"Semi Precious Weapons Bring 'Dirty, Filthy' Rock to Lady Gaga Tour"

"It's no secret that New York rockers Semi Precious Weapons have been friends with Lady Gaga for years. The celebrated pop star was a fan of the band, which eventually led to their meeting. "We heard about her through friends of friends: there was this girl named Gaga who loves the band and puts on a really great show," SPW frontman Justin Tranter tells Spinner. "And we've been one of her favorite bands for three or four years now and that's how we became friends."

Years ago, Gaga opened for Semi Precious Weapons; now, she's giving them the same chance on her sold-out "Monster Ball" tour. The pairing might seem odd to some, but both acts come from the same New York City scene and share a love for boldness and flair. On 'Semi Precious Weapons,' the opening track to their rocking new album, 'You Love You,' Tranter declares for the world, "I can't pay my rent, but I'm f---ing goregous." It's the kind of style and brashness one can see Gaga loving, but there is one big difference between the two acts: Where Gaga is an unquestioned pop star, SPW proudly play what they call "f---ing filthy" rock. It's loud, in-your-face, guitar-laden music that combines their love for early Guns N' Roses with the energy and swagger of the New York Dolls.

Tranter says that out on the road, there is some initial surprise among Gaga's followers. "I can see on some of the fans' faces, it's just like full-on confusion. They're waiting for the backing tracks to kick in, they're waiting for our dancers to get onstage," he says. "But obviously it's not gonna happen. Every sound you hear is made by the four of us and it's really f---ing loud."

Still, he believes that after the shock wears off, fans appreciate the match. "Some fans, it takes a minute but they end up really liking it. It's kind of the genius and beauty of Gaga," he says. "Her fans are like, 'Of course this is what Gaga did. Of course she said 'F--- everybody, I'm bringing a rock band on the road.'"

So, for a band that has a song called 'Sticky in Champagne' and admittedly loves the glamorous life, are they reaping the benefits of being on the road with music's biggest star at the moment? "Definitely not," Tranter says, laughing. "We're still very, very, very broke." But they are getting some perks. "If you walk into the right club after you perform for 10,000 people, you can figure some things out," he says. "Lots of free drinks and lots of free food."

Source:  Spinner.com