The Features Reflect on the 80s
SacTV.com "Video of the Day" review by
Alex Cosper on August 4, 2013
Here's another exclusive interview segment with The Features, who relect on the
1980s, when they were at the top of the Sacramento local music scene. The interview
was recorded during their rehearsal on July 31, preparing for the August 9 show at
Old Ironsides. They mention the various clubs where they played, which included the Oasis Ballroom,
Spanky's, Lord Beaverbooks and El Dorado Saloon. It all started at a place called Fat Fonzie's.
Sacramento had many more places for bands to play back in the 80s, prior to stricter alcohol
and security rules. Johnny recalls, "You could live Downtown on the grid and even if you didn't
have a band, there'd be enough people living around you that were in a band that you could wind up
in a band and figure out a way to survive for at least four or five years." Drummer Curtis points
out that bands could just throw a keg in a garage and 200 kids would show up.
Following their local success, the band moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of greater
success. One of the magical things that happened after forming Pride In Peril was that
Johnny Pride and Waylin Carpenter were featured in the Oliver Stone film The Doors
starring Val Kilmer. Johnny talks about how he met Val, who got them the part in the film.
The movie was a huge box office hit in 1991. The film featured several musician celebrities
including Billy Idol, Paul Williams, Eric Burdon and the original Doors producer Paul Rothchild.
Pride In Peril played the role of a band opening for the Doors, performing the 60s hit
"Eve of Destruction."
Like many band stories, the Features ran into money issues with their management, which they
touch on in this interview. When I ask them if they have any plans to record again they sound
positive about the possibility. Johnny says that their album Up Up Side Side was like
a radio pop album that included what they thought were their best songs at the time. The band
has over 50 songs in their repertoire, along with some cover songs from the 80s. They have since
learned from fans that many songs not included on the album are well loved.
Interview with The Features
The Features Rehearsal of "Misfits"
The Features Reflect on the 80s
The Features: "Lost in the 80s"
The Features: Future Plans
Sac Scene 80s Reunion Movie
The Features Sacramento Show: Rich Girls/No Rock and Roll Radio
The Features Show: Blue Video
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