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GW You two have been playing together for a while now, in two different bands, no less. Have you long since resolved any ego issues as to who’s going to play which parts?

DUTKIEWICZ There are no ego issues. We’re pretty good friends.

STROETZEL We’re pretty lighthearted about everything.

GW And as part of that lightheartedness, Adam’s stage performances tend to undermine the clichés of heavy metal posturing. Is that an accurate way to sum it up?

DUTKIEWICZ Yeah, you could pretty much say that. It’s a live show; I don’t think people should take themselves that seriously. I think everybody’s there to have fun, not to intimidate. That’s the way I look at it.

GW What are the origins of wearing a cape and short shorts onstage?

DUTKIEWICZ It’s just me being an asshole. That’s pretty much it. It’s just me not giving a crap, and trying to offend people.

GW Your contention seems to be that nerds have a place in metal too. Just because you play metal, that doesn’t mean you have to act out that Neanderthal stereotype.

DUTKIEWICZ Yeah, I don’t believe in that whole thing of “Look at me. I’m in a band. I’m cooler than you.” We’re all in it to have a good time and just party.

GW So you’re not comfortable in a role where you might be seen as cooler than the audience?

DUTKIEWICZ Well no. I think that’s kinda horseshit. Nobody should act better than anyone else.

GW Your image and act caused some concern on the part of Slayer when you were going to do a tour with them in the past?

DUTKIEWICZ Yeah, they kicked us off the tour because they thought it was inappropriate for a metal band to do something like that.

GW Did they have a problem with the costume?

DUTKIEWICZ Yeah, that’s basically it.

GW But now you’re gonna play with them again?

DUTKIEWICZ Yup, indeed. That’s the way the cookie crumbles for them.

GW Have the bands reconciled?

DUTKIEWICZ No, I don’t think so. Actually, no.

GW So your attitude is basically, “Fuck them”?

DUTKIEWICZ Hey, I got no problems. I don’t care who I play with. I’ll play with anyone.

GW Did you go to the Grammys when “The End of Heartache” was nominated for the metal award?

STROETZEL We did. That was a trip, man. The whole Grammy show is not quite my vibe. I had to leave two-thirds of the way through and go to the bar. But it was a neat experience and an honor to be involved in that.

GW What did you wear to the Grammys?

STROETZEL Aw, we all wore suits and stuff, man.

DUTKIEWICZ I wanted to wear a chicken suit, but everybody in my band told me they’d be really bummed with me if I did. I told them they were foolish for thinking that way. It would have been a great joke.

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