The Living Deads are not your typical rockabilly band. Its members, Randee McKnight and Symphony Tidwell, live full time in their RV, have been on the road touring for three years straight, and make their living by kidnapping guitarists along the way.

We wanted to learn more about The Living Deads, but it’s hard to track down a band that’s always on the road. So we gave them a taste of their own medicine by hijacking their RV and tying them up to get this exclusive interview…

When did The Deads rise? How did it all begin?
Randee – The name has been floating around us for five years but the band has only been in existence for three years. It began out of desperation after our singer/guitarist quit on us at 3 a.m. while starting a tour out of Denver. We left him there and kidnapped a different guitarist every night on that tour.

What are the benefits and drawbacks to having a revolving door of guitarists?
Randee – The benefits are keeping on your toes musically and learning many different styles that each guitar player has. The drawbacks are we’re running out of places to bury the bodies.

How would you describe your show to someone who has never seen you perform?
Symphony – Our shows are like a provocative action packed B movie. Get a little closer if you want some on ya……

You’ve been on the road for several years now in the RV. What’s it like? Do you ever get tired of each other?
Randee – The RV lifestyle is incredible. We wouldn’t be able to see and experience a lot of things if we where doing van tours. We just bought a package of crickets and mealworms seasoned with salt and vinegar in Salinas California. I’m not kidding. We will be eating these tomorrow and filming it.
Symphony – No. We get tired of the people in Wal-Mart.

Which Buffalo Chip headliners have you been most excited to share the festival bill with?
Randee and Symphony – Rob Zombie, The Cult, ZZ Top, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s incredible to think about the legends that have touched their boots on the Buffalo Chip’s stage.

How would you describe the showcase experience at the Chip? How does it compare to other shows?
Symphony and Randee – It’s a very unique experience. The vibe in the air just overtakes you. There’s nothing like feeling those motors revving. Truly incredible for the performer and the crowd. No comparison.

Can you tell us about your most memorable experience and the biggest character you’ve met at the Chip?
Symphony – The most memorable experience – Bowling a midget with Rob Zombie’s guitarist Johnny 5.
Randee – The most memorable character is “The General Lee”. I could watch that all night.

Are there any new opportunities that have arisen from having been a showcase artist at the Chip?
Randee – It’s been great. Everywhere we play there is always someone in the crowd that has seen us at the Buffalo Chip.

What is it that makes you want to come back to the Chip year after year?
Symphony – It’s our family now. It’s like playing in a different world for a week.

What’s your ultimate direction for The Living Deads? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Randee and Symphony – We keep adding new dimensions to our show. We now have a video element added to our live show. We want to leave the crowd with something to remember us by. The fortune is starting to roll in from the gold that we pry out of our kidnappees’ mouths. And Fame? Do you really want to become famous when you kidnap for a living?????????

Daymon Woodruff referred to your music as “an orgasmic rockabilly crescendo” and “exactly what rockabilly was meant to be: greasy, energetic and sensual.” What do you think about that description, and what’s up with being so sexy all the time?
Symphony – I like his description very much. If you are going to put all of your time, energy, etc into something, it should at least turn you on.
Randee – What’s up with being so sexy? I have a very strict diet. I take good care of myself and treat myself to bubble baths regularly.

Lastly, Symphony, what do you love more, Randee or your upright bass?
I am attaching strings to Randee right now so I can slap him like my bass.

If you’ve seen The Living Deads perform at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Rally, you know that live shows are full of energy and dripping with sensuality. If you haven’t seen them, you’re in luck because they’ll be adding their sexy rockabilly sway to the already stellar band lineup of the 2014 August music festival!

Who will The Living Deads kidnap for the 2014 Sturgis Rally? Reserve your passes now so you can find out!