Author: Mike Gencarelli

Q: It’s been nearly 25 years since “You Have The Right To Remain Silent”, which was previously the only album released from X-Cops; what makes the original Bad Boys of Law Enforcement return to the spotlight?

I’ll ask the questions around here! Oh, wait… you’re asking the questions. Ok. Yeah, so when we formed XCOPS and released YHTRTR it was a different climate. Hard Rock had been replaced by Heavy Metal, which was replaced by Glam Metal, which was replaced by Grunge, which was replaced by Nu Metal. But through it all there was one common denominator: kids on drugs with lots of money… and, of course, drugs. We finally had enough of just sitting back and doing nothing while this great nation fell prey to the temptations of Satan. We wanted our cut. So we started a band, put out a record, toured the world, and made millions of thousands of hundreds of dollars. The IRS got wind of this and defunded the shit out of us! After that there were a series “unfortunate instances” with a couple of the boys and we sort of went our separate ways for a bit. Laying low, so to speak.

So why have we returned after all this time? Why now, you ask? Because this country is falling apart! We’re witnessing the fall of Democracy and the rise of a totalitarian fascist state. The people are about to install the worst possible piece of shit this country has ever seen, as it’s first King, and that means more power for the police and military. And that means full immunity and military grade toys for us! But mostly it’s because the kids are still on drugs with lots of money… and, of course, drugs.

Q: How has the X-Cops today changed since 1995?

Spiritually and philosophically speaking, I’d say not much. We’re still out here fighting the good fight. Well, it’s pretty good for us anyway. We have had a few personnel changes, though. Our former bass player, Cobb Knobbler, was killed while working a “private contracting job” somewhere in the Middle East. Details are sketchy, and there are conflicting reports on the hows and whys. I’ve heard everything from “friendly fire” to something about being beheaded for giving head, or while giving head, I don’t know. He was a complicated man. Our new bass player is working out great! His name is Ed Banger, we met him at a Halloween party. I think he said he used to work the strip club beat or some shit.

Our original drummer, Billy Club, stopped taking steroids and joined a cult. I heard he has 18 kids and owns an appliance store now. We’ve had a hard time keeping a drummer lately, we’ve had to resort to forcing inmates to play drums for us with a gun to their head for inspiration. Unfortunately they seem to all have short lifespans. Very susceptible to “lead poisoning”, if ya catch my drift.

Q: “You Have The Right To Remain Silent” is such an amazing album, I have been spinning it for 25 years straight now – “Cavity Search” has always been my favorite! – why do you think the album still stands the test of time today with fans?

You know, once every decade or so, a record comes out that simply touches the soul of the entire world, taking on a life of its own, propelling it up the charts and into the hallowed halls of rock and roll history, and the very pinnacle of this business we call “show”. But for the rest of us it’s completely up to the fans, who, whether by force or voluntarily, still keep coming to the shows and buy the records and merch. It doesn’t hurt that the songs on that album come from a place of raw, naked realism. A mugshot in time. A real slice of American fucking pie! Plus that shit rocks, right?

Q: Out of the five new songs on the new EP, which is your favorite? and why?

I’m gonna have to say “Light ‘Em Up” because I sing it and it’s a really funny story! Like I always say – Texas throws the best BBQs!

Q: Your songs are loaded with satire and are flat out hilariously offensive tracks; are you afraid of going too far in today’s “cancel” world?

Nah, we may be XCOPS, but once a cop, always a cop! Cops get away with anything they want and everyone knows it. Ain’t nothing new. Besides, this is about to become a police state and you’ll never be able to cancel “law enforcement” ever again!

Q: You are touring with GWAR all Summer long; what has been the highlight so far? Any crazy road stories from this run?

Man, those cats are weird. It’s nothing but sex, drugs, and Buck Owens in their dressing room. It’s exactly the same in our dressing room, but smaller. They’re obsessed with Dolphin Rape Caves. I had to Google it. Sick shit. The bass player is cool as shit, though!

Q: I know that XCAB is being released on Vinyl format; what can we do to get “You Have The Right To Remain Silent” released on vinyl as well?

It was re reissued on vinyl through Brutal Planet Records last year and there are plans for GWAR’s label, Pit Records to re issue it real soon.

Q: Is this the beginning of more to come for the X-Cops? What else can we expect?

I’d like to think this is the beginning of the middle of a 4 part trilogy. If you’re lucky, Trump won’t win in November and XCOPS will just keep on rocking. Do some touring, make some records, ya know? If he is elected, however, we’ll most likely be pressed back into service to beat down protesters and journalists and free thinkers.

In a pre-concert interview ahead of Brit Floyd’s performance at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on May 9, 2025, bassist and lead vocalist Ian Cattell shared insights into the band’s “Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary World Tour.” Cattell, a founding member of Brit Floyd and a Syracuse native, discussed the tour’s significance in celebrating Pink Floyd’s iconic 1975 album. He emphasized the band’s commitment to delivering an authentic and immersive experience, complete with elaborate visuals, including a stunning laser and light show, iconic circular screen, inflatables, and theatrics.