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Forget about the LCD Soundsystem reunion, Radiohead mystery concerts, and those Dead & Company resurrections. This summer’s most exciting music festival appearance comes courtesy of a much more recognizable ensemble: Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the Muppets house band, will perform at San Francisco’s Outside Lands this coming weekend. Since an IRL appearance by the psych-rock five-piece is rare, we chatted over email with legendary drummer-barbarian Animal and mellow bassist Sgt. Floyd Pepper, who assisted with translations, interpretations, and interventions.
And check out our list of “The Muppets’” best musical moments.
__Pitchfork: __What most excites you about playing Outside Lands?
Animal: Rock ’n’ roll! Rock ’n’ roll!!!!!!!!
Sgt. Floyd Pepper: Animal is an aficionado of the righteous music that’s gonna be happening at Outside Lands. He loves gettin’ his groove on, hangin’ with the other bands, and doin’ whatever it is that drummers do when they get together. A very strange tribe, those drummers. As for me, I’m lookin’ forward to the beer.
What are your music festival necessities?
A: Drums! Big drums. That all.
SFP: It’s all about the basics with Animal. Bring the drums and he’s good to go. Fact is, even if he forgets his drums, I’m sure he’ll find something to create the proper percussive vibe. Just don’t stand too close when he does.
My only demand at a music festival is good vibes, a working mojo… and beer.
In a promo video for Outside Lands, which stars the Electric Mayhem, Animal is very excited that Radiohead is also playing the festival. Animal, what do you like about Radiohead?
A: Radiohead! Radiohead! LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!
SFP: Loud—that’s Animal’s highest praise. He appreciates the volume of their creativity and the creativity of their volume. Plus, last time we saw Radiohead, they let Animal ride with their roadies. Radiohead roadies rock.
If you were given the chance to book Woodstock 2016, who would you want on the bill?
Animal: Drums! Drums! All drums! Dave Grohl! Andy Hurley! Phil Selway! Matt Helders! Michael Miley! Shannon Larkin! Tommy Clufetos! Questlove! Brent Fitz! Sheila E.! More! More!
SFP: You asked for it, friend. It’s gonna be an all-percussion orchestra. Anyone in attendance is advised to bring a backup set of eardrums.
Animal, you recently faced Dave Grohl and Fall Out Boy’s Andy Hurley in televised drum battles. Who is your next opponent?
A: Grohl! Hurley! Animal win!
SFP: Yeah, Animal recently went mano-a-drummo with Dave Grohl [on an episode of “The Muppets”] and Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy [at the Radio Disney Music Awards]. He’s convinced he whupped ‘em, but they’re still reviewing the wreckage before they announce a winner. As for who’s next, that depends on whether we can score some low-cost drum replacement insurance.
Do you still eat your drumsticks?
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