Dax Riggs of the duo Deadboy & the Elephantmen has lived two lives. Raised as a Jehovah's Witness, he played in a drug-addled, heavy metal band in the 1990s. He survived both sides of the political spectrum.
In the early '00s, Riggs hooked up with childhood friend Tessie Brunet and the two decided to make music.
"We had a mutual friend when we were little," Riggs said during an interview from Canada, where the band had just survived going through customs at the border. "When we got together to make music a couple of years ago, we put a little band together, although we usually tour as a duo."
While Riggs and Brunet are not an item romantically, the two do know how to make some good music. They were invited to tape an appearance for the punk legend/motivational speaker and TV host Henry Rollins. The show will air on IFC on June 10.
"We were surprised, to say the least," said Riggs. "All the other bands and artists that have appeared on Henry's show have been great musicians. At first we thought there was some mistake, but when we got there, we realized that it was the real thing. Henry said he thought our album, 'We Are Night Sky,' was among the top releases of this year."
That says something about Deadboy & the Elephantmen. Rollins is not shy when it comes to liking a band or disliking one, said Riggs. "We found out that he actually got all his staff turned on to our music."
In addition, Deadboy & the Elephantmen have been invited to play Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
Still, even with the recognition, Riggs' and Brunet's goals aren't lofty. "We got together to play music. And that's what we want to do. We knew we were going into something that would evolve. And the hardest part of it all, other than trying to get through fascist Canadian customs, is trying to keep our music legitimate."
If you go
What: Wolfmother, Deadboy & the Elephantmen
Where: In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
How much: $10
Phone: 467-8499 or 800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com