It’s not only R&B girl groups that have revolving doors. Taking Back Sunday released a scorching debut in 2002 only to find themselves having to enlist new members. Despite these snags, the guys are still finding time to rock on tours and complete a second album. Bass player Matt Rubano gave mtvU the dirt on some of the band’s exploits and chats candidly about getting stranded on Birmingham, wanting to wrestle with college girls, and his take on Bjork.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: On our first U.K. tour, I got left behind in Birmingham after our show with no ID, no money, and no phone nor phone numbers to reach anyone that could help me. The city had basically shut down and it was really rough. I got chased by some drunk dudes and finally found a phone and sorted it out. Two days later I got left behind again outside of a London rest stop. That was much harder. I had 10 pounds on me and had to walk three miles to a bus that took a half hour to the tube and then into London. Our tour manager was pissed.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: I would like to take Wrestling 101 with hot college girls. I’ve also always really enjoyed history and philosophy or, maybe, ethnomusicology.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: Well, I’m from NY so that’s out. I hate to sound cliché, but I’ve yet to have a bad time in Las Vegas. The key word to your question is “visit” which implies leaving; something very important to stay focused on while you’re there. Honestly, when you tour as much as we do, you find your favorite parts of so many different places and really enjoy the whole trip.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: “Look out!” which I got from a guy on a bike who almost hit me today.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: Recover, My Chemical Romance, Dilinger Escape Plan, Miles Davis, Eagles of Death Metal, and the new Bjork, which is weird to the point where if I were friends with her I’d pull her aside and make sure “everything’s OK.”
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: Last good book was by J. Krishnamurti Freedom from the Known. DVDs have made it such that you don’t have to be addicted to TV. You can simply buy endless hours of your favorite show and watch it when you want…no commercials, at your own pace–the way TV was intended to be.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: Bo Diddley in Central Park. I was eight or nine years old…it was awesome!
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: A pillow from home, a cell phone, and industrial strength, mega-super, ultra-mega stuff.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: I have been “influenced” in some way or another by all the music I’ve ever heard. I am influenced as much by Miles Davis as I am by Fugazi. I was influenced to find out about and pick up the bass by Flea. Whether you hear that or not in Taking Back Sunday’s music is up to you.
Q: What random messages or tips would like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Unless you’re brain dead or the son or daughter of a billionaire, it should be pretty clear to you how important it is to vote this term. I know, you may be asking yourself, “Why should I bother,” but remember Florida?!? Either you have to work within the system or spend your life trying to tear it down.
