Rancid (band) the Missing Tapes

In 1994, Angel and I had the unique opportunity to interview Lars from Rancid for my fanzine, Psycho Moto Zine. While we managed to capture the interview on video, a frustrating discovery revealed that there was no audio accompanying it. Fortunately, Angel had recorded the interview on an audio cassette and you can find that in the printed zine. The tapes were carefully stored away, and it was only recently that I stumbled upon them once more.

With a sense of nostalgia, I converted the audio files and entrusted them to my friend, Austin Friend. He undertook the task of restoring and enhancing the audio quality, making it not only audible but truly enjoyable. However, recognizing that some parts were still challenging to decipher, I decided to add subtitles for clarity.

I initially hesitated about sharing this remarkable find due to the admittedly low quality of the recording. However, upon reflection, I realized that it held significant historical value and could serve as a vital addition to the archives of Rancid's legacy. The footage we uncovered is a captivating blend of a live performance by Rancid at the Wetlands Preserve in New York City and our insightful interview with Lars, conducted on Houston and Avenue A, NYC.

During the interview, Lars shares intriguing insights about the Swingin' Utters, prompting me to include a snippet of their performance from ABC no Rio in 1994. At the time I was making a documentary project for Epitaph Records, titled "Faster Than the World," centered around the band H2O.

The journey to recover and share these tapes has been a labor of love, and I hope that this unique piece of Rancid's history will be cherished by fans and enthusiasts alike.