Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt
Our Fan of the Month for May's Red Elvises obsession is a relatively new development although
the motion picture event of the twentieth century, "Six-String Samurai" was her first exposure.
The Red seed, so to speak, was planted, and grew! I always say that it's not the number
of times you've seen the band but your enthusiasm that counts the most, and now Karen is
more than qualified on that front, having already written several articles for the Red Pages and
recently enjoyed her first two Red Elvises shows. Join me in welcoming our newest Fan of the
Month. From Austin, Texas, Karen!
For the record, what is your name?
Karen Coffey
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Detroit, MI. I lived there until I was six, then moved to Dallas, TX. I stayed
there until I came to Austin four years ago.
What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any obsessions you
don’t mind people knowing about?
I did a lot of reading growing up, mostly horror and mysteries. I read all the “Nancy Drew”
books. I liked to color, and still do. I was a huge music fan, mostly rock-n-roll. Obsessions?
Posters. Growing up, I had so many I couldn’t count them all. When I left home, my walls and
ceiling were covered.
Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play…
I play classical guitar. I started in the 6th grade. I’ve recently learned some Red Elvises songs, a
big change from my usual guitar playing. I also played the French horn from 7th-9th grade.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
Raising three beautiful children, Tonnie, 17, Shawna, 16, and Alex, 14. All three are Red Elvises
fans too.
[Kayt interjects: Wow, well done! Children with good music taste!]
What are your favorite movies?
“Six-String Samurai,” “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” “Gladiator,” “Love and a .45,”
“Pulp Fiction.” I am actually a HUGE movie buff.
Do you have any favorite books?
Any James Patterson book. “Big Trouble” by Dave Barry and “The Dark Tower” series by Stephen
King.
What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
Just about everything. I’m a rocker at heart though, leaning towards the heavy side. But, I
like everything from AC/DC to Zeerok!!
When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
In 2000, I saw “Six-String Samurai” on Showtime. I saw it probably 5-6 times in a one-month
period. I LOVED the music. Then I didn’t see it again until this year and I bought it, and I
couldn’t quit thinking about the music. I became obsessed overnight, and started buying CDs
like crazy!!
How many times have you seen them?
Unfortunately, only twice.
[Hey, that's a great start!]
What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
That they are normal, down to earth guys. The music makes me feel good. No two songs are
alike. It comes through in their music that they love what they do. I feel them.
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled to see them? And do you have a good story around that?
I drove to Austin. Only about a 30-minute drive, not that far. The first time I saw them though
was with my mom and my 14-year-old son, Alex. That’s three generations of Red Elvises fans.
Which show is your favorite of those you've seen so far?
Of the two, I would definitely say the Jovita’s show. The guys were more accessible and the
sound was better than at the Continental Club.
Any other standout, all time great memories of shows you’ve seen?
Either Igor telling Alex that his mom (me) was pretty, or Igor asking me why I didn’t bring
Alex at the next show. Or maybe it was Roman signing my bare feet on a whim after the Jovita’s
show.
What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
“Telephone Call from Istanbul,” “Romantic Junk,” “My Love is Killing Me,” “Love Pipe,”
“Boogie on the Beach,” “Flaming Cheese,” all the songs in Russian, and any other song I didn’t
mention!!
What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say to
the band?
Move to Austin and play every weekend!! I love the new line-up. You guys are fantastic live!!
See you in November!
Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
ROKENROL!!!
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