Denver Does CBGB’s: SAUNA on Richard Hell & the Voidoids

This October 29th, Denver bands are bringing the Hi-Dive back to CBGB’s in the mid-seventies, as they’re covering iconic bands that played the legendary venue. The lineup includes Wire Faces as Television, Accordion Crimes as Blondie, Kissing Party as The Ramones, SAUNA as Richard Hell and the Voidoids, and Hindershot as Talking Heads, plus a DJ set by Tyler Jacobson.

We caught up with the Denver scene’s cool little brothers and sisters, SAUNA, to talk about covering Richard Hell & the Voidoids.

So, what’s your band normally like?
Ethan’s mom said we sound like “Annette Funicello meets the B-52’s.”

What do you think made the CBGBs scene of the mid 70’s so special?
Joey Ramone.

What made you choose to cover Richard Hell & The Voidoids?
They were the basis for the Sex Pistols; they were one of the first real punk bands.

What is your definition of Punk?
Patti Smith and Keith Morris.

What’s the funnest thing about covering Richard Hell & The Voidoids? I know, funnest is not a proper word.
The songs are a lot more fun and intricate than straight-ahead punk. Some of the songs are essentially jazz standards with different lyrics.

What is the toughest thing about covering their music?
The songs are a lot more intricate than straight-ahead punk.

What does SAUNA and Richard Hell & The Voidoids have in common?
An affinity for sunglasses?

How are you preparing to become the band you are covering?
Sex changes and drugs.

What are your top 5 songs from the bands that are being covered for the Denver Does CBGBs show?
Sheena is a Punk Rocker, Artists Only, I’m Your Man, See No Evil, and Kung Fu Girls.

Will you be doing speed and/or heroin all night?
Copious amounts.