Flashback Interview: BLACKIE LAWLESS (W.A.S.P.) (1999): “Making Records Became Cheap Therapy. When The Anger Faded, The Sun Came Out Again”

In this 1999 interview, Blackie Lawless opens up about Kill Fuck Die, heartbreak, and how rage became his fuel. He recalls the wounds behind the record, Chris Holmes’ divorce from Lita Ford, his own shattered relationship, and why Kill Fuck Die could’ve just as easily been called Hate. From there, the conversation turns to rebirth; rediscovering old W.A.S.P. demos, stumbling on “I Wanna Be Somebody” in a box of tapes, and feeling the fire again with Helldorado. Blackie shares vivid reflections, from “cheap therapy” in the studio to laughing over dark stage concepts like the infamous nun-on-the-cross. It’s W.A.S.P.’s frontman at his most unfiltered, reflecting on art, excess, censorship, and the fine line between humor and controversy. Recorded backstage in Oslo, opening night of the Helldorado tour.