No gimmicks, all live - Murray “The Cretin” Acton of the Dayglo Abortions

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#15 - April 9, 2022).

It’s been a long time coming and live music has been stirring people out of their pandemic slumbers. And next Thursday, two pillars of the punk rock genre will be hitting the stage at Barrie’s own Queens Hotel.  

Formed over 40 years ago, Vancouver’s Dayglo Abortions have been packing venues with their signature sound that blends fast and heavy with scathing and satirical lyricism. Supported by Toronto legends Random Killing, this one-night-only event promises to be a well received shot to the heart. 

I had the chance to ask a few questions to the legend himself, Murray “The Cretin” Acton of the Dayglo Abortions about the industry, the new album and more. 

Richard: The musical landscape has changed dramatically since the Dayglo Abortions formed in 1979, are there any particular changes that you love to see in the industry today and are there any that you sorely miss? 

Murray: Things I'd like to see changed hmmm. Well, I like that independents have the ability to market themselves to the entire world now. Maybe it would be cool if the major labels would go to the back of the line at the pressing plants. First, they wreck all hardware to press vinyl to reap the huge profits of cd's. Then, when vinyl comes back in style, they use their deep pockets to but in the line and place huge orders clogging up all the pressing plants. Our last album is in line at the pressing plant and we're working on another one. I've heard the delay is about a year now. 

One thing I do miss is the punk house basement gigs. They were so hot and sweaty and in your face. We did get a couple in during the COVID lockdowns. One good thing that happened.

Richard: It is evident that there is a sense of humour infused with your work, where did your sense of humour come from? 

Murray: I guess I learned the amazing power of sarcasm and satire growing up in the 70's. I was a big Frank Zappa fan. It's kinda funny that as I got older I realized Zappa really didn't like most people and was essentially slagging everyone in his songs. So even though he made some valid social commentary I lost the taste for him a bit. These days I'm so old and jaded almost nothing surprises or offends me. At least nothing that claims to be Art and is that well done.

Richard: Did writing and recording your first solo album last year affect your process in creating Dayglo’s new album Hate Speech?

Murray: To be honest, most of Hate Speech was written before COVID. During the Trump/Clinton election and throughout the Defund the Police and BLM protests. What writing the solo album did for me though was convince me to not retire. When the pandemic shut us down I thought, realistically I'm 60 years old. COVID isn't going away anytime soon and after 2 or 3 years of sitting around, I'll be done. Well here I am over 2 years later heading out on the road with the album I was just gonna chuck away. Well, actually out on the road and still waiting for it to get pressed. We've got shirts of the cover but no product.

Richard: If you had to describe what a Dayglo Abortions Live show looks or feels like in 3 words, what would they be?

Murray: Live, we really don't have gimmicks or an act or anything like that. We just have a good time playing our music shit and I like to interact with the audience throughout the set. They don't all agree with everything I say, but that's ok, we can argue it out. We have common ground in the music, I encourage people to stage dive, sing a few lines and jump into the pit. I don't have to win everyone over to my side, but it's good to get them thinking and talking and accepting that there are other opinions and you don't have to hate people for having them. Some of the songs are just for the humour, others are more serious. I'm supposed to entertain rather than lecture so the emphasis is on saving the night, not the whole world all at once.

Richard: If you could be on a bill with any three bands or artists, living or dead, who would they be?

Murray: I don't know. I almost prefer complete unknowns that have something new and  vital to offer. Playing with big artists can make one feel insignificant sometimes. If you're the unknown act you can be bossed around, given a garbage time and have your sound crippled to make the main act seem bigger and louder. 

Then out come your heroes and they turn out to be arrogant or completely different than you had fantasized them to be. Major letdown ha ha. I’m making them all out to be like that but that's not true, but there is something magical and inspiring about some young kids going on before you and blowing minds. It makes me want to play really good. All of this reminds me that we get treated good by our audience and should return that favour by showing them respect and gratitude. You want to keep the love flowing.