Concrete Blonde Interview, A Life in ROCK!

Personal interview with Rock Icon Johnette Napolitano with Concrete Blonde. Eric Salas with BackstagePassWithESP talks to Johnette about how she got started and what it was like choosing a career in ROCK! For tour information go to www.ConcreteBlondOfficialWebsite.com Video production by www.EricSalasProductions.com

[@The1WhoKnowsTheTruth]

The most underrated female vocalist to ever walk within this 3rd dimension. Johnette deserved so much more than she got from the business.

[@nowthenzen]

don't we (almost) all

[@tomk4590]

@Cobb Knobbler Sad but true. So why do so many of us feel "privileged," as if the universe "owes" us something? If we could get over this nonsense, I'd think we'd be more content. Instead, we complain: "Life's not fair!" Where did we get the idea that it's supposed to be?

[@spleefboy]

Where's MY stuff??!

[@OfftoShambala]

She is appreciated by everyone who hears her / the bands music. But, yeah the biz at the time wanted to play it safe, for lack of a better way of putting it. But, I have a feeling they appreciated her ... they were more blinded by science.

[@crash8563]

Johnette has always been one of my favourite vocalists

[@-FreudiansLip]

Easily- one of the most underrated vocalists; EVER.

[@catinthehat906]

Goodness what opportunities this interviewer had, Johnette says at 2:38 "...choosing what not to care about, what doesn't affect me, what I don't want to be influenced by...." that's a gift to any interviewer and we want to know, but sadly he never asked. EMI sounds very dodgy though, luckily she's savvy and can read a contract.

[@mothsnail816]

Just found out about this band. This lady is dope.

[@timlamb6196]

Agreed. She has a rich beautiful voice.

[@-WhizzBang-]

Nah, she is OK, but she is certainly not a Beyonce, Celine Dion, Mariah Carrey or Lady Gaga!

[@fifty6wild]

Most under-rated singer/songstress, and band, in my lifetime.

[@jamesianp]

Johnette Napolitano is a force of nature. Taken as a whole, her body of work with Concrete Blonde is, IMO, the fulfillment of Rock & Roll's potential as an Art-form. She has drawn a road-map for how to live a creative life with integrity and passion. Respect.

[@amyray63]

@@AF-dn2bzWhy Do You Say She’s Juvenile? Particularly Considering She Pushing 70 Years Old? She Can Get Angry But She’s Extremely Grateful For Her Fans And She Has Been Amongst Them For Decades Now!

[@amyray63]

@jamesianp What Does Your Post Mean? I’m Not Being Sarcastic I’m Just Old. What’s IMO? Concrete Blonde Has Been Johnette Napolitano and Jim Mankey Since The 1980s.

[@jamesianp]

IMO means "In My Opinion". My post was to express my admiration for Johnette & Jim as true Artists - not just as entertainers riding a wave . . . Eg. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ_Ff2qDnLBnfpI

[@brenandbruiser9885]

@@amyray63IMO means in my opinion, I see this was 2 months ago so sorry if I’m too late! I’m old too, and usually google all the acronyms and slang I don’t understand.

[@amyray63]

@@brenandbruiser9885 LOL..Then We’re Both Too Old!? But, Once A Pedophile, Always a Pedophile!!

[@robertogvg]

I grew up listening to Concrete Blonde since I was 15 years old. Haunted by Johnette's voice and the bands music and lyrics. 43 now and still she makes me feel as so few artists. I just love her and she gets to me everytime. Greetings from Lima, Peru. They came and I saw them live at the beggining of the century as in the lyrics it was like a million stars and blew everyone away... until the end of the line!! I will always love you and be grateful to you Johnette (and of course Harry and Jim) for keeping me company through the years

[@collinhudson1332]

Johnette is one badass woman!

[@chokkan7]

This woman is a tremendous role model to anyone who cares to take a look.

[@brookespears2266]

I saw her live at Park Tavern in Atlanta a few years ago. Just being chill with real fans. Real down to earth gal. My bf didn't know her...I'm like....honestly let's go buy her a drink and say hello. She was so gracious about being considered to be thought of as a quiet legend and impact on not only music and how others processed life. So humble and kind

[@gfcancio]

My "teenage summer" was "Bloodletting", great soundtrack to my summer

[@jamesr6497]

Johnette... a true no B.S.... no holds barred... no compromising musician. She hasn't just grown older; she's grown wiser. She is aware of the industry control, while acknowledging there's new voices to be heard. Its the wisdom that pours forth like a old fountain that still produces cool water that is both refreshing and invigorating. She doesn't try to act cool, yet... she is.

