When I launched the original Hellride Music site back in 2001, there was only one name that came to mind for the logo: Jeff Gaither. No one else creates art quite like him — a wild, provocative collision of chaos and precision, where over-the-top cartoon horror fuses with raw rock ’n’ roll attitude. Picture the searing neon of ’70s psychedelic posters smashed together with Famous Monsters of Filmland and EC Comics while on acid. And you’d be only halfway there.
Gaither has done art for Misfits, The Gates of Slumber, Guns N’ Roses, and The Accused, to the infamous GG Allin. His canvas isn’t limited to paper, either. He’s unleashed his vision on album covers, gig posters, skate decks, sculptures, and even toys. The dude is a creative juggernaut
When I asked Jeff to reimagine the logo for the latest version of Hellride Music, I got to know him a bit better – (this part I’ll fill in with bits and pieces gleaned from the interview.
Jeff, thanks for taking the time out for this interview, you’re a busy dude and it’s much appreciated. You and I are of similar vintage, which means we probably grew up with the same media… 70’s horror, monster mags, comics (both traditional and underground comix), Big Daddy Roth, Cracked, Mad Magazine, etc. Tell us how you got to where you are – what started you down the path as an artist? Is there a single defining moment or was it more of a lengthy process?
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