X, a name synonymous with the raw energy and intellectual depth of punk rock, has been captivating audiences since their explosive debut in 1980 with Los Angeles. For decades, the core quartet of vocalist Exene Cervenka, the unmistakable bass lines and vocals of John Doe, the legendary guitarist Billy Zoom, and the rhythmic backbone D. J. Bonebrake, have solidified their place as innovators and influencers. Now, as they prepare for their farewell tour and release what they’ve declared their final studio album, Smoke & Fiction, via Fat Possum Records, John Doe X, speaking from his Texas home, offers a candid reflection on the band’s decision to scale back, their enduring legacy, and what the future holds.
Winding Down, Not Hanging It Up: John Doe on X’s Touring Future
“Bittersweet” is the word John Doe X uses to describe the current moment, as X approaches the end of an era. However, he clarifies, it’s not a complete farewell. “We’re not hanging it up. We’re just cutting it back,” Doe explains. The relentless pace of touring – the “75 shows” a year – has become unsustainable. Instead, X plans a more curated approach: “fifteen or twenty” select performances, turning each concert into an event, an excuse for fans to embark on a “road trip.” Doe emphasizes the less glamorous aspects of touring, the “other 22 hours” beyond the exhilarating hour and a half on stage, as a key factor in this decision. He’s adamant about preserving the band’s high standards, stating, “I don’t want to be part of something where the wheels are falling off… I want to go out when things are still good. And we’re still good. We’re still real good.” This commitment to quality over quantity signals a mature and respectful approach to their legacy and their audience.
Fucking Rock and Roll: What to Expect from X’s Farewell Shows
When asked about what fans can anticipate at these upcoming, more precious X performances, John Doe X‘s answer is immediate and emphatic: “Fucking rock and roll!” with a laugh that promises the raw energy synonymous with X. He elaborates on the setlist, promising a journey through their extensive catalog: “We play new songs, old songs. Right now, we’re doing four songs from the new record, and a couple songs from the one just before that, and songs that people are fan favorites.” This blend of new material and beloved classics ensures a dynamic and comprehensive live experience for both longtime devotees and newer listeners eager to witness X’s iconic sound firsthand.
The Evolution of Sound: Trial by Fire for New X Songs
John Doe X sheds light on the unique creative process behind their new album, particularly the live testing of new material. He describes the “luxurious part” of crafting Smoke & Fiction as the extended period of live performance and refinement. “We played four, five, six [new] songs live for most of 2023 – as we’d write another song, we’d try to put it in the set.” This iterative approach allowed the band to gauge audience reaction, experiment with arrangements, and truly hone the songs before recording. Doe emphasizes the value of this “trial by fire” in shaping the final versions of the tracks, ensuring they resonate both on record and in live performance.
Life After Touring: Horses, Songwriting, and the Evolving Music Landscape for John Doe
With a lighter touring schedule on the horizon, John Doe X expresses enthusiasm for the newfound time and freedom. He paints a picture of a fulfilling personal life, mentioning his horse and the simple joy of spending time with his wife. Creatively, Doe remains engaged, hinting at potential solo projects and songwriting collaborations with Exene, “for the hell of it.” He acknowledges the shifting landscape of music consumption, noting the decline of the full-length album in favor of single releases. This adaptability and openness to new forms of creative output suggest that while X may be scaling back, John Doe X‘s musical journey is far from over.
Smoke & Fiction: The Satisfying, Validating, and Difficult Final Album
Releasing a full album, especially what’s positioned as X’s final album, in today’s music climate is a statement in itself. John Doe X describes the experience as “satisfying and rewarding and validating,” particularly given the challenges of its creation. Smoke & Fiction was “a difficult record to record,” done “quickly” but involving an intensive process of writing, rehearsing, rewriting, and relearning. Interestingly, the concept of it being the “last record” emerged during the process, not at the outset.
Retrospective, Not Nostalgic: Unpacking the Themes of Smoke & Fiction
The decision for Smoke & Fiction to be X’s final album arose organically from the album’s themes and musical direction. John Doe X explains that “the lyrics and the kind of music that we did on it, it seemed like we used so many different parts of our musical history and what we love.” The lyrical content is described as “very retrospective. Not nostalgic.” Doe clarifies this distinction, emphasizing a mature reflection on the past rather than a longing for it. The songs delve into themes of accepting past mistakes, making amends, and owning one’s history, as exemplified in tracks like “The Way It Is” and “Big Black X,” which draw imagery from the band’s early, “crazy shit.” The title track, “Smoke & Fiction,” encapsulates the ephemeral nature of art and the acceptance of life’s inherent conflicts.