[@jasonnewstead3174]

Yeh... actually could not have put that better myself

[@TheArtofGuitar]

She just dropped like 50 gems in this video. Thank you for your honesty. We need more of that in the world.

[@cybervision_1]

Johnette you kick ass, we all love you.

[@kikistorrer]

I'm one of those fans that absolutely love Concrete Blonde and the Person Johnette!!! My 13 yo. daughter grew up listening Concrete Blonde with me... so I'm happy to hear that! She has a really particular taste for music that is definitely NOT what the other girl around her age are into! I'm proud of that and she is thankful!!

[@jonblake9163]

Both Mother and Sibling with great taste..well done

[@kasandrabailey4476]

My mom gave me their cd when I was in middle school! I can't imagine the last 15 years without their music! I really hope young people are finding it now!

[@johnturtle6649]

She's short :) My ex gf had a girl crush on her and we got to meet her briefly a long time ago, during the bloodletting tour. Great, and I mean GREAT concert.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I got my MOM into C B and she ended up buying 2 albums b4 she passed. She loved this woman's spirit. Saw them back in the day also. Loved that concert.

[@scottstaley2349]

One of the most graceful, gracious, down to earth and UNDERRATED vocalists and bands..ever.

[@yadabotbingo]

Some people are talented, some are beautiful, some are artists, some people may be some of all of those things, but Jonette is all that and more, a beautiful talented artist gifted to an extreme and a good human inspite of it all.

[@jeffrogers3782]

Well said !

[@christopherellis5193]

Absolutely an underrated band...nd Miss Napolitano TOO!...she is the BEST

[@cgavin1]

Intelligent. Eloquent. Respect. She's really speaking so much wisdom. The bit about choosing what not to be influenced or affected by is something a lot of kids should take seriously. 24/7 media overload and malaise just leads to you getting angry about stuff or emotionally invested in things that are none of your business or concern and will distract you from achieving your dreams.

[@stardaddyo9]

I love this woman!

[@littleogeechee223]

The Absolute Queen! Joey was my first introduction to Johnette and CB, and then I promptly went out and bought everything I could find.

[@ACrackInTheWall2006]

Love her! I met her once and got her to sign my Group Therapy cd cover. She real very nice.

[@MrBrownestonee]

I really DIG her laugh

[@chrisbradford22]

Her voice is husky enough to pull a sled!! But I love her and this band!!

[@timothytessier2702]

Absolutely LOVE this band. My still "go to" is Bloodletting. I always loved the great guitar tones and melodic writing. And of course Johnette's just piercing vocals!! I think the band enjoyed being an Underground band versus mainstream (Top 40), Kind if in the same vein as The Cure.....

[@KimberlyCovell]

Yes hell indeed

[@niroshanfernando4784]

Johnette Napolitano's voice echoes the BEST of her (I'm guessing, supposed) influences Billie Holliday, Janis Joplin & Grace Slick. I hear even her fellow peers (ie. Chrissie Hynde & Deborah Harry) in her voice for certain songs. She definitely shaped the way for her protegés like Linda Perry & many talented younger artists that would follow. Yet clearly, she does her OWN thing & does it DAMN WELL! ROCK JOHNETTE & CONCRETE BLONDE! 👊😎🎤

[@chriscollins570]

Very revealing and so relaxed. A brilliant and very musically talented icon!

[@nevar23]

She is such an inspiration. Amazing talent.

[@SpookyLizzy]

Love this!! Johnette you rock!!! I am so grateful to have you as a role model. While being a singer is a secret dream of mine, your strength, your spirit, and your depth give me power in my life. Jenny I Read is my favorite then Mexican Moon. Thank you for being who you are : )

[@hazor777]

They really don't have any bad albums,...some are better than others ...but everything they did was good ...

[@vonijoe]

I bought some on cassette first, then again on compact disc.

[@GenovevaRossi]

So honest and real. Always an interesting person. Her lyrics and voice are moving.

[@coyote-killr]

she's incredibly talented......

[@fifty6wild]

I loved the video. I think Johnette and Concrete Blonde are incredibly under-rated talents. Understanding what appeals to the masses, that don't bother me, at all. I love her voice, and appreciate her insight, she's a credit to her craft.

[@EricSalasBackStagePass]

After the show many people came up to me and wanted me to share that they LOVE CONCRETE BLONDE!

