LOS ANGELES, California — Blacklist Union released their sixth full-length album ‘Slay the Dragon’ this September, and after six albums, countless miles on the road, and a lifetime of fighting to keep real rock ’n’ roll alive, Tony West of Blacklist Union isn’t holding anything back.
He’s brutally honest about the state of the music industry… The lack of tour support, the empty promises, and the uphill battle for bands trying to make a living doing what they love.
Despite millions of views, global recognition, and a dedicated fan base, Blacklist Union stand at a crossroads… Fueled by passion, but frustrated by the system.
West’s not done fighting, and he’s ready to hit the road, join a major tour, and take their newest album ‘Slay the Dragon’ to the fans who’ve kept the fire burning.
Check out my raw and unfiltered interview with one of rock’s most real frontmen… A man who’s given everything for his art and believes that one good break could change everything.
- You’ve said there’s no real music industry left… No support, marketing, or tour backing. What’s it like trying to keep a band alive in that kind of environment?
TONY WEST: Exactly. The music industry and record companies are non-existent. I call them “record steals,” ‘because you can say you’re on their label, but they’ll own your masters and give you nothing in return. It’s a joke. It’s nearly impossible to keep my band alive. I have been blessed with a business that allows me to take care of myself, my family, and invest in Blacklist Union… Which I believe in.
- How do you think we can create a new music scene?
TW: It only takes one band to ignite the whole scene all over again. I believe that Blacklist Union is that band. Everyone would benefit. Look at Alice in Chains and Nirvana… They caused a whole movement. That was a long time ago, but it worked. It’s not just for us.
If we hit, it helps everyone. We have the goods; we just need someone to give us a fucking chance. I believe we can ignite the scene again with Blacklist Union. - Blacklist Union have charted songs, had millions of views, and gotten worldwide five-star reviews… Yet you’ve said it means nothing without results. Why do you think all that hard work still isn’t translating into something that’s tangible?
TW: I don’t know why. We want a business partner, an investor, a real label that’s gonna have marketing and tour support. Even if we are still chipping in money, at least we would have a partner. What the hell do bands do that don’t have any money?
Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Buckcherry, Alice in Chains… They had no money, but people gave them a chance, they gave them a break. We just haven’t had our break. - Most of your bandmates live out of state… That has to be costly and stressful, at times. Why not put together a lineup in L.A.? It seems like there’s a ton of talent right here.
TW: People are under the delusion that L.A. is a plethora of musicians, and it’s not. L.A.’s filled with opportunists… Like, “if the grass is greener, I’m gonna go over here.” There’s no camaraderie, community, or fucking loyalty. Dee, our rhythm guitar player, lives in L.A., I love him. The rest of the guys pretty much come from the Saliva camp. They are pros, and I trust them.
- That’s great for your bandmates. You’ve poured everything into Blacklist Union. Would hitting the road on a support tour with a band like Buckcherry, Faster Pussycat, or Warrior Soul give you the push you need?
TW: I love Buckcherry, and I love and respect both Stevie D and Josh. Stevie D is one of the only people that have ever done anything for me in this town. I’ve known them, and other past members forever. When I’ve talked to them about touring, they refer me to this dude Andrew Goodfriend from TKO. Fuckin’… He’s a douche man.
“MetalBabe” – His name’s Goodfriend and he’s a douche? (LAUGHS)
Yeah, and he’s not a good friend. Again, it’s all political. It’s all about lining pockets. Nobody gives a fuck about the substance of the music, the talent, or the results. We’ve tried to get with this dude so many times and he blows us off. People just blow you off, and don’t have the decency to even call you back.
I love Taime (Downe) and Faster Pussycat. I would love to tour with them… But it seems like everyone wants something from him. I don’t want to ask him for anything. He’s healing and I just want to help him through it, that’s all I want from him. People tell me all the time to ask him for this or that. I just say fuck no; I’m not asking him for anything.
I would love to tour with Warrior Soul. I’ve talked to Kory (Clarke) about Europe and elsewhere. We have a European fan base and would love to tour there. People need and want good music. - Speaking of good music, your brand-new album ‘Slay the Dragon’ is out. Do you
have plans to tour next year?
TW: Again, it’s all fallen on me. I’m the only one that’s chipped in a nickel; besides this bass player we had for a minute, which turned into a disaster. I pay for our sleeping accommodations, our vehicle, the band… We’re not getting shit in return. We’re not getting paid. It’s a buy on, just like labels did back in the day. They buy onto the tour in hopes that something will break. - Hopefully Sludge will help get your message to the right people. You’ve talked about fans telling you the significance your songs have had on them. With that kind of impact, what keeps you going?
TW: In the grand scheme of things, the most important part is touching people, helping them,
influencing them, and giving them hope and to catch their breath. It’s always like when I’m ready to throw it in, I get a message from someone telling me how our music touched them. We have a loyal fan base around the world. - You have worked with Paul Crosby (Ex-Saliva drummer) Management on the past two records. What has Paul brought to Blacklist Union, and what do you hope to build together moving forward?
TW: I love and trust Paul; he’s one of my best friends. I’ve known Saliva since before they were signed in 1997. Paul and I have done all the stuff right, and we’ve done everything we can possibly do as a DIY Indie Band. We have to come up some levels with proper music business people that can do something in 2025/2026.
There are a lot of sharks out there who will take your money, fucking run, and do nothing. One thing that Paul does is protect me from that shit. He always says, “I might have been fucked up back in the day, but I was paying attention to what was happening.” - What’s the message you want to put out to headlining bands and record labels, and what’s your ultimate goal for Blacklist Union moving forward?
TW: I hope this interview gets the attention of someone at Frontiers Music, Golden Robot, or a real label that can offer marketing, offer tour support, and make shit happen. We have the goods, music, records, drive, stage show… Everything a band needs to be successful. We want to tour as direct support with the big boys… Fuckin’ Aerosmith Mötley, Gun N’ Roses, Buckcherry, Social D, Warrior Soul (Europe)…
Give us a chance so we can all benefit from the end result. We only need one band to ignite it all again and I believe that band is Blacklist Union.
10: What last words do you have for our readers?
TW: I love the last article you put out about Lorraine Lewis. She is awesome and super sexy.
West has made it clear: this isn’t about fame or vanity. It’s about getting on the road, playing real rock ’n’ roll, and connecting with the people who still believe in it. Blacklist Union are ready, willing, and available for the right tour, right label, and right opportunity.
For all things Blacklist Union please visit their social media as shared below!
Blacklist Union @ WebSite – Facebook – Linktr.ee – iTunes – X/Twitter – Instagram – Youtube – Amazon – ReverbNation – Spotify –
Written by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen
