In this interview is with Kim Warnick of The Fastbacks.. Kim talks about her early days, opening for Pearl Jam and her retirement from music. 

Punk Globe: when did you begin playing music, Kim?

Kim: My parents made me take piano lessons when I was young, maybe 10 or 11? I hated it, but now am grateful that they did that for me, because I still remember all the chords! I really wanted to play guitar so they finally bought me an acoustic guitar and bought me lessons, which I did quit that day because it was not rock music. After that they rented a Strat copy and a small amp that I blew out the same day due to Volume! The fuse had been lit. They helped.

Punk Globe: when did The Fastbacks form? Please tell us the story.

Kim: Fastbacks formed in 1979. Kurt, Lulu and myself all went to the same high school and became friends and at that time punk rock had started and we loved all those early punk bands so we decided to form our band with Kurt on drums, me on bass and Lulu on guitar and vocals. I didn't sing in the early incarnation until a bit later on. Kurt was actually a guitarist so we decided to get a drummer and that was a young Duff Mckagan (15 years old!) Who lived around the corner from our house., Or The Fastback house.

That was when our band really got started I feel. Having Kurt on his actual instrument  made all the difference. He lasted maybe less than a year and is on our first single, if you can find it!!! Fun days.

Punk Globe: Pearl jam liked The Fastbacks. How did you meet those guys?

Kim: We knew Pearl jam because we were all in bands at the same time, well before PJ happened. It was a small scene in Seattle, back in those days, so most of the people who were at your gigs were your friends. When I showed up everything changed and we all know that story. They are still great friends and we were all so happy that they took us on tour with them in 1996!!! Europe was a blast as was playing for such huge crowds, something  that rarely happened for us.

Punk Globe: why did the Fastbacks break up?

Kim: We're still here but just didn't play live shows at the time. We've recorded a couple of songs though. Last show we played here was August 13(?) at the Sub Pop anniversary party/show on Alk Beach which was an all day affair with so many great bands: new and old, and a shit ton of people showed up!!! Free show/party on the beach all day.

Punk Globe: could you tell us about your new band Cali Giraffes?

Kim: I no longer have a "new band". We made one record and that was that.

It was a very toxic situation and it's best left in the rear view at this time.

I still think we made a good record though. I had moved on...

Punk Globe: any future plans and projects?

Kim: In closing I have no plans to be in a band anymore. Iam more than happy being a mere civilian at this point!!!

Punk Globe: why did The Fastbacks break up?

Kim: I quit the band AND all music in 2004 or 2005, I forget. I quit Fastbacks in 2001, I think?. And then made Visqueen my full time gig, a band that I stayed in until 2004. That is when I "retired" and also I learned to never use that word again!!! Never say never is a much better way to put things.