FLESH PARADE INTERVIEW WITH GOOD GUYS GO GRIND

Greeting Jason! Hope you’re doing well and in a good mood! So let’s start our small talk

Cheers Alex and all lovers of true grind!!! Sorry for the delay my brother… Flesh Parade is in the process of working together closely on several different things right now starting with Playing the closeout for Mardi Grind2 at home for all our hometown friends and the best fans in New Orleans 3/1/25!!!  Sooo…things are happening as we were holding this interview so that we would have more to release to you…. by the time you read this hopefully some of this will be in motion Nola grind Flesh Parade for LIFE!!

I tried to find an FxPx biography but didn’t find anything worthy. Could I ask you to fill this gap? It would be very useful, especially for the young generation of grinders.

Here is the most updated bio: Flesh Parade, a relentless Grindcore band hailing from New Orleans , LA, emerged onto the Underground Metal scene in 1990, carving out a unique sound deeply influenced by the brutal elements of Death Metal & Grindcore. Their journey began with the release of their raw and explosive first demo, “Meathook,” in 1991. Despite the promising start, the band’s original lineup struggled to maintain momentum, performing only a handful of shows before most of its members departed. Notably, bassist C.J. Pierce made a significant career shift to Dallas, TX where he gained widespread recognition as the guitarist for the famous Nu-Metal outfit Drowning Pool.

In the wake of this upheaval, Flesh Parade reassembled with an invigorated lineup, enlisting vocal powerhouse Jason Pilgrim and skillful guitarist Rene Perez from the band Severance, along with Ben Marrs, who previously was the bassist for the band Exhumed. However, Marrs’ tenure was short-lived, and he exited before the band could record their next round of demos, which included pivotal releases such as “Hate Life” in 1992 and “Worthless” in 1993. Shane Lechler swooped in to take on bass duties in 1994, contributing his talents to the band’s fourth demo, “good stuff”, which showcased their evolving sound and increasing technical prowess.

The year 1997 marked a turning point for Flesh Parade as they signed with the esteemed Relapse rec, unleashing the impactful “Kill Whitey” 7” & CD upon the world. However, by 2000, waning interest from their label prompted the band to enter a hiatus, as they chose to step back and focus on personal lives away from the stage.

A short-lived reunion in 2005 led to the Grind Docs series which documented the band’s reformation before Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, LA. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left the band members separated, but in 2007, they regrouped, determined to forge ahead. They welcomed new vocalist Scott Leger, known for his dynamic performances alongside the band Shrum, and recruited Tony Salisbury, bassist from the Grindcore band Mule Skinner, to round out their live line-up.

In 2010, Flesh Parade released their long-awaited album “Dirty Sweet” through their label, Mainstay Recordings. The album received enthusiastic acclaim from both critics and fans alike, solidifying their place in the Underground Metal community. In 2012, the band experienced a nostalgic reunion of sorts when they welcomed back their original vocalist, Jason Pilgrim, and since then, they have played at various festivals and shows, reconnecting with their dedicated fan base over the last decade.

This year you will celebrate your 35th (solid date must say). Do you have any special presents for your fans and plans for this party?

This year, heralds a significant milestone – Flesh Parade’s 35th Anniversary as a formidable band in the Grindcore genre. To commemorate this incredible journey, we are set to embark on an extensive world tour. Flesh Parade will celebrate their legacy and reignite the passion of their longtime fans with longtime members Jason Pilgrim (vocals) & Rene Perez (guitars). Joining them are new members Jorge Caceido (bass) and Bryan Fajardo (drums) to round out the live line-up. Flesh Parade promises to bring fresh energy to the stage while honoring the established nola grindcore sound they created.

What is making you continue your grindcore journey? Fans, all the energy and atmosphere that you get on stage? Ideology or?

Our love for the music we write, our love for the fans, and the camaraderie that goes along with writing music and hanging with our friends. I personally just miss meeting and interacting with REAL PEOPLE!!

So “Kill Whitey”… Who came up with this sick idea? I mean this is freaking outstanding, and I demand you to tell me the whole story behind the songs and front cover.

For a great explanation of this, please watch this video by Noz Redna.

All your discography consists only of solo releases, so I have to ask you why. Do you hate split format? Or you didn’t find a perfect band for it?

No reason in general. We have been inactive a lot of the years so there wasn’t anything new to contribute to splits, let alone an EP or album. We did do a split t-shirt with another band named The Dirtys back in the 90’s. Hahahahaaa Great times!!

What about the future of Flesh Parade, will you be releasing more material? Or did you choose to make only gigs?

Right now we’re focusing on playing live, but we will see.

I know almost nothing about the New Orleans grind scene, could you provide us with some info? Would be great to discover more names and the history of your underground.

As far as Grind in Nola, Flesh Parade, Soilent Green, & Mule Skinner were the first bands to do it back in the 90’s. Since then, we have bands like Slab, Pussyrot, Rat in a Bucket, Gristnam, Congealed Putrescence, & Fat Stupid Ugly People (R.I.P. Hollise)

I know that you didn’t take a part in the creation of “Dirty Sweet”, but what do you think about that record?

I did take a part in the creation of Dirty Sweet and I love that record, said “Jason Pilgrim”. Scott Leger also did an amazing job on that record! I have the highest respect for what he has been able to do and what he actually went through in that process!! Many MANY patterns/lyrics/names that I had created through practicing and playing live 95% of those songs!! Scott Leger was able to do the impossible!!! ME!!! Hahaaa

What were the key figures from your era who aren’t around anymore, those who just stopped their deal or gone?

Glenn Rambo, R.I.P. we miss him dearly. One of the best friends I’ve ever had and I miss him staying with me for weeks at a time immensely as we were to accomplish, able to accomplish and experience so many deep things together.

Urgent question, when and where the fans will be able to catch you on the stage?

Please see our link for live shows. There’s a lot happening right now and we are open to doing more AS things start working out in our favor. (CHECK IT RIGHT HERE)

Has the devastation of Hurricane Katrina affect the band and its members?

Yes, absolutely. It was tough, but we’re glad to still be here!! I personally have gone through so so much more throughout life after the hurricane and we can talk about that next time if you like! -JP

What is the weirdest/craziest shit that you heard about Flesh Parade?

That we were a bunch of black militant guys in their late 40’s. Or that we are racist in general!! HahahaHAHAAAA!!!

I know that you love to play live, so… Is there any festival that you will come to for the first call? Maybe you have your own top 5 of the festivals?

We’d love to do many more festivals. We’ve played MDF (3) times with this year being our 4th. We’ve also done their related Fests in California & the Netherlands. Countries we’d love to play in include: France, Italy, U.K. Germany, Russia, Japan, Australia, Canada, Columbia, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, etc. Festivals reach out to us! And of course Antarctica!! Hahahaa

I’m infinitely grateful to you for this talk and your time. The last words of wisdom is yours

Free your mind and yo ass will follow!!! Just kidding…BITE AND GET IN IT! WHO DAT!!!  And remember we LOVE the fans! Reach out to us! Come see us! Let’s hang out and just get retarded Together! MUCH LOVE to all of Europe from Jason Pilgrim, Rene’ Perez, and Flesh Parade!