The Ephemeral Nature of Art: The Meaning Behind “Smoke & Fiction”
John Doe X delves into the significance of the album title, “Smoke & Fiction,” revealing a deeper artistic philosophy. He explains, “That’s the nature of art: it’s not smoke and mirrors, but it is ephemeral, like smoke is. And it comes from some fire. It’s true.” This metaphor beautifully captures the transient yet powerful nature of artistic expression, suggesting that while art may be fleeting, it originates from genuine passion and experience.
Hope and Resonance: What John Doe Wants Listeners to Take Away
When asked about his hopes for how listeners will receive Smoke & Fiction, John Doe X adopts a hands-off approach, emphasizing the release of the music into the world. “That’s up to them. I release it,” he states. He uses the term “release” deliberately, highlighting the relinquishing of control once the music is shared with the public. Ultimately, his aspirations are simple yet profound: “we hope it resonates. We hope it’s meaningful. We hope it inspires people, or gives them some joy.” Whether it’s dancing in the living room or finding personal connection within the lyrics, Doe hopes listeners will feel “let in on something that you can make personal.”
From Baltimore to LA Punk: John Doe’s Musical Genesis
Reflecting on his path to becoming a musician, John Doe X reveals a straightforward motivation: “I just didn’t want to have a straight job.” He recounts formative musical experiences seeing Talking Heads and The Heartbreakers in his pre-X days. His move to Los Angeles coincided with the burgeoning punk rock scene, a pivotal moment he acknowledges as essential to X’s formation and impact. “Without that, I don’t think we [X] could have existed, or would have been as powerful without the scene. The scene was a lot. It influenced us a lot. It was bigger than just one band.”
Forging a Distinctive Sound: The Alchemy of X’s Music
X’s unique sound, a blend of punk energy with diverse musical influences, wasn’t accidental. John Doe X attributes it to the individual personalities and backgrounds of the band members. Exene’s untrained vocal style, Billy Zoom’s seasoned musicianship (honed with artists like Etta James and Gene Vincent), and D. J. Bonebrake’s jazz and Captain Beefheart sensibilities all contributed to their distinctive hybrid sound. Doe also cites inspiration from the New York punk and no-wave scenes, ultimately creating a sound that, while fitting within punk rock, possessed its own unique character.
Grateful and Grounded: X’s Legacy as Punk Rock Pioneers
The recognition of X as one of the most influential bands to emerge from the punk scene is something John Doe X acknowledges with “gratefulness as hell.” He humbly attributes their success to “determination, and a bit of ambition, and some talent. And just some good luck that nobody died.” He reflects on Los Angeles’s historical position as a secondary punk scene compared to New York and London, fueling a desire to “plant a flag and get some respect,” which partly inspired the name of their debut album, Los Angeles.
Beyond Forever: The Enduring Appeal of X
John Doe X responds to the sentiment that fans wish X could continue “forever” with humor and pragmatism. “Yeah, but you don’t want us to go on forever and then eventually suck!” he laughs. He leaves the door slightly ajar for future possibilities, suggesting occasional songs for benefits or special projects, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the music industry and fan reception. He expresses genuine gratitude for the enduring support, calling the fan’s sentiment “a real gift.”
A Parting Message: Vote and Make Up Your Own Mind
In closing, John Doe X offers a concise yet impactful message: “I hope all the youngsters get out and vote.” While declining to delve into specific politics, he emphasizes individual agency and critical thinking: “Make up your own mind, do your own thing. I mean, that’s been our motto pretty much from the beginning, and I’m glad that that still is.” This final statement encapsulates the independent spirit and enduring ethos of X, encouraging fans to engage actively with the world and forge their own paths.
X ~ “The End is Near – Smoke & Fiction Tour”:
8/19 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre
8/20 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre
8/22 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
8/23 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
8/24 – Olympia, WA – South Sound Block Party
8/25 – Portland, OR – The Aladdin
8/28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
8/30 – Denver, CO – The Summit
9/01 – Albuquerque, NM – The El Rey
9/22 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
9/23 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur
9/25 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
9/26 – Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall
9/28 – Falls Church, VA – The State Theatre
10/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theater
10/2 – Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theatre
10/3 – New York, NY – Town Hall
10/18 – Austin, TX – The Paramount
10/19 – San Antonio, TX – Empire Live
10/21 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
10/22 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
10/24 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
10/25 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
10/26 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
10/27 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
10/29 – Charlotte, NC – The Neighborhood Theatre
10/30 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
More dates TBA
