Jon Nelson's Page

I'm sure we met but it was a long time ago. I can't remember the publication that I interviewed Burroughs for, although it was definitely when he was in town in 1981. I stayed awake most of the night before, drinking and doing speed. The interview was early and I was in that hell state where you are experiencing all of the misery of a brutal hangover, plus you have not quite sobered up. I'd imagine I looked horrible. I was with a guy named Sven Serrano, who was the actual interviewer, although he had never read any of Burrough's work. I was supposed to be the one familiar with him and I was supposed to ask the knowledgeable questions. In fact, the best question I might have come up with was, "Do you mind if I vomit in your toilet?" Fortunately, I had vomited on the way there.

The interview was a mess. We talked about guns for around half an hour. I was very keen on the subject of guns at the time. Someone else ended up using Sven's notes and the article did not include any mention of either of us. Given the quality of the notes, it was not surprising that the article did not make much sense.

I think the interview you are referring to was done by Shadow, the drummer for the Gizmos. That was a terrific piece and made me feel much worse about my interview.

I've been clean and sober since 1992. I had a lot of terrific opportunities come my way while I was in Bloomington. Unfortunately, I was usually too drunk or too loaded on something to take advantage of them. Still, I have fond memories of Bloomington and my friends there. One of the things I've enjoyed about Musical Family Tree has been comparing notes concerning my memories. It is good to have the facts established, because, as I say I was drunk most of the time.

I have an old friend who led a much more glamorous life than me. She also abused herself even worse than I did. She knew Iggy Pop in Ann Arbor, was friends with Debby Harry and the Ramones before they were famous, hung out at CBGB's in 1976/77 and married a painter who was an up and comer in the SOHO arts scene. I've told her many times that she should write her autobiography, but she always says that she remembers that she went to certain shows and events, but all she really remembers was shooting up in her apartment before she left for the show. It seemed like fun at the time.

Good to meet you again.