Nine Questions

We shall forever be grateful to Howard Salmon for his documentation of Tucson's burgeoning punk scene in his fanzine, Slit, which existed in various formats from 1980-1983. Salmon also served as the drummer for the legendary Phantom Limbs on the band's first two albums, and hit the skins at the first gigs for Al Perry and the Cattle, and Rainer and Das Combo. To check out what he's up to these days, head to howardsalmon.com.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

KISS at the Tucson Community Center. There was pounding on the doors; only half of the lights in the show were working.

What CDs are in your changer right now?

Bad Brains, Rock for Light; New York Dolls, Rock 'n Roll; Philip Glass, Etudes for Piano; David Bowie, Sound + Vision boxed set.

How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks)?

About 100; I've have had to get rid of a lot of stuff due to space issues.

Do you download music, and if so, legally or illegally?

I download stuff every once in a while, and always legally (I think).

What was the first album you owned?

The Beatles, Let It Be. As I recall, it was warped when I bought it. But I still enjoyed it!

What song would you like to have played at your funeral?

I'm a big fan of the movie High Fidelity, so my answer to that question would be John Cusack's answer: "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" by Gladys Knight and the Pips. And it's true: My wife is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don't know about? What's your favorite guilty pleasure?

I like drum music, everything from the Kodo drummers to John Souza marches. My favorite guilty pleasure is the original soundtrack from Grease.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

The Phantom Limbs left a profound influence on me (even though I was in the band). Jeff Keenan's high artistic standards and sense for the tragic really moved me.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

The Ramones, Road to Ruin--it's funny, smart and kicks ass like there's no tomorrow!