Getting Up To Date With The Hard Working And Talented Greg Utter

Interview by GINGER COYOTE

I have known Greg since his days playing with The Swingin Utters… It is always great fun to catch up with what he is busy doing. He is now playing in two bands The Beltones and Hunting Lions..

Read the interview to get the latest news

Punk Globe: Thanks for the interview. It has been a minute but as I remember you were talking about your new project The Beltones. Tell the readers about what all has been going on with the band.

G: We’ve been playin’ a few select shows in the states, Europe, and the UK. It’s mainly about one-offs, weekend runs, festivals, events etc. The band has no desire to be a full-time touring band. I did that for decades. I’m happy with this slower pace. We chose when and where we want to play while also considering offers from festivals and venues.

Punk Globe: Is the lineup the same or have there been new players added to the fold?

G: The lineup has changed a bit since 1994. Since 2019 the band is based out of Oakland, CA, and consists of founding member Bill McFadden vocals&guitar, Bryan Zimmerman-guitar, Dutch Worthington-bass, Greg Utter McEntee-drums.

Punk Globe: Any recordings or videos that you would like to tell about?

G: The Beltones haven’t released new music in 22 years. We’ve discussed releasing new material and video in the near future.

Punk Globe: Are you playing in any other projects Greg?

G: Yes, Hunting Lions. We’ve been playing many shows. Our new album and video have just been released on Pirates Press Records. There’s also been talk of The Lowdowns and Viva Hate possibly doing reunion shows.

>>>FACEBOOK LINK <<<

Stream “KOTA” – https://vyd.co/Kota

Purchase “Dark” EP – https://piratespressrecords.com/hunting-lions-dark

Watch “KOTA Video

Punk Globe: Have The Beltones done any tours?

G: Since the 90s yes. Now we do festivals, one-offs, weekends, and events.

Punk Globe: Tell us about the club music scene. Tell us about some of your favorite clubs and bands.

G: A bit different since the 80s-90s. Covid definitely put a strain on things. Bar and small club shows are filled and sold out so I think things are coming back around. Many of my favorite local bay area clubs to play are gone now; Slims, Nightbreak, Chameleon/Chatterbox, Paradise, Purple Onion, Cocodrie, Kommotion etc. In Southern CA I liked playing Als Bar, Troubadour, Alexs Bar, Whiskey, Roxy, Knitting Factory, Glass House, Casbah, SOMA, and Spikes.

My favorite music is and always has been from the 40-80s. I love so many styles/genres and bands it’s all over the place. Impossible to sum up one. But one that changed me as a youth was “the only band that matters” aka The Clash. They have always been my go-to. Musically, politically, fashion-wise etc.

Punk Globe: Congratulations on your sobriety how long has it been?

G: Hanx. I been clean&sober 20 years and 6 months.

Punk Globe: Are your band members sober also? I know from experience it is hard working with people who do not have control. I was one of them. I have been clean for 9 years.

G: Some are, some aren’t. These days most folks I play with are not going on like there’s no tomorrow. But my strength occasionally gets put to the test. I’ve played with many musicians and bands through the years and most def had to deal with some rough people doin’ excessive drinking and hard drugs. Seen and done things I wish I didn’t. I had my days. I’m more at peace being sober.