Meet Western Addiction's Chicken

One of San Francisco's few old-school hardcore bands, Western Addiction produce music that is aggressive, in-your-face, and so intense that many fans wonder whether Chicken's vocal cords will detonate one of these days. While it may be cool to witness such an anomaly, we'd hate to see it happen to someone like Chicken. Not only was he kind enough to chat with peta2 shortly after wrapping up a whirlwind tour with Fat Wreck comrades Propagandhi, but he's also vegan, opinionated, compassionate, and, most importantly, a victim of Laguna Beach's unsolicited siren call. Not to mention, his name is Chicken. Now, see? Would you really want to see this man's vocal chords explode? We didn't think so (but if you care to ponder the idea a bit more, take a moment, and then read our interview below).

How did you get the nickname “Chicken”?

I got the nickname Chicken because my real name is Tyson. Unfortunately, there's a frozen-food company called Tyson, and it makes a ton of frozen-dinner-type things and is known for its chicken. So, when I was like 11, all my friends started calling me “Tyson Chicken.” You don't get to pick your nickname, that's for sure.

You guys all work together at Fat Wreck, and you're in a band together. Don't you ever get sick of these guys? What deep, dark secrets can you tell us about your bandmates?

We manage to keep things fresh and exciting by constantly berating each other to tears. Kenny and I have been super-close friends for about 10 years now, and me and the other dudes have been working together for five years, so we're like family now. As far as secrets go, I have some really good ones about those guys—but I fear that the retribution for the spilling of said secrets could lead to my incarceration, so I better just play it safe.

How did you first find out about vegetarianism and animal rights?

Honestly, it was from being involved in the punk scene. The first punk bands I got into were political ones, so I was first turned on to animal rights and veganism from some of their lyrics. It was a slow process, though, because I didn't go veg until five years later!

What motivated you to finally try vegetarianism?

Once I read a lot of vegetarian literature, I felt like being aware wasn't enough. I couldn't be aware of all the horrible things that happened to animals and still participate in their suffering, so I went vegetarian in late 1996. I was veggie for a few years, and then I went vegan in 2000. It was kinda hard to sleep at night—being vegetarian and saying I cared about animals but then drinking milk and eating cheese.

What advice do you have for people who want to go vegetarian but aren't sure how to make the switch?

The best advice I could give is to become informed and do it for the right reasons. If you are doing it because someone in My Chemical Romance is vegetarian, it probably won't work. Just inform yourself and do some research. The more knowledge you have about how animals are treated before they end up on your plate, the less you will want to eat meat. The saddest thing is the people who do know about how poorly animals are treated, but they still eat meat anyway. Humans are selfish by nature, I suppose—but it still sucks.

How was it playing with Propagandhi? Did you get to eat any good vegan food with them before the show? What are your favorite vegan foods?

Playing with Propagandhi was a dream come true. They are one of my all-time favorite bands. They had a huge influence on my becoming vegan. We had quite a few delicious vegan meals on that tour. It was great for me because the vegans were definitely the majority on the tour. So I didn't feel like the odd man out like usual. My favorite vegan foods are usually of the homemade variety. I'm a barbecue addict, so I love all types of veggies and even fruits on the grill. I could also eat tofu scramble with avocado every day for breakfast and never get sick of it.

What inspired “Animals and Children”? Why would you rather hang out with animals than adults? Do you have any animal companions?

Jason wrote the lyrics for that song, but it's safe to say that everybody in the band except our drummer prefers the company of animals and children to that of adults. Adults have been a constant source of letdown in my life; they never fail to disappoint. Kids and animals are good for unconditional love and companionship. They are free from the hang-ups and drama that adults seem to thrive on. Jason has some cats, one of which bit him on the arm, providing the inspiration for “When a Good Friend Attacks.” My landlord won't let me have animals, but we have two dogs here at the office: Mazzy and Bruiser. Mazzy is my homegirl for sure—she rules.

Judging by one of your online postings, it sounds like you're somewhat of a Laguna Beach fan. Did you know Kristin Cavalleri recently posed for an anti-fur ad for peta2?

I have watched many an episode of Laguna Beach and have tried very hard not to strangle myself over the complete absurdity in which these über-rich white kids flaunt their selfish lifestyles. I'm glad Kristin is doing an anti-fur ad, because maybe some of her friends will think twice the next time they need an accessory for their UGG boots and leather jeans.

Since you're probably not Kristin Cavalleri and thus probably won't star in a peta2 ad anytime soon (sorry), we have the perfect solution. E-cards are fabulous, fun, and—best of all—free! Send our “What They Never Told You” e-card to your friends, and we promise that you'll open their eyes and hearts almost as quickly as Kristin will in her new anti-fur ad.