Bif Naked

July 18, 2002 - Sarnia, Ontario

NL- I know you have lived in Canada for most of your life, were you born there?
Bif- No, I was born in New Delhi India. My Canadian birth mom was over there teaching (she's a professor) and had me. My parents are from South Dakota and Minnesota and they were missionaries and adopted me through the church. After moving around alot, we finally moved to Winnipeg when I was 13.

NL- You eventually enrolled at the University of Winnipeg. What was your major and did you get degree from there?
Bif- At that time I wanted to be a theatre major. I ended up dropping out to go on tour and my dad still bugs me, "When are you going back to school." I'm just like dad, uhh.

NL- Did you enjoy school?
Bif- Ya, I always had a good time in school. In highschool I was the class historian of my grade. I wasn't a big fuckup or rebel kid. I did run a way once but I was only gone for a couple of days.

NL- Were you a big partier in your school days?
Bif- I don't think anymore than any other kid. I never had a high tolerance for alcohol so I always got real sick early in the night.

NL- I heard you were attacked once by a fan?
Bif- Oh ya, I have been attacked a couple of times at shows. In Canada I have a couple of stalkers. I don't think it's really a symptom of celebrity, but it's weird when your in the public eye and if someone doesn't identify or agree with you they get mad.

NL- Do you have to take any precautions when you go out in public?
Bif- Oh no, not yet. Well one of the Backstreet Boys dogs have been kidnapped twice now by a crazy guy. If that happened to me, I would be outta my mind. What the fuck. Well, I own two dogs so. I would probably honestly quit. It can't be worth it at that point. Once fame starts fucking up your life, like when your tampon brand is on the internet or if your family gets fucked, I don't know if it's really worth it. I always said when we do the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, there is life before Leno, and life after Leno.

NL- So in 99' you release I Bificus, it gets picked up by Lava/Atlantic, the song "Spaceman" climbs the charts to number one, and "Moment of Weakness" is all over MTV and the radio. Was that when your like, "Wow we are big"?
Bif- Well for me it's been really gradual. My first record came out in Europe in 95' and we toured over there for a while. I've been touring in Canada since I was 18, and I'm 33 now.

NL- As far as bands and songwriters, who has inspired you?
Bif- A band called Shelter and this other band called Blood for Blood.

NL- What advice do you have to give to today's kids?
Bif- Be honest with your self. Dig deep into your feelings when your feeling something and try to figure out why.

NL- Thanks.

By Greg Hudson