“First he stole all of my money, then he stole my job, and the fact that he sings exactly like me is the ultimate robbery and a perfect example of why being a thief and absolute backstabbing maniac makes you win in the music business.”
— Matt Kramer on Jason Bieler of Saigon Kick

“Regardless of any facts, accepts no responsibility for anything in their own life or career…”
— Jason Beiler’s retort, that appears to be directed at Matt Kramer

“I apologize to the great Saigon Kick fans for having to witness such nonsense.”
— Phil Varone

Metal Sludge — Welcome to 2024 and the latest rock n’ roll edition of ‘He Said, He Said, He Said‘.

The surprise is, we’re not talking about L.A. Guns or Skid Row, Lynch Mob or that crazy Pretty Bald Feud that has been going on in recent months.

Today’s drama is from the wonderful world of Saigon Kick.

There seems to be 2-sides as of now, or is it 3-sides?

As for who you want to believe, well that might depend on who was nicer when they signed your CD back in 1990.

Let us try to bring you up to speed…

In a nutshell, Matt Kramer who was the band’s classic singer and frontman seems to be pissed at Jason Bieler the band’s guitarist and based on his recent writings and ranting, it appears Kramer is also pissed at Phil Varone and Chris McClernon too.

Before we go any further, we have to ask… who isn’t pissed at Phil Varone?

Just kidding… how are you Phil?

Please allow us to set the table for those not big on the Saigon Kick history.

The Saigon Kick band was formed and founded in the South of Florida back in 1988 and as quickly as they made an impact (signing a deal, releasing records, MTV videos, tours and a Gold single) the band soon found itself facing the dreaded singer versus guitarist feud that saw the band spiraling by 1993.

Of course this is nothing new as Van Halen, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and pretty much every other band on the planet at some point found various members fighting for the leadership role within their respective groups.

According to Wikipedia, while recording their 3rd record “Water” in Sweden, the following happened: “During recording, Matt Kramer became disgruntled with the direction that the band was heading both musically and stylistically. Kramer also argued that there were financial disputes within the band and tensions reached a boiling point. He officially left the band mid-session and returned to Florida.”

When the word disgruntled comes up, we can’t help but think of the crazy stuff we see on the news, like people going postal and random customers at Target throwing everything within arm’s reach into the aisles… hmmm… we can only hope that Matt isn’t still that disgruntled… or is he?

It seems that there are deep seeded wounds and some unfinished business between the various Saigon Kick members.

Now to kickoff the new year, the band Saigon Kick have announced the 30th Anniversary of that “Water” record, and that subsequent tour dates and bookings are in the works.

This seems reasonable, as a lot of the 80’s bands are celebrating these various landmark anniversaries reissuing old records, and tours to match.

It also appears this celebration of sorts will feature Bieler (Vocals & Guitars), Varone (drums) and McClernon (Bass).

No mention of Kramer, which appears to have instigated the first post from the group’s former singer.

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On January 9th 2024 Matt Kramer wrote: “My inbox is getting flooded congratulating me about the new Saigon Kick tour. This tour is not including me, it’s the 30 year anniversary of Jason, funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars of my personal publishing money that was demanded I not touch into the band so he could squeeze me out of the band after I sang a top 12 pop hit launching the band’s gigantic hit. Then meticulously left me absolutely pennyless and confiscated all of my gear so I couldn’t even do writing sessions for a new project. Immediately following to go on to record the Water record, and steal my vocal style mimicking me trying to pass it off as if I never left the band with the vocal sound I created for Saigon Kick. First he stole all of my money, then he stole my job, and the fact that he sings exactly like me is the ultimate robbery and a perfect example of why being a thief and absolute backstabbing maniac makes you win in the music business. Zero respect for anyone on that tour. Definitely bitter but it’s more about the transparency. 30 years later, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Support the good ones, root out the evil.”
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Beiler replied below to Kramer‘s Facebook post with one of his own which reads like some sort of crazy comic-book story complete with Super Heroes, Villains and a Victim:

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“Maybe it’s a new Marvel character called “SUPER VICTIM” ™…I know we are all looking forward to that on the big screen. I hear the plot is about a guy who, no matter what happens or is shown to them, regardless of any facts, accepts no responsibility for anything in their own life or career…and somehow, even though they claim to be the most talented person in the room…never actually achieve anything of note in 35 years.

Even though they are ignored by nearly everyone, and no one with first-hand knowledge ever says anything publicly to back them up…does our hero stop? Hell to the no…you have to admire someone banging their head on a wall for 35 years…and blaming the wall. I’m hoping he’s played by Daniel Day Lewis…or Joaquin Phoenix…it will be their most challenging role…to show no action, no achievements, no accomplishments, not one single bit of forward momentum…just an ever-present pouty “pre-cry” lower lip…I mean how do you emote nothingness and have it translate to the big screen?

The climax? Maybe a scene where our protagonist is in therapy and the doctor says…”show me on the doll where the music industry hurt you.”

