Ex-Tigertailz frontman Kim Hooker explains why he left the band in 2012

Ex-Tigertailz frontman Kim Hooker explains why he left the band in 2012

Former Tigertailz and current Bare Knuckle Messiahs frontman Kim Hooker was interviewed by Hall Laurel for the book Soundtrack of Our Youth: History of Hair Metal Music, which was released in September 2018 and is available in Kindle and paperback formats.

Hooker replaced lead vocalist Steevi Jaimz in Tigertailz in 1988 and was in the band until 1996 and again from 2005 to 2012.

The singer was asked what led to his split from Tigertailz to which he replied:

“What led to the split was that I just couldn’t see a way forward after Pepsi died and I was always left feeling like we were short changing fans as a band. I asked myself would I want to see Motley without Sixx or Motörhead without Lemmy and the answer was obvious. Pepsi was that important in Tigertailz. He was 90% of the band, it was a huge loss.

I remember playing in Spain and that morning I’d been told that Stuart Cable from the Stereophonics had died. He was also a friend of Pepsi’s (in fact he sent us an audition tape when Ace went, I can still see the pic) and I’d arranged to meet Stuart at Download where he was playing with his new band – Killing For Company – the next weekend. I dedicated “Heaven” to him and when I sang it I remember looking at the fan’s faces and thinking you’re being conned, I can’t do this anymore.

Also two very close friends of the band, both in the industry from back in the day said: “you should have done one or two tours in Pepsi’s memory then called it a day.” The only solution I could see was to get Ace back then at least there would be three from the Bezerk line up and that made sense to me. Jay could see my point but wasn’t having any of it. Neither was Tailz producer Tim Lewis.

Myself, Sarah, and the Tailz manager at the time pressured Jay into getting Ace back and I feel bad about that now because generally he makes good decisions and always does what’s best for the band. At only the second date (Northern Ireland) it became obvious to me that the miracle cure I’d hoped for wasn’t to be. I’d told myself that this was going to be the last lineup change I’d put up with so that was it. I was done. I knew then it was over for me.

To me the answer was obvious. If I put my own band together fans won’t expect to get the Bezerk Tailz experience and be left wanting…so that’s what I did.”

In terms of bassist Pepsi Tate who passed away in 2007, Hooker stated: “Losing Pepsi Tate was a massive blow both personally and professionally. He was a friend years before I joined the band and it’s fair to say if it were not for him I would have never been in it. He was a funny and very intelligent guy and was without a doubt the band’s driving force. He really was a powerhouse and it was his death that ultimately lead me to leave the band. I really couldn’t see the point in carrying on without him. We used to call him the captain and he was.”

You can read the rest of the interview with Hooker at the Hair Metal Music‘s Facebook page or the book Soundtrack of Our Youth: History of Hair Metal Music.

Tigertailz‘s “Love Bomb Baby” video:

Tigertailz – Love Bomb Baby

Tigertailz – Bezerk – Love Bomb Baby