THE RETURN OF PREFABEDELIA: TRIP THOMPSON ON THE PREFAB MESSIAHS APPEARANCE AT THE WORMTOWN 25 PARTY

Ah, The Prefab Messiahs - a quintessential Wormtown act capable of making a party happen in any location under any situation. No drummer? They made a folk hero out of a drum machine, naming him Ringo and letting him take bows at their shows. Vocalist and guitarist Seth "Xeth" Fineberg, bassist Kris "Trip" Thompson, and guitarist Mike "Doc" Michaud were subsequently joined by humans - the legendary Egg Al, Tony Serrato, and Billy Brahm, who'll be flying back from Oregon for their May 2 appearance at Ralph's as part of the Wormtown 25th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. If you've never heard their music, you'll be able to hear a taste of Prefabedelia and an interview with Thompson later this week at WDOA.com. Right now, let's catch up with Trip and how the scattered across the USA Prefabs are preparing for their upcoming appearance.

WORMTOWN.ORG: You always kept close ties with Worcester even though you've actually been gone, what since 1985 or so and what part of the city or music scene keeps your attention and what does it offer that you can't find closer to Beantown?

KRIS "TRIP" THOMPSON: I'm impressed by the down-to-earth, "real" nature of the bands and fans - people are just there to have a good time and share their music with each other. They're not so concerned with proving how cool they are.

WORMTOWN.ORG: What do you think, as we hit the humble 25, will be the lasting legacy of what is known as Wormtown?

KRIS "TRIP" THOMPSON: This may be colored by having been there in the early days, but my first impression is of a certain rock "authenticity". The Wormtown punk bands had their own idea of how to do things, and didn't wait around to check the trends first. On the constructively critical side, there's always been a lot a lot going on in town, but not always a connected community - even of like-minded people. I'm really impressed with how Wormtown.org has made up for lost time with regard to that.

WORMTOWN.ORG: How are the Prefabs preparing for their appearance at Ralph's and what kind of special accompanying effects (such as the slide show you had with you for the 20th Anniversary show) will be joining you?

KRIS "TRIP" THOMPSON: It's tough, because Doc and I are near Boston, Xerox is in NYC, and Billy's in Oregon! Doc and I have gotten together a few times, and just last weekend Xerox came up to work out a set list with us. We recorded ourselves and are sending Billy a copy to listen to. Also, Billy's familiar with the 'Devolver' CD, so that helps. Billy's flying in the morning of the show, so we're not going to have a proper rehearsal other than the sound check! Still -- it should be good - somehow Special effects? Some kind of entertaining light show for sure - I don't want to give too much away - but our vintage handheld Casiotone keyboard/drum-machine ("Ringo" to long-time fans) will be representin' for sure...

WORMTOWN.ORG: Besides your own performance, what part of the WT25 proceedings are you most looking forward to?

KRIS "TRIP" THOMPSON: I'm going to try to be there for as much of it as I can - How often do 25th Anniversaries come, after all? My girlfriend's birthday is May 2; she's looking forward to the show too, and we'll catch up with our private celebration *after* the weekend.