Beth Allen is one of desert valley’s true creatives. She spends time in the Motörhead cover band Mötordead, playing bass and taking on vocal duties that honor the late Lemmy Kilmister. She also plays guitar in the desert punk group Hot Patooties, and has contributed to the experimental rock sounds of Alien Probe, a four-piece band whose members wear space suits and alien masks. When she’s not crafting music, she’s often graphic-designing, as she used to create the covers for the Independent’s print edition. Allen is the latest to take The Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I was 13. Stevie Nicks came out and sang “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” with him. She twirled around in her raggy dress. It was awesome!
What was the first album you owned?
Shaun Cassidy. It contained the hit single “Da Doo Ron Ron” and a special full-color autographed poster!
What bands are you listening to right now?
Always the Ramones; old ’80s punk rock never gets old for me. I just joined Spotify, and they do a pretty good job sending me daily mixes. Lots of Australian rock, old and new. Amyl and the Sniffers, Stiff Richards, and Civic are all killer.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Hip hop isn’t my favorite … or electronic dance music.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Hasil Adkins, RIP. A total hillbilly one-man band that was amazing. I have a few of his records.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
1980s metal. Judas Priest! Mötley Crüe! WASP!
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Palms in Wonder Valley is the best dive bar in the high desert to hang out or play. Good vibes.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
Dead Moon, “Poor Born”: “I’m pissed off, pissed off, pissed off; it’s just the way I aaaaaam!”
What band or artist changed your life?
The Ramones. They made me realize anyone can be in a band; all you need are three distorted chords.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d ask Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick for one sloppy kiss.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Kiss, “Rock and Roll All Nite.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
The first Ramones album.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Dead Moon, “Poor Born.” One of the best songs ever written. Google them.