[@baddhorsie8318]

Her life on her terms. Her music produced on her terms, and not being manipulated by some Smiley glad hand corporate suits. In a world of so much mediocre auto tuned garbage a few rise above the noise. much respect Johnette

[@martinwaite8820]

Awesome vocalist that squeezes every ounce of her God given talent. I admire people that use every bit of their gift. Her vocal range is magnificent.

[@RexHrothgar1]

I’d say she shares the God(dess) within her as it couldn’t be denied.

[@tamaking2374]

Yes , she's so enjoyable to just soak up !

[@metalguru67]

My favorite songwriter of her generation and I love this woman, thank you for posting this video

[@barbarahallowell2613]

The Blonde.Ahhh. I'm 49, 50 in June. I listen to new music every day, love discovering new sounds. Yet, as the most brilliant Johnette said, once you have a kid, you have them for life. I was cleaning house tonight and my phone just decided I needed to be thrown back in time. It was good, so dann good. My son is the same age as I was when I saw Concrete Blonde live for the first time. (Blissed out memories) So, yeah, I was scrubbing the "then singing so dann loud, and it was good, so good. * The first dance at my wedding in 1992 was the Blondes cover of Little Wing.* I love you then, and now. You've always been a hero, for doing YOU like YOU. It taught me, as I grew up, to do ME like ME. *Bonus points, my voice is in your register, so I can just belt that shot out!*

[@Ord-yc6ww]

I’m 15 and I discovered Concrete Blonde a few weeks ago and I’m very much hyperfixated on this band

[@JohnEuliss]

Definitely one of my favorite vocalists. Down to Earth and articulate. I love her.

[@nbmooselovers]

Yes..as most of the comments here agree. Absolutely "Underrated" in their peek time. But thankfully now with all of the exposure your videos are getting in venues like here on KZbin, you are finally getting the extra exposure that will ensure your music reaches "new" fans. "Music is Forever". "Thank You" Johnette for the countless hours of your magnificent voice, music and talent that accompanied my life. I just recently turned sixty. And my wife and I have had our lives enriched so much with your company. "Stay healthy".

[@Basic_Blue]

Here we are... 2021 :)

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Good shit! I love her.

[@williesnyder2899]

Yep, “A LOT of BASS!!” and A LOT of VOICE, VIEWPOINTS, FEELINGS and INTENSE EXPRESSION!!! I saw Concrete Blond live once, and Johnette live once. TRULY…life-changing . . . Thanks!!

[@denisgagne7572]

Loved her from the first time I heard her sing, still love her.

[@jsoo67]

Concrete Blonde such a great band. It's the type of band that I can put their albums on and just let it play without skipping a song.

[@jimmyjoeh2o]

Johnette was part of my "teenage summers", man those days, those daze.

[@heatnationwpb]

Johnette has the greatest laugh! LOVE her!!

[@thomasanderson3459]

Trouble is people spend way too much time "texting" each other with worthless crap and not explore for music, art or anything else...Thank you !!

[@QuadMochaMatti]

I don't have any real "friends" to text with constantly (that seems so pointless, anyhow), so I am always spending my time engaged in virtual crate-digging - since I learned years ago that the real-world form will quickly drive me ever closer towards bankruptcy. Oh well. At least I have a rather well-rounded appreciation for a myriad genres, unlike the texting-mad simpletons.

[@thomascaddy4529]

I first discovered Concrete in 1986 when I first saw the Still in Hollywood video on MTV. They are still on my playlist today, especially the debut album.

[@dkpqzm]

I always look outside the box to find the hidden gems in music.

[@Razmyth1000]

My family knows to play "True" at my funeral❤️🦋 love you Johnette

[@karlsand9377]

Live in Brazil 2004 The best road trip music.

[@darkChristian]

my twin sister, love her and James Mankey is one of the best guitarist of them all. amen

[@wendymitchell5354]

My main gal Johnette for many many years & still today... respect from lil ol new zealand =love

[@katkal3]

the real queen of rock n roll

[@NatureJunkieHere]

HORSE RESCUE! Heaven bless the people with the land and means and the love to do that. One more reason for me to love Johnette Napolitano.

[@KatoandSara]

thank you for posting. man, she is and that is all

[@FraterSolzai]

Groovey.. She still fcking rocks

[@frednouvertne4216]

Ive been amazed by Johnette since Bloodletting

[@IzzyPresley101]

Great job....great band...Just saw the show tonight in Minneapolis...wow...just wow.

[@vcp93]

One of the great (and sadly overlooked) vocalists in Rock. Such an amazing artist.

