Features

Bands with really good names are rare and something we at Punk Rock Theory feel we should cherish. Take Hans Gruber and the Die Hards. We instantly liked this Austin, TX based band without having heard a single note of their hardcore punk meets ska attack. And seriously, you don't often get the chance to ask some Die Hard related questions in an interview so we went for it! Hans Gruber and the Die Hards are currently on a month-long tour that will see them heading out to Fest later this month. Make sure to go and check them out when you get the chance!

PRT: First of all... why do you bother if “it just doesn’t matter”?

I think Bill Murray says it best:

“Even if we play so far over our heads that our noses bleed for a week to ten days. Even if God in Heaven above comes down and points his hand at our side of the field. Even if every man, woman and child held hands together and prayed for us to win, it just wouldn't matter, because all the really good looking girls would still go out with the guys from Mohawk cause they've got all the money! It just doesn't matter if we win or we lose. IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER!”

PRT: You cover the Ghostbusters theme song on your self-titled album, which was sadly not used in the Ghostbusters remake. What do you think of remakes in general? Can you think of a remake that is better than the original?

We all get Hollywood is trying to print out as much money as they can, the safest way they can. Our market for the past 50+ years has been rehashing the same stories, sights and sounds we already know. And The United States loves it. We love to pay for it. We love to complain about it. So quite frankly, as long as they do an okay job, dare I say, It just doesn’t matter.

That said, we're contracted to let you know, our lead singer feels like the new Ghostbusters was garbage.

PRT: Speaking of remakes… if you were to remake Die Hard, how would you go about updating the story and who would play John McClane?

At this point we turn all Die Hard related questions to our local expert. Chris Thompson on drums.

I just don't want to see this happen - but also have you seen Game Over?. My favorite part about the possible upcoming script for a Die Hard: Year One is that we get both an early version of his as a beat cop as well as current day McClane. If they did remake it I don't know that the story needs to change much, but what would be interesting is if they followed the book (Nothing Last Forever) more - there is a shocking scene I'd like to see on screen. As for who would play a new version of McClane, I think maybe Justin Theroux, a great actor who can do comedy as well as serious drama. No one thought Willis was gonna be right as an action star cause he really hadn't done it, I could see the same for Theroux.

PRT: What do you reckon would be John McClane's favorite song on the album ... and why?

"It Just Doesn't Matter" - I think if any song would resonate with McClane that would be it. He's always just there, thrown into shit situations on his day off, but it doesn't matter - it just doesn't matter - he'll do what he's supposed to and not even second guess it.

PRT: I’m assuming Die Hard is your favorite Bruce Willis movie… what is your least favorite though?

Probably the Color of Night, and any film where he plays someone in the Military - its just not believable - ever. Also most of his recent non-theatrical releases have been pretty bad. But ya know what - at least we can reminisce the good times: The Last Boy Scout (my 2nd favorite), The Fifth Element, Red, The Whole Nine Yards, and all those Look Who's Talking!

PRT: You are on a month-long tour that will lead up to Fest. What is your biggest ambition: take Nakatomi Plaza or Bo Diddley Plaza?"

Personally, it's Nakatomi Plaza for sure. I've recently invaded their lawn! But as a band we're gonna grind and tour and record and work towards taking over Bo Diddley Plaza. At the moment we'll settle as tour support for someone playing.

PRT: Fest bands play house shows, parking lot shows and hotel room shows. What's the most outrageous place where you ever played a show?

We actually had the privilege of playing between a double feature Galaxy Quest/Die Hard showing following the great Alan Rickman’s passing. It was a Drive-in Theatre and we were dwarfed below the screen. Worth it though.

PRT: If you were playing a cover set at Fest, which band would you cover and why?

We could probably all agree on getting a Harry Belafonte set together. Jump in the Line is already regularly in our repertoire and it’d be pretty hard to get us to agree on another band.

PRT: And help us settle this for once and for all… is Die Hard a Christmas movie or not?

Absolutely. Outside of the basic going home for Christmas premise, the entire soundtrack is Christmas themed, and the movie itself is a Christmas gift to the action genre.