The darkest part of the movie is when our hero whips up a little online hate group with nothing to back it up, for people with no first-hand knowledge other than his verbal diarrhea. We enter a dark time where all it takes is one deranged person to put someone, or their friends or family at risk. Maybe we skip that part, I mean that’s how some of our heroes met an unfortunate end..and what sane person would put that energy into the universe?

Maybe the movie ends with an anti-hero “The EVIL SCUMBAGINATOR™” coming into the room and saying…if you have an issue a real man would deal directly with the people and attempt to correct it, failing that…you would seek legal remedies, Super Victim™…it’s time for you to put up or shut up. We have hundreds of pages of facts, first-hand witnesses, and everything corroborated…but because we are not pre-teens on TikTok…we have never released or posted it.

Then with a sympathetic look, the SCUMBAGINATOR™ looks back and says, I hope you go on and do something truly great SUPER VICTIM ™, and I wish you well. Surely someone would want to work with somebody so brilliantly influential, blameless, and upstanding.

End scene…and it suddenly becomes apparent that The SCUMBAGINATOR™, THE NOT BASS PLAYER™, AND THE ANGRY DRUMMER™…were the heroes all along. It’s like the Sixth Sense…but instead of dead people…our star has a complaint and would like to see the manager…like a male Karen or MK for short.

Catch phrase for the SCUMBAGINATOR™: “you have mistaken 35 years of my silence for weakness…when all along it has been simply pity.”

Catch phrase for SUPER VICTIM™: “I’ll never be back” said in an Arnold like accent.”
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Now after a day or two, it appears the SUPER VICTIM story made some news feeds and it now reached a bunch of industry types and lest us not forget, the fans.

With that, Mr. Kramer replied to Bieler with a second post on January 13th.

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Kramer‘s 2nd post reads as follows: “Yesterday on the official Saigon Kick band page which I have no association with, or access to. Jason Bieler believing his power has no limits, and can’t be touched by mortal hands, posted a very elaborate long letter of course surrounded by brutal comedy as usual. As if the situation was something to joke about, denied any of my claims of the punishment and robbery that he committed, and the brutality of Phil Varone being his #1 henchman thug making sure I was kept down so they could get ahead. Mainstream music media Blabbermouth.com picked up the said brutal post filled with blatant lies and coverups to the awful things I endured in the band as a founding member and lead singer/frontman, and the extreme effects that I still have to deal with even today 30 years later from these maniacs. I have been making posts about these things for a few years now as you all know on my PERSONAL page. Jason using the Official SK band page to denounce my claims was a huge mistake, and true fans (which the band has plenty), finally saw through the veil of their corruption, robbery and stripping me of everything that I worked so hard building the band into that brand for narcissistic gain, greed, for sport alone to crush every part of me they could. The fans are speaking, and outside of their group of brutal comedy lovers that they have cultivated, were shocked at what they had to say as a childish cocky response to such a serious accusation, and finally I have dented and tarnished their perfect crimes. Phil Varone even went as far in a post saying that I was having mental health issues and that is why I was posting about this which is another tactic to make people dismiss my accusations as lies. (I guess the money he made in pornography and suing Skid Row who was so gracious to welcome him into the band is finally running out, and I am getting in the way of rent money with this new cashgrab tour of evil humans. FYI, I run my own successful vocal coaching company for 30 years now, and coach some of the biggest business tycoons in the world, and my mental health and clarity have never been more sharp. Until a full PUBLIC APOLOGY is issued by the band on the official band page to both myself and original and only bass player Tom Defile for Jason Bieler’s evil scam artist corrupt and maniacal doings, I will kick you in the shins over and over until you fall to your knees and beg for forgiveness. Who knows I might even start doing interviews again, and speaking about all of it in full detail. Let it be known little cruel man, I am coming for you scum.”
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Now this celebration of sorts, doesn’t seem completely out of the ordinary and not even for Saigon Kick.

Upon a few clicks of the Google search bar, it appears that over the years the band tried a handful of various reunions, that have included an array of lineups, which saw the band’s classic voice Matt Kramer taking part on 4 different occasions.

Most recently noting some form of involvement, just last year in 2023.

According to Wikipedia, Kramer was in Saigon Kick (1988–1993, 1997, 2000, 2012–2023).

As for the others, well it states Phil Varone was on drums and took part during the following (1988–1996, 2000, 2012–2015) along with these latest 2024 plans that were recently made public.

Bieler as the band’s guitarist, primary song-writer, and part-time frontman is listed as being part of the group from 1988–1999 and again 2012–present.

The group have had 2 bassists over the years, both of whom had done a few stints with the group, first there was Tom Defile (1990–1992, 2000, 2014) and then Chris McClernon (1992–1997, 2012–2015, 2017-present).

Why am I sharing all that?

Who the flock knows… I was simply trying to give some perspective for those who are hungry for useless facts.

Speaking of, Saigon Kick‘s biggest song “Love Is On The Way” was actually certified Gold by the RIAA and peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

But regardless of their hit, or fame, or whatever good things found their way into the world of these 4 rock bums from the Sunshine State, it appears, they have had some serious inside turmoil and drama for most of their existence, which leads us to today.

That recently made announcement that they would celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their 3rd release “Water” and it seems, that Bieler, Varone and McClernon are all involved and this appears to have set off Kramer.

Kramer after Bieler‘s reply, opted to blast the following e-mail from Varone, that appears to have been from 2019.

And, for what it’s worth, during this exchange, it reads as like Varone was at odds with Bieler too.

Are you still following me?

Now it appears Kramer after throwing Varone under the bus – by sharing that e-mail from 2019 – this has grabbed Phil‘s undivided attention, which has resulted in a post from Varone himself.

Based on this, it appears that Varone was at some point, Team Bieler, then Team Kramer, but apparently is back on Team Bieler as of last weekend.

I think…

As crazy as all this sounds, is it odd that Phil Varone is appearing to be the voice of reason here?

Surely the end of the world is near… but I digress.

As if this article isn’t long enough… there is even more.

Now Bieler has resurfaced and for what its worth, seems to be embarrassed that his band has been reduced to a full blown modern day version of “I know you are but what am I?” exchange on social media.

Either way… the latest from Bieler (no relation to Bieber, but ironically they look alike) says the following, and yeah, it’s long too, so grab a coffee or your penis pump.

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Bieler writes: “Nothing more entertaining than irrelevant band drama to stir up small corners the inter-webs. My fave comments have been: Who? Who cares? “I totally read that as Bieber” and the best is “What does Corey Taylor think?” That being said my solo album streaming numbers went through the roof, so no such thing as bad press I guess.

BUT I did make a huge mistake, after 35 years of attacks, horrible things being said in interviews, on Facebook pages, on radio shows, and podcasts…as a diehard high roader, I had a moment of weakness and responded. I thought it was in a tongue-in-cheek way, sarcastic, pretty funny, and a wee bit pointy, but without naming anyone, attacking their talents, threatening violence…and NEVER asking anyone to take sides…I responded.

The point that I was trying to make is in full agreement with the vast majority of people, shut up old timers, and stop airing complaints online. Stop attacking people, stop calling them names, stop lying and posting, and move on with your life. Go do something great for all to see.

I’m well aware that at different times ex-band members have had issues with me (how, I’ll never understand…I’m like a walking Skittles rainbow). While my anger about it was real, ugly, and dark…I never responded publicly…I was the only one who really didn’t.

The point of the post was entirely lost, instead of everyone moving on with their lives, an epic shitstorm of people taking sides occurred, and my point was even further lost. As to grudges, vendettas, sworn enemies…I don’t carry that in my life. We all have done, said, and behaved in ways that might not have been kind at some point, credit to Phil for having the decency to publicly apologize. To my point, if Matt called me tomorrow to work through issues, I would take his call, just like Phil or Chris. I mean how much time do any of us have left (not including me being assassinated)

Being a human online piñata for 35 years as related only to SK, (which was 3…maybe 4 years of my life) is not as fun as it sounds. The fact that this has devolved into sharing personal emails…is yet another line too far. The content is not new or surprising unless Friday is the first day you followed SK…(in which case well done and smart move).…it’s the same thing for 35 years.

I’d been doing my own thing, making records, touring, and performing shows for years. Then, Phil and Chris (can you believe it wasn’t me?) asked me to consider doing some dates…I kept turning it down knowing full well that Saigon Kick was built on an old cursed burial ground and no matter what the intent, it always ends in pain and suffering. After 3-4 months of texts, emails and calls, and fans professing their love for the album (I know, you hate that record and only like the first two…I get it), I finally said, ok, if you guys want to, let’s do a few dates celebrating the 30th…not an album, not a reunion, just some gigs celebrating a specific time in our career (believe it or not I have full dance card outside of this)…and I loved the idea of burying the hatchet, a chance at redemption, setting things right and like clockwork armageddon kicks into overdrive.

So in closing (I hear your sarcastic clapping, and see your relief memes) If any former band member has a real issue, valid claim…PLEASE bring it forward to me…if there is any validity to any of it, I would gladly make things right. If you are not satisfied with my response, take your issues and hire an attorney to audit (which was already done once and I never received an apology or the money)…that is the way business is handled…not on FB every 3 months.

Beyond offering that, I am powerless to offer a solution.

Even though this weekend has been a blast, I promise not to respond or post about this…for at least another 30 years.”
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At this point, I’ve completely lost track… or, perhaps the level of apathy has reached overload.

It’s hard to say, but this feud falls somewhere between Bang Tango and BulletBoys but not quite as crazy as L.A. Guns or the Bobby Blotzer and Ratt wars.

We all can only hope that for the love of all that floats above us in the sky, there will never be 2 versions of Saigon Kick!



Stay tuned to Metal Sludge for more Breaking News, Updates and Features along with both new and classic interviews.