[@StarmanBuckRogers]

DAMN WHAT A VOICE (Can sing like JANICE JOPLIN!!?) And S PERSONALITY AS HUGE AS THE GRAND CANYON!!!! WOW!!!!

[@idavreeland7920]

I love her so much. Real rock. Awesome personality. Real, beautiful always. So many awesome nights in New Orleans to her music. So many special times.

[@Frankenador]

God i love her and the band so much!!!!!!!

[@planet6393]

My brother turned me on to this band for which iam grateful! I lost my brother May 1st of this year. Thanks Todd you were a wonderful brother and I miss you dearly. I will bring “Blood letting “ when I come up there to be with you.

[@elizabethmanning679]

I'm so sorry about your brother! My brother introduced me to concrete blonde and we have so many memories with their music running through them. ❤

[@TechNoir1970]

She is the real amazing, ass kicking thing. I have so much respect for this woman and this band.

[@DeLaFey1777]

I can never get enough of Johnette or CB. Thanks for posting.

[@thomasdillman1816]

She is one of the good guys.

[@danveneziano565]

I was lucky enough to get to see her in a small club on a solo tour and a few years later on I got to see concrete blonde in a 1500 seat club. They played 2 sets the first one 1 hour, a 30 minutes break and came back to play for another hour and a half. They were just awsome. It makes me sad that they weren't bigger. They are such a massively talented band.

[@jamesbond4633]

Interesting lady. I love what she said about success. What's the point if it isn't your face...your clothes...your music....essentially she is saying if your music or art is not coming from a genuine real place it's not really you. Having success on someone else's terms is a good way of getting you on a therapist's couch ...funny!!!! Jim Morrison sang it in Riders On The Storm ...like an actor out on loan!! Lot's of musician's and entertainers walking around needing therapy. Listening to her songs and how she speaks they are real and she is authentic ....even her funny laugh. I am glad she is happy in her personal life and has found balance. Her songs are so poignant and moving and uplifting dealing in places few venture to go. Thanks for this very candid and inspiring interview!!!!

[@justmissjamey]

This woman is fabulous

[@TheMaidensTrooper]

Johnette Napolitano and Peter Steele still continue you influence my writing, like she said she has nothing to lose. I've loved all the Concrete Blonde releases. I enjoy what I do. I'm not into this for likes on FB or IG its my music if you like it great, if you don't great. So lost in all the Bullshit of music today. True artist who actually play instruments, write put in the grind. This is sadly what is missing in music today...people wanna hear He diddy bah and a hiddy diddy hey and a doh da dee da day......

[@69robotech]

u go girl love your music Vancouver BC

[@loveconcreteblonde12]

we absolutely love u still

[@juliemolthop8980]

She's a Goddess!! GREAT band, GREAT music!! Timeless...

[@mtmccornack]

I moved on to EDM in the mid nineties, and with the exception of concrete blonde, i never looked back..... this womans voice sends shivers down my spine and reminds me what real passion in life feels like.

[@jimkalfakis9893]

It’s “the voice”, she has it.

[@mattokc]

I like the punkier, hungrier, angrier era of Concrete Blonde.

[@Glock111]

You may like that time of my life but I was being tortured in the MK Ultra program and suffering badly, and given toxic drugs by my handlers to be like that. Never mind the 'adopted' parents who did not abide by the laws of God. They ritually raped me from birth and sold the video footage. So, now you know why I was like that. Not allowed to say a word in life, only on stage could I let it out. It is real and raw. I think that must be why people feel compassionate to me, altough I am a bit of a scruffy person on stage much of the time. I was as rebellious as I could get away with. I was pissed at being so controlled. Utterly controlled. I saw a David Bowie show later in his life. It was unplugged as a presentation. Quite a personal setting. He took questions from the audience. A soul who was there made a similar statement as yours, but directed at David. 'Wish we could see Ziggy like the old days.' But real life is a whole other matter. Would you rather see a slave forced into anger or would you rather see the real journey of a real human and all that entails. It is a messy business. I get what you mean, though. I liked that time too, as far as the art. But the body cannot sustain living like that. The body will crash and burn. That happened to me. So, most of the global population is so bereft that they are all searching for some tortured soul in art to hear or view. Ballet dancers, fighter pilots, space monkeys, football, cirque de soleil dancers, satanic ritual abuse, pedophelia, trauma based mind control! It is a crap shoot. Anyway, I am 53 now. Been trying to keep myself alive and functional. Glad you liked that time of the work we all did, but it took my life blood and more. I was in a very abusive family. They were not my biological parents. Nice to meet you. Maybe I will be able to muster up some of that mood. Let us see what happens. Will be interesting. I will take your words into consideration, friend. I certainly am more pissed off than I ever was now at 53! Now that I know the full extent of what was done to me. That may translate into that mood again. Revisit some of that. I have been doing that daily lately. www.quora.com/q/concreteblondeandfriends

