Interviewing Roger Davis {November 2010 Issue}

[THE REPORTER]

In this month's exclusive interview, we have the opportunity to talk with Roger Davis of Alphabet City, here to tell us a little about his experiences as a musician, former drug addict, and contracter of AIDS.

Good morning Mr. Davis, it's a pleasure to be speaking with you today. How are you feeling? And please, have a seat. We can begin whenever you're ready.

[ROGER DAVIS]

Hey. I'm feeling okay. As good as I can feel, I guess? How're you? And it's really cool that you're doing this. I mean, New York Times, huh? I've got a dozen people that woulda never thought that. *Roger sits, laughs slightly, and then brings his knees up against his chest in the chair* I'm not used to these without a camera.

[THE REPORTER]

I'm fine, thank you. And I'm glad you agreed to this