create for the bands multiple hits. Sunday July 17^th at The Agora Theater, Green Jelly was joining Ministry, Otep, and Helmet for a very active show in the wake of the Republican National Convention. Wondering how a man who has basically given the music industry a big Fuck You, still continues to amaze crowds, and play to packed venues; I got a chance to talk with Manspeaker and ask a few questions to really see how he thinks.

Manspeaker: Ohhhhh yeaaaa whatsup kids its Bill Manspeaker, of the punk rock puppet band Green Jelly!!!

GA: So when did you start out in the music business?

Manspeaker: When did I start out in the music business? I don’t even know if I’m in the music business. I’m in the business of not having a job actually, but if you want to get technical it would be January 18^th 1981. I was a kid in high school. I made a band to be in the junior/senior show called it Green Jelly.

GA: Having been in the business for over 30 years what has kept you going? What lessons have you learned along the way?

Manspeaker: Things that kept me going, is the fact I just don’t want to have a job. You know people get up early, they go to a place they don’t like, and they hang out with a bunch of people they hate. So I’m doing my best to go to the places I love, visit people that I care for, and have the best time I can possibly have.

GA: How do you think things have changed (like bookings and going about shows) since you started?

Manspeaker: Things are way easier. Before I needed a booking agent, a record company, a lawyer, and an accountant. All these people grabbing at the cash. I don’t need anybody now; all I need is Facebook. I book a 125 shows a year. All through Facebook using just my thumb, 5 countries; America, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, and one other place in there.

GA: You just beat me to it, I was going to ask you about the advances in the music industry and how you like using them.

Manspeaker: Oh it’s amazing! I have the world in my pocket. I just pull it out and I find my bands that are going to play the shows. I also book my shows on the internet now, I get my rides from the airport, everything just about everything now without ever speaking to anyone.

GA: Green Jelly has been known to break the rules of what goes for normal in the music business, how will you push the boundary now since it seems we are living in an anything goes time in the industry?

Manspeaker: I don’t think there is anyone out there standing in their underwear, screaming at drunk people, while they have gigantic punk rock puppets moshing in front of them. So I would just do things the way they are funny to me.

GA: So what’s next for Green Jelly?

Manspeaker: Next for us is we will be playing with Ministry tonight. Which I booked through Facebook. I just got a message through a promoter asking, “if I would like to play with Ministry at the Agora Theater”, and I said “yes”. Now I am here. Then on Wednesday I am playing with the Insane Clown Posse at the Gathering of the Juggalos. Same sort of thing, I walked into a show, one of the guys from ICP was there and wanted me to play, and I’m going to show up. The more you think the less you do.

GA: Any plans to do any more reunion type shows with past members? Like 2014 when you and Maynard played a set together?

Manspeaker: Ahhh… The important band members, there’s only two important band members. That would be Maynard and Danny. Umm. They have more on their plates so they get to make that decision.

GA: Over all the years what has to be one of your favorite memories?

Manspeaker: This moment right now. Standing in the parking lot with me and you.

GA: Any tips you may have to aspiring bands seeking to have success and longevity in music?

Manspeaker: Just do what you like, it’s about doing what you love. It’s not about playing the song right. It’s not about singing the songs the way they are supposed to be sung. It’s about having everyone enjoy the same moment that you are.

GA: Anything else you would like to add?

Manspeaker: Green Jelly Sucks!!!

As you can see Manspeaker is still living the carefree lifestyle that he began Green Jelly with. Later than evening when myself and Empire Extreme’s own Josh Drespling caught Green Jelly’s act. We were both pulled on to the side of the stage to film the show. I manned the video camera for the Green Jelly Live stream, and Josh was taking photos of the show and also taping. It was a crowded stage as Manspeaker commanded the attention of the whole crowd while his live Punk Rock Puppet Show started with 20 volunteers from the crowd adorning foam rubber masks. The show was about as wild as Manspeaker’s personality. I wish you well at The Gathering of the Juggalos and safe journeys.

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George Archibald

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