Podcast Title: takin' a walk
Episode: Redd Kross: "Born Innocent and Still Rockin with the McDonald Brothers"
Host: Buzz Knight, iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "takin' a walk," host Buzz Knight sits down with Jeffrey and Stephen McDonald, the dynamic brother duo behind the influential punk rock band Red Cross. The conversation delves into their new documentary, "Born Innocent and Still Rockin," exploring the band's storied history, their impact on the punk and grunge scenes, and the enduring legacy they've built over four decades.

Journey Through Music History

[03:36] Peter Tilden: "Welcome to matinee idols to the Taking a Walk podcast."

Jeffrey and Stephen begin by sharing the genesis of their band during their teenage years. They reminisced about opening for legendary acts like Black Flag and navigating the tumultuous music landscape of the late '70s and '80s.

[06:14] Stephen McDonald:
"There was a director who started working on the documentary, but it fizzled out after some time. Eight years ago, Andrew Reich, former showrunner of Friends, reached out to us. Despite his mainstream background, he had a deep love for underground culture, which perfectly aligned with our story."

[07:42] Buzz Knight:
"Andrew was very into hardcore punk, which I only recently discovered."

The brothers highlight Andrew Reich's pivotal role in bringing their story to the screen, emphasizing his passion for hardcore punk and underground culture that resonated with Red Cross's ethos.

Early Days and Band Formation

[08:22] Stephen McDonald:
"We can't take credit for our parents' support; it was just naturally what they brought to the table."

Growing up in a neighborhood devoid of musical influences, Jeffrey and Stephen found solace and purpose in forming Red Cross. They discuss their early experiments, including a failed attempt to perform Ted Nugent's "Snakeskin Cowboy" during a junior high talent show—a moment that underscored their commitment to authenticity in their music.

[09:30] Stephen McDonald:
"I felt that the lyrics were too stupid. It's that feeling—when something comes across that makes you think, 'I can't sell this.' That's been with me ever since." [09:30]

This early rejection of insincere or poorly crafted music set the tone for Red Cross's dedication to meaningful and genuine artistic expression.

Influences and Musical Evolution

The brothers delve into their musical influences, notably Grand Funk Railroad, David Bowie, and the punk scene. They recount memorable encounters and the profound impact these artists had on their own music.

[12:09] Buzz Knight:
"We liked Grand Funk Railroad, but we kind of just discovered their first two acid rock albums. The spirit of the '76 Grand Funk was more the '70s version." [12:09]

[34:21] Stephen McDonald:
"David Bowie had a huge impact on us. Borrowing our uncle's copy of 'Ziggy Stardust' changed us in many ways." [34:21]

[36:45] Buzz Knight:
"The documentary made us realize connections we had forgotten, like Bowie being present when we played our first nightclub show." [36:45]

Their discussion highlights a blend of mainstream and underground influences that shaped Red Cross's unique sound, navigating shifts from glam rock to punk and grunge.

Documentary Creation and Storytelling

Creating "Born Innocent and Still Rockin" was a journey filled with challenges and revelations. The McDonald brothers discuss the complexities of translating their decades-long journey into a cohesive narrative.

[06:00] Peter Tilden:
"The documentary is so wonderful. Tell me how it came together." [06:00]

[16:32] Peter Tilden:
"You guys have been around since you were 15 and 11. Did you ever imagine the band would last this long?" [16:32]

[21:43] Stephen McDonald:
"The documentary offered a lot of inspiration for me. Watching our story unfold was both funny and heavy, intertwined with musical and personal elements." [21:43]

The brothers credit Andrew Reich's organizational skills for weaving together the myriad "rabbit holes" of their history into an engaging and accessible documentary.

Band Dynamics and Personal Relationships

The episode sheds light on the intricate dynamics between Jeffrey and Stephen, emphasizing their brotherly bond and the balance of their creative processes.

[43:50] Buzz Knight:
"We are best friends, but we can also really get on each other's nerves. It's normal, and we recover quickly from disagreements." [43:50]

[46:50] Buzz Knight:
"Stephen's very analytical, and sometimes I'm flighty and go with my first creative impulse. Stephen encourages me to take a beat before deciding, which balances our approach." [46:50]

This synergy allows Red Cross to innovate continuously, avoiding creative ruts and fostering a collaborative environment where diverse ideas flourish.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

As Red Cross celebrates over forty years in the music industry, Jeffrey and Stephen reflect on their legacy and ongoing projects.

[47:59] Buzz Knight:
"The movie, the album, and our book all fit together. If people see, read, or listen, there's more to explore." [47:59]

[49:09] Stephen McDonald:
"The documentary serves as a great entrance into our world. Our new double album offers a comprehensive cross-section of our capabilities, complementing the film and book." [49:09]

They encourage listeners to engage with all aspects of their work—documentary, music, and literature—to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of their artistic journey.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on their journey, the support from their families, and the enduring passion that keeps Red Cross relevant in today's music scene.

[51:11] Buzz Knight:
"Thanks for having us. It was fun." [51:11]

Jeffrey and Stephen leave listeners with an invitation to explore their documentary, music, and book, promising a rich and multifaceted experience into the world of Red Cross.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen McDonald at [09:30]:
  "I felt that the lyrics were too stupid. It's that feeling—when something comes across that makes you think, 'I can't sell this.'"

• Buzz Knight at [12:09]:
  "We liked Grand Funk Railroad, but we kind of just discovered their first two acid rock albums."

• Stephen McDonald at [34:21]:
  "Borrowing our uncle's copy of 'Ziggy Stardust' changed us in many ways."

• Buzz Knight at [43:50]:
  "We are best friends, but we can also really get on each other's nerves. It's normal, and we recover quickly from disagreements."

• Stephen McDonald at [49:09]:
  "The documentary serves as a great entrance into our world. Our new double album offers a comprehensive cross-section of our capabilities."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into the lives and legacy of Jeffrey and Stephen McDonald, providing fans and newcomers alike with an intimate look at the artistry, challenges, and triumphs of Red Cross. Through candid conversations and nostalgic anecdotes, the brothers illuminate the enduring spirit that drives their music and storytelling.

Listen to the episode on iHeartRadio or Apple Podcasts to embark on this musical journey with Red Cross.