Californian ska/punk outfit Voodoo Glow Skulls have been an integral part of the ska/punk scene since their inception in 1988.
Born into a musical landscape that was only in the early stages of combining the two genres, the band quickly forged their own path based on a relentless touring ethic and uncompromising values that saw them play a large part in shaping what is now a modern-day institution.
Later this month, Voodoo Glow Skulls make their long-awaited return to Australia after an absence of more than ten years in which the band underwent personal changes that almost crippled them. But, with the status quo now firmly restored, it's all systems go as Voodoo Glow Skulls join Japanese outfit Hey Smith for a run of shows starting on November 27.
HEAVY caught up with original member and guitarist Eddie Casillas to find out more.
"We had a bunch of band changes and personnel line-ups," Eddie replied when asked what has changed with Voodoo Glow Skulls since their last visit to Australia. "My older brother, the lead singer Frank, quit the band in 2017 - so only a few years after we were there last - and then is back now. Just came back recently again and rejoined at the beginning of October. He's coming back to Australia with us, so he didn't miss any Australia (laughs), He just gets to jump back in as one of the first things he does. We put out another record without my brother that came out in 2021. That's a lot of things happening."
We ask how the loss of his brother affected both the band and Eddie personally.
"It was a big deal," he nodded. "It was one of those things where it feels almost like a test. What are you gonna do, sink or swim? Are you gonna keep on doing what you've always done? Or are you gonna hang it up and retire? Which we were gonna do. We were gonna hang it up and just retire. Make an announcement."
In the full interview we spoke more about the tour, including what to expect, with Eddie explaining that the band are focusing on playing classic songs with high-energy performances. He also mentioned the addition of new horn players to the line-up, which he believes will enhance the show. We spoke about the period when his brother Frank left the band and Eddie having to assume lead vocals for their last album, as well as how they got themselves as support for the upcoming tour.
We discussed the early days of the band and the musical climate in California in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mentioning bands like Fishbone, Jane's Addiction, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as influential. 
Eddie noted that the ska-punk scene was relatively rare at the time, with only a few bands like Fishbone and Oingo Boingo doing the rounds. Eddie also observed that the scene has changed significantly since then, with the genre now being more mainstream and popular, plus more.


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