Gloomy Tuesday: Interview with Killjo Zapata of Only Theatre of Pain, The Deep Eynde and The Sacred Spiders

Photo taken by Norma Alvazaz.

Update: Killjo Zapata is currently active in Only Theatre of Pain and will be touring Europe with "The Deep Eynde" early next year. There are possible dates for a US tour. A video link of "Hoodoo" off of the album, "City Lights" is at the end of the article. The "Only Theatre of Pain" line-up has changed to: Rikk Agnew, Gitane Demone, Steve Skeletal, Killjo Zapata, Deb Venom, and the newest addition - drummer Grimm.

Killjo Zapata, who was the creator and promoter of this year’s concert event “Burnt Offerings” a tribute to Rozz Williams, is an established guitarist and music artist of the Goth/Post Punk scene since the late 80’s. He has co- founded bands such as Wreckage and The Deep Eynde as well as joining In-Extremis (one of the pioneering Goth/Death Rock bands from the early Helter Skelter era). From there he formed a super group with members of the three bands who also performed and made a release under the same name “The Killjo Compilation”. He also joined forces with William Faith (Wreckage, Mephisto Waltz, Shadow Project, Conflict, Faith and The Muse, now in The Bellwether Syndicate) and Stevyn Grey (45 Grave, Mephisto Waltz, Faith and The Muse, Shadow Project) to form a solo project by Andi Sex Gang of The Sex Gang Children. He was also in the original line-up of Desmo Donte.

The “Burnt Offerings” concert featured Killjo’s current band The Sacred Spiders who opened for another one of Killjo’s creations at the debut performance of “Only Theater of Pain” a tribute band to Christian Death featuring founding member Rikk Agnew. OTOP also consists of Dave ”Zambo” Zambetti (Wreckage, The Sacred Spiders) on drums, Deb Venom (The Sacred Spiders, Aunty Trust) on keyboards, infamous club kid Steve Skeletal (Horror Show) and Killjo on bass. I was there to see the show and I thought everybody’s performance was outstanding, but Killjo had a different opinion of the events that transpired. I did notice he was a bit uneasy that night and the reason became clear when I asked him to submit something to me regarding “Only Theatre of Pain”. The following statement explains his thoughts regarding what went on for Only Theatre of Pain’s performance at the “Burnt Offerings” event.

Photo taken by Norma Alvazaz.

Killjo Zapata: “Why do I think that the Sanctum Santorum OTOP show on June 28^th will be better than the debut OTOP show at the “Burnt Offerings” event? There are 3 reasons… First, let me say that I’m a music artist and on occasion I would have to wear different hats in order to make a show happen (promoter/staff/second band). I believe my determination and commitment made the “Burnt Offerings” show a success, but if I had a choice, I would only wear one hat: music artist! Second, due to the mounds of rehearsals I had for “Burnt Offerings” split between The Sacred Spiders and OTOP, along with the constant switching between my seven string guitar and a bass with strings of a thicker gage than what I’m used to, I developed a sprain in my left wrist. By the time OTOP came on stage I was playing in pain! Third, in order for Rikk Agnew to conjure up his rocking deathly signature sound like on the “Only Theater of Pain” album, he had created his own series of special effects alongside his original playing technique. On the night of “Burnt Offerings” his original effects settings stopped working and his back up effect settings were slightly different from the original, so it didn't really command the illustrious cut throat noise he's known for. However; on that night, true talent conquered technicalities. So now with only one hat, smaller gage of bass strings, and Rikk’s original effect settings the Sanctum Santorum show will be one for the Gothic Deathrock history books. I should know; I’ve lived it since day one!"

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Only Theatre of Pain Videos

"Only Theatre of Pain" in Tijuana, Mexico, 04/25/2015

Only Theatre Of Pain - Spiritual Cramp at the Vex on 3/29/14

Only Theatre Of Pain - Romeo's Distress at the Vex on 3/29/14