Ed Nossem has played guitar and bass in a variety of Tucson bands since 1990, including Grimble Wedge, Worm, and the Distortionists. He is currently playing with Fish Karma, who is releasing a new 7-inch at 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16, at the District Tavern, 260 E. Congress St. Admission is free.
What is the first concert you attended?
Santana, the Caravanserai tour. Greg Rollie and Neal Schon had just left the band to form Journey, and Santana hadn't replaced them yet, so the entire concert was all instrumental.
What are you listening to these days?
Whatever music I'm working on; Cheer-Accident, a wonderful music ensemble based in Chicago; the Swigs; the Mission Creeps' new CD; Todd Rundgren concert videos; Bukka White; the Residents; Steely Dan; Frank Zappa; classical music on KUAT (FM 90.5) radio, and KXCI (FM 91.3) radio in general. Kidd Squidd has the best radio show on the planet.
What was the first album you owned?
The Beatles' Yesterday and Today. That's the one where they replaced the original butcher cover image and had to glue a different picture on the existing product due to public outrage.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
I can't relate to what is passed off as country music these days. Give me George Jones, Johnny Cash or the first Hank Williams any day!
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
It would be a real treat to relive the experience of seeing Genesis with Peter Gabriel perform The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Blue Öyster Cult.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
That's easy—"Die Like a Dog" by Fish Karma! Or if anyone wanted to get more maudlin about it, they could always play "Turn of the Century" by Yes.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
The Beatles. They permeated my existence as a child, and still do.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Brian Wilson's Smile, edging out the Beatles' Revolver by a nose.