[@lovingit4450]

@@Glock111 wow . Actually you said the TRUTH AND THAT'S WHAT ALL THESE SINGERS, ARTIST ARE GOING THROUGH. NOW THEY ARE USED TO INFLUENCE THE MASSES WITH DEMONIC SONGS AND GET THE SHOT AND IT GOES ON AND THE YOUNGER GENERATION FOLLOW AND ARE LOST TO THESE CELEBRITIES THAT THEY DON'T SEE THE REAL WORLD AND WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING

[@KimberlyCovell]

Amen to the voice of our generation of women who were brave enough to announce the raw concepts of reallity

[@KimberlyCovell]

I love that you were there to tell the tale

[@zyxvwu]

A strong woman and gifted artist whom I've always admired. ❤

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

What a voice!

[@kikistorrer]

I love her sudden laughs!! so funny!!! ahahah

[@GenovevaRossi]

Great laughter

[@cyndykated358]

I got very into them in the early 2000s. Went to a ton of shows..their Mojave album is so great. They and her need to be in the Music Hall of Fame.

[@circleofstone3114]

Been stuck on this awesome lady’s tunes since 88! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 heard her voice more than my own family 🥰

[@tommys1747]

i love her laughter

[@sandraleigh4023]

I am obsessed with Walking in London, and listen to it a lot! She's so amazing.

[@AshHaze27]

What a great interview. Nice update on what's going on the the band. She has a cool background on their history

[@jonlinen225]

Netflix is bringjng this kickass band back intp mainstream.

[@QuadMochaMatti]

The Mainstream isn't worthy of a band like this.

[@sadlittlebunny7978]

Favourite Woman in the whole world!

[@crashburn3292]

To me, Johnette's voice is 1/3 Janis Joplin, 1/3 Shirley Manson and 1/3 Anne Wilson. She doesn't even break some "Top 100 Female Singer's" lists which is just a crime.

[@markschroeder5559]

One of my very faves. Thank you. Also, a big Thanks to the Letterman Show for having Concrete Blonde on so many times.

[@andrewgoldbergs4474]

The female Jim Morrison without the drama.. Hollywood's LA Woman of 30 odd years..one of the best interpreters of other's songs in an impressive career. Not to mention part of a classic band..true power trio.

[@lintelle2382]

wow! Never thought of that, but you are spot-on, brother!

[@BodhiBoy69]

in the early 90S or mid I forget. hahahahah Me and some of my peeps heard she was playing at an Antique Shop Drive way in silver lake, CA. with her Acoustic guitarist of Concrete Blonde. We went sat across the street in a parking lot . I think it was on a Sunday I forget as you can tell my age by now. Errrr.... hahahahaahhah She freaking ROCKS..............It was magical and beautiful Then years later she was playing at a bar that I was totally unaware and she played. I had freaking goose bumps when I found out she was going to play. This bar was also in Silver Lake on Silver Lake BLVD.

[@jussitikkuri6991]

I love those short but loud bursts or crazy laughter. My kinda girl

[@jakespop67]

Who's holding you now ? Love her love her love her !!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

She and this band have been such a huge influence on me since like 8th grade. So, like 200 years ago.

[@oddboxTopper]

Wow! Just Wow!

[@theanunakian64]

The greatest voice in rock,female or otherwise.

[@WickedPrince3D]

Wonderful interview; it's interesting to learn this much about Johnette. Keep that wonderful voice going Johnette!

[@DanTran-se6hn]

I was so obsessed by her song Joey. Played it countless times. I agree to a lot of comments that she's an underrated singer. A unique artist!

[@KootenayGuitar]

Wise words, thank-you Johnette.

[@Mr.Guild1971]

The problem is they made home recording too easy that people who SHOULD NOT make music.To get to the gems ya gotta sift thru the dregs . The Music revolution IS here it's just taking awhile.Quality bands can make quality music for the people and the Companies can blow.All that BS -making music a business-breaks up so many bands, causes OD's and just tragedy of a sort for the bands who wade thru that shit .Could be promoting themselves .Organizing their own tour and most of all MAKING MUSIC Johnette you are my Favorite Female singer, song writer, artist. Was lucky enough to be front row KC for the reunion tour. Thanks for doin' the interview too !!