I’ve been featuring tracks from American band Blacklist Union on the NI Rocks Shows for almost 15 years and it was great to see them be announced as support for Faster Pussycat on their European tour during September 2026. That tour includes a gig in The Empire in Belfast on 13th September.
Our friends at Kick Down The Door PR managed arranged for me to have a chat with Blacklist Union frontman Tony West via Zoom on 4th August. We talked about the band, the upcoming tour with Faster Pussycat, the collaboration with Lorraine Lewis from Femme Fatale, Tony’s side project The Savior Complex and much more.
It has been transcribed so that you can read it below.
You can also check it out on YouTube –
Friday NI Rocks Show 14th Aug
THE EXILES – Rainmaker
BLACKLIST UNION – Madame Butterfly
Interview with TONY WEST from BLACKLIST UNION Pt1 (5min)
BLACKLIST UNION & LORRAINE LEWIS – Jackson
Interview with TONY WEST from BLACKLIST UNION Pt2 (7min)
BLACKLIST UNION – DIRTY HALO
BLACKLIST UNION – Mississippi Moonhound
Interview with TONY WEST from BLACKLIST UNION Pt3 (6min)
BLACKLIST UNION – Read Between The Lines
THE SAVIOR COMPLEX - Halo
Promo for KRIS BARRAS BAND album “Monsters We Made” Pt1
KRIS BARRAS BAND – Beautiful Lie
Promo for KRIS BARRAS BAND album “Monsters We Made” Pt2
THE EXILES – Turning Time
Interview with SEAN MANNING from THE EXILES Pt1 (7min)
THE EXILES – Soul Woman
Interview with SEAN MANNING from THE EXILES Pt2 (12min)
THE EXILES – Friend
Interview with SEAN MANNING from THE EXILES Pt3 (10min)
THE EXILES – Richmond Castle Wall
HURRICANE – Heart Made of Stone
FEMME FATALE – Waiting For the Big One
FASTER PUSSYCAT – Poison Ivy
NI ROCKS – Hi Tony, thanks for taking some time to chat with me. We just played your latest single “Madame Butterfly”. What can you tell us about that track.
TONY - It's our latest track. It's going to be on the “Good, Bad and the Notorious” record. It's also a song I wrote about my girlfriend, Lorraine Lewis. So I love that song. It's fun to sing and yeah, it's a good one.
NI ROCKS – Blacklist Union are coming to Europe next month in support of Faster Pussycat and alongside Lorraine Lewis and Femme Fatale. Those dates include a show in Belfast on 13th September. Has the band toured the UK or Ireland before?
TONY - Blacklist Union has not toured Europe at all, and we've been trying to get over there literally for years. So, we're super excited because we have a lot of fans who have been supporting us for a long time all over the UK and Europe. We can't wait to get there.
NI ROCKS – That actually brings me to the next question. The band has been going for over 20 years now, although there was a short break a few years ago, and I’ve been playing tracks from the band on the Show since the release of the third album “Til Death Us Do Part” in 2011. You must have a good sense of what your UK and European fan base is like from social media etc. What kind of fan base do you have here?
TONY - I mean, we have a loyal fan base, that's for sure. And then we have a diehard rock and roll fan base. I always say rock and roll is alive and well, smack in the middle of hell. But there's plenty of people, too, that love rock and roll that still don't know who we are. So we're looking forward to meeting those people and for them to hear us, because I take pride in knowing that we deliver the goods.
NI ROCKS – I’ve interviewed both Lorraine and Taime in recent weeks and there is obviously a very close relationship between the three bands. That should make for a fun tour I would say.
TONY - Yeah, we're really looking forward to it. Taime is, you know, family. We love him. It's funny because me, Taime, and Lorraine are all Libras; like Libra singers. And maybe we should call it the three Libras, but something with the Libra, the Libra tour. But it's going to be great. And, you know, Chad and Danny are longtime friends of everyone. It's a big family. So it's going to be really fun.
NI ROCKS - I think Lorraine told me, Taime actually introduced the two of you. Was that right? I think she said that at was at funeral or something?
TONY - Taime introduced me and Lorraine, yes, and it was at a funeral. Yeah. So I always say that we put the fun in funeral. Somebody's got to.
NI ROCKS – Taime had told me that you’ve been friends for quite some time. Had Faster Pussycat been an influence for you and how did you come to meet Taime?
TONY - When I was coming up and I moved to Hollywood, as a teenager, Faster Pussycat were huge for me. And they are someone I always really, really looked up to. I've always loved Taime's vocal style. You know, I love Faster Pussycat. I always say that he's the true king of rock and Hollywood rock and roll, like the underground rock and roll. He's the guy, man, because he's been on…...he's had his ear to the street all these years. He had clubs, you know, numerous clubs. back when I was starting out, he had a club called the Pretty Ugly Club, which was amazing. And I asked him the other day, I was like, how long did that club go? 10 years? And he's like, no, only five. I was like, five. I'm like, fuck it seems a lot longer. But me and Taime have known each other a long time. And it's the last couple of years that we really became close friends. And I couldn't say enough. good things about him. I look up to him as an artist and as a singer, but he's also a dear friend and brother.
NI ROCKS – When I spoke with Lorraine in May your cover of “Jackson” was just about to be released. What were your thoughts on recording that song and what has the response to it been like?
TONY - So “Jackson”, I had the idea of doing “Jackson” of course, the way Social Distortion did “Ring of Fire”, like they had a punch to it, they brought it up. And so many of us, including myself and a lot of punk rockers got turned on to Johnny Cash through that song, I'm very punk rock influenced, so I wanted to bring something new to the table. And, that's how we came up with that formula. And the song's been so well received. Even we got a couple blessings from the Cash family, like from two different camps of the family, which is an honor, an absolute honor, you know. And we had so much fun doing the video and recording. Me and Lorraine do the song live. It's super fun. And, you know, we just have a really good time.
NI ROCKS - Will you do that one together on tour?
TONY - You got to come out and see. It'll be a good surprise.
NI ROCKS – We’ll play “Jackson” now.
NI ROCKS – You’ve mentioned that the band are working on album number seven. What is the timescale for the release of that album?
TONY - We're looking at spring of next year. You know, we're five, six songs in or six originals in. I like to do 10 originals. We recorded a couple covers already, of course, “Jackson”. And then we did “Lick And A Promise” by Aerosmith. And then me and Jesse Hughes from Eagles of Death Metal also just did a duet. It's A Tears for Fear song called “Pale Shelter”. I'm super down the rabbit hole on a lot of new wave and punk rock stuff, you know. And so is our guitar player Dee and Jesse Hughes is of course, he's a dear friend. So that's kind of what we got going on cooking with all that.
NI ROCKS – Are we likely to see any more singles released before the album comes out?
TONY - Oh, yeah.
NI ROCKS – I think that I’m right in saying that all of your albums have been released independently on your own label BLU Records. Will that be the same for the next album and is there a particular reason why you’ve done that?
TONY - I mean, it's just our own label. It's a name for the sake, for namesake for, you know, business purposes and stuff. But, of course, we're looking for a home base for a label that will, release our back catalogue and put out our new stuff and, give us some sort of marketing and tour support. We're looking to land with a label that can handle some of that stuff too, that believes in rock'n'roll and believes in us and that we believe in them. And what a label I like, I'll mention them is Cleopatra.
NI ROCKS – Lorraine is with them, isn't she?
TONY - She is. But I really love them too. Like Brian's a super good guy. His team is great. You know what I'm saying? And that's what we're looking for, like a solid team, because it's not about a record label coming and saving someone's dismal life anymore. You know, it's about working together for the greater good. You know, you got to have partnerships in business, you know, and in art and music and stuff. So that's what we're looking to do.
NI ROCKS – In terms of mixing, production etc, do you do that yourselves or who do work with for line of things?
TONY - You know, Chris Johnson is, I always call him Blacklist Union member number six, you know. This is the third record me and him are writing together now, of course, because, you know, Todd (Youth) passed away and that's who I was writing songs with. But he's our number six man. He's a great producer and a lot of times he mixes it. Sometimes we'll get different people to mix it and master it and so forth. But, you know, he's our guy.
NI ROCKS – You’ve released two albums since returning from a hiatus – “Letters From the Psych Ward” in 2023 and “Slay the Dragon” in 2025. Did that break change the approach to writing or recording albums? And do you think it has changed the band’s sound at all; taking that break?
TONY - No, I mean, I needed to take that break. You know, I wrote the “Back to Momo” record with Todd Youth. And of course, Todd passed away. And then, you know, I questioned, what do I do now? Fuck! You know, we had a special chemistry, me and Todd. It's like a marriage because, you know, I said, let's write a song like this. And boom, we had a song! Then COVID happened also, you know, during that time. And I was during this time, I was looking for someone, a writing partner. And, I was having difficulty finding people that actually followed through and, all that. So that's when I approached our producer. I said, why don't we write the songs together? And, you know, it's the same formula, the Blacklist Union formula. And, you know, it's my voice and it's high octane rock and roll. You know what I'm saying? And we got plenty of songs to choose from and we still have our punk rock influence and it's just hard rock in your face. So I don't think too much has changed other than maybe some personnel.
NI ROCKS – I thought we’d play a track from both the latest album. Can you pick one and tell us something about it. Firstly from the album “Letters From the Psych Ward”
TONY - Well, I mean, it would have to be “Dirty Halo”. You know, I've done like nine or 10 records, you know, and working on my seventh with Blacklist Union and that's probably the most special song I've ever done because there's so much emotional depth in that song. It's a very, very special song and I call out numerous people that are no longer with us, including Todd Youth and many, many friends that I love and it's part of our set and it's an essential song for us. Very healing song. It's very therapeutic lyrically for me because it reminds me of things I need to do with myself to kind of keep myself, you know, somewhat sane in this mad fuckin’ world we live in, you know? So that would be that one.
NI ROCKS – And one from “Slay the Dragon”?
TONY - It'd have to be “Mississippi Moonhound”, dude, because “Letters from the Psych Ward” is our first song on the set. “Mississippi Moonhound” is the second song on the set. And you know, those songs are in your face, up tempo. Like you got to bring your A game to sing those songs, you know. But I just love “Mississippi Moonhound” so much. It's got such a punk rock feel. It definitely has a Velvet Revolver feel, which I love, you know; just that groove and just a great hook. And of course, lyrically, I love the lyrics. You know, I take great pride in lyric writing. I mean, ever since I was a little boy, I have this story where in high school, I had this teacher, his name was Mr. Mitchell. He was from Ireland, right! And I used to cut class, dude, but I would do all the assignments because I loved to write, you know? And Mr. Mitchell would fuckin hunt me down in the hallway and be like, Tony, what the fuck? He's like, you’re such a great writer. Why don't you come to class? And I was like, I got better shit to do, you know? But, because I was smoking weed with my friends or whatever, but I've always enjoyed writing, especially lyrics. That's my forte. And I've always looked up to…… especially Steven Tyler who wrote amazing lyrics. Andy Wood, who's my muse and Mother Love Bone. And of course, you know, Robert Plant and I just, I really enjoy lyrics.
NI ROCKS – You mentioned earlier on that you had taken a break from Blacklist Union and at that stage you were involved in a band called The Savior Complex. What can you tell us about that?
TONY - So I did a record with Jay Gordon from Orgy, a side project record, and that's what that was, the Savior Complex. And it was kind of a dark time in my life. I was still healing from Todd and other people's deaths and I was in this hideous marriage and that record really never saw the light of day and got the proper due diligence. But there's some great stuff on that record. We did a cover of “People Are People” by Depeche Mode, which is amazing. You know, there's some good stuff on there. And Jay's been my friend for years and years. And, you know, he's a really talented, good guy. And I can tell you this, Jay Gordon always has and still has his foot or two feet….he's always 2 feet ahead of the curve. Like he sees shit coming, like trends and stuff. And I'll be like, or bands that are gonna blow up. I'm like, nah, dude, they're, you're whack. Like they're never gonna do anything. He's like, no, you watch, you watch. And I'm telling you every time, man, Jay Gordon, like something with that guy. He knows - he's got his finger on the pulse. You know what I mean? So I have a lot of respect for him. And he's actually going on tour with Manson and Rob Zombie and Orgy which is going to be killer.
NI ROCKS – I thought we’d play a track from The Savior Complex. You did a video for the track “Halo”. What can you tell about that particular track?
TONY - Man, you know, it's another Halo song. You know, that's a good, that's a good hook. And you know, working with Jay, he taught me a lot of stuff. He took me out of my comfort zone. He would have me try different things and stuff that I normally wouldn't try. And there's some of that on that song for sure.
NI ROCKS – I noticed on your website, and you mentioned it earlier, that you also did a few shows with Malfunkshun a while back. Are there any other projects that you’ve been working on outside of Blacklist Union more recently?
TONY - No, I mean, Blacklist Union is my child, you know. But with Malfunction, you know, that was Andy Wood's band from Mother Love Bone and Mother Love Bone's my biggest influence. And I ended up singing in my hero's band. And I thought I was down the rabbit hole of Andy Wood. And when I was approached with all that and how it all went down, I wasn't even too familiar with Malfunction, to tell you the truth. I had to learn their staple songs and their history and so forth. Of course, I love Andy Wood and Mother Love Bone. And I was like, how did I miss all that? But I did, you know, I worked side by side with his brother. I got to perform in Seattle, singing the songs I learned how to sing to, man. It was a holy spiritual, beautiful experience that I treasure. And that was a gift from the universe, all that whole thing.
NI ROCKS – You’re obviously heading out on tour with Lorraine and Taime so I had to ask. What’s your favourite Femme Fatale track and favourite Faster Pussycat track?
TONY - My favorite Femme Fatale song. Well, it would have to be “Waiting For the Big One” because she doesn't have to wait no more. The wait is over. (Laughs) I just had to say that one. And then, of course, Pussycat, I have so many songs. I love “Poison Ivy”. That's a deep cut. You know, I like deep cuts. Of course, I love “Babylon” and “Bathroom Wall” and I mean, all that stuff, you know, Taime's got song after song after song and you know those songs, his songs, they take me back to when I first came to Hollywood and where I was. I was a kid you know with nothing and on the streets basically and just a dream.
NI ROCKS – That’s all the questions that I have, but I thought we’d finish by playing another track from the band. Which one would you pick and why?
TONY - How about from the “Back to Momo” record, me and Todd did, play “Read Between the Lines”. Because that's a song that was written in part about Andy Wood and being in Malfunction. But that's a great one.
NI ROCKS – Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I look forward to seeing you in Belfast in a few weeks on 13th September.
TONY - Yes, sir. I look forward to meeting you. You're going to be there.
NI ROCKS - Oh, yes, I'll be there.
TONY - Okay, great. Someone wants to say hi to you.
LORRAINE LEWIS - Hi, Nigel. How are you? Honey, can you see me?
NI ROCKS - I can, yes. You look fabulous as always.
LORRAINE - All right. It's great to see you. You guys had a great interview. I was listening. I was thinking, I knew he was gonna say “Waiting for the Big One”, but I was thinking, I mean, you kind of have to, right? But you got my new stuff.
TONY - Yeah, the new stuff's incredible. What's the one, the devil?
LORRAINE - Yeah, “Don't Call Me Your Angel”.
TONY - Oh, that's a badass one.
LORRAINE - And you'll hear that when you come see us. So I'm going to open up the show for him and Taime.
NI ROCKS - Look forward to it.
LORRAINE - So great to see you.
TONY - Thanks so much. Look forward to meeting you.
NI ROCKS - Thanks very much. Yes, look forward to it. See you soon.
TONY - Take care. Adios.