“I used to show up at his apartment at 2 a.m. or later after I would be at a party in the same building. He was always happy to see me.”
— Lesli Sanders on the late Kim Fowley

LOS ANGELES – Riding the momentum of a stylish new album called “Face The Music,” Prophets of Addiction is on the brink of breakthrough success.

Prophets of Addiction is led by glam rocker Lesli Sanders, a singer who has always been known for good songs, and the Seattle native emerged with a lot of them on “Face The Music.”  

Sanders is waiting for a proper tour offer sometime soon. In the meantime, Sanders took a few moments to reminisce in this revealing Metal Sludge interview.

Metal Sludge: A group of us were reminiscing about Tramp Alley the other night. Give us three things you learned being in that young but substantial band. 

Lesli Sanders: Yeah that was crazy, my first real band, a teenager and just after a few shows were the biggest band in Seattle, selling out everywhere we would play. The name of the game back then was promotion, showing up as a band at every party and event and flyering like your life depended on it. And that’s when people were not at our “famous” house the “Tramp House” that was packed with hundreds of people each weekend. What we did not have was a manager or any kind or direction, which of course I learned that would have been important. Also a commitment from members that this is our team and not let anyone get between that, casting doubt. Stick to what you believe in and work, work work. 

Metal Sludge: This new CD is more punk and alternative than your glitter pop style that built your reputation. 

LS: I actually don’t see it that way; songwriting wise it’s always been the same for me. I may not have that typical “glam” voice but I take great pride in my lyric-writing, which I feel is beyond what you will hear on a lot of songs in the genre you mentioned. 

Metal Sludge: You loved L,A. so much back in the day but you’ve rarely returned through the years.

LS: I have been there many times to both play shows and take care of other business, it’s not the same anymore nor am I. As a matter of fact I was just in L.A. this past January, only this time I was there to compete in the SoCal USABMX Nationals. As I have been competing on the national level in BMX racing for the last 3 or 4 years. 

Metal Sludge: Queeny Blast Pop was my favorite. Give us a fond memory or two of the following:

— Lil Dee – I have known him since he was about 10 or 11 years old. I met him and his family at the BMX races, as I did that in the 80s as well. I have so many fond memories of this little fruit. We have had a lot of good times over the years and I’m proud to still call him a friend. So much fun, so many memories – and some of the funnest are better left unsaid!

— Pepper Denny – One of the great things that Pepper and I had in common was our effort to try and take Queeny Blast Pop to the next level. We both were 100% committed and worked hard every single day to do things for the band – business wise, promotional wise, etc. We made it to that point quickly, but then due to other members not caring about the goal, they threw our hard work to the wayside for their own selfish needs. It’s hard to find such camaraderie that Pepper and I shared in those days.  

— Terry B – I still bug Terry almost everyday and remain great friends with him. We shared Christmas at his house the past few years as well. Some of the fond memories of Terry were crazy adventures with him and his various uniforms he would get into once when we were wasted out at night or on tour. 

A few more:

— George Tobin – George was our big chance, he discovered us at a jam night at the Troubadour. He happened to be eating right next door and decided to come into the Troubadour. We hadn’t even played a real show yet upon moving to Hollywood from Seattle. Next thing you know, we were in his studio doing pre-production for a new record and a deal with him much like he did with Tiffany. 

Unfortunately a certain member thought drinking all day and then getting all defiant with George was a good thing, and next thing you know we were kicked out of the studio, asked to leave and a huge opportunity went down the drain. I guess that’s not real “fond” is it? Just another in a long line of blown opportunities on the way to success that I so desperately wanted to achieve.  

— The late Kim Fowley – Another great character of the good old days, I enjoyed the time I spent with him working on songs and the direction and effort he put in to try to help us out. I used to show up at his apartment at 2 a.m. or later after I would be at a party in the same building. He was always happy to see me. Much like Dee Dee Ramone, he would compliment me on being one of the only “real” rockers left, HAHA.

— Keri Kelli – Keri is a great player and songwriter. We played/toured in a few bands together and he was always fun to hang with. I’m glad he went on to good success, he was always a hard worker. 

Metal Sludge: Tobin was actually your golden goose after Tiffany’s huge success.

LS: Yeah he sure was. He had Saturday morning cartoons etc. in the game plan. 

Metal Sludge: Everyone keeps asking when Prophets will play live.

LS: We would LOVE to, however we are looking to get on some big shows or tours, and that’s not so easy these days, as many bands are willing to pay to be included and are added to bills regardless of talent or whether it’s a good fit. So we will just keep waiting until someone is willing to take us out. We are in no hurry and when the right opportunity comes, we will be there. 

Metal Sludge: If you do tour, is Phil Soussan involved?

LS: Phil wouldn’t do any touring with us; he may do a guest appearance or whatever if we were to play in Las Vegas where he now resides. We haven’t been able to talk him into the whole touring thing yet, HA HA. 

Metal Sludge: By the way, what ever happened to City Boys Girls?

LS: Nothing really happened, but I got more involved with another band I was playing in at the time, and CGB pretty much had run its course by then. 

Metal Sludge: What’s the best song on the new album — and why?

LS: I’m not really sure it’s the best song but it means the most to me. The song is “Slippin’ Away,” the story of the time I dedicated to my dad (step father) in his battle with cancer up until his death. I dropped everything in my life, cancelled tours, etc., and took care of him until the end. This really made me appreciate my sobriety even more and how important that was for me to be able to do this. 

Metal Sludge: And finally, anything to add?

LS: Check out the new record, and bands add us to a tour, and thank you to all who have supported my music over the years. 

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION @ Website – Facebook – Instagram – Store – Spotify – Apple Music – YouTube – X/Twitter

LESLI SANDERS @ Facebook – X/Twitter –

Reach Gerry Gittelson at gerryg123@hotmail.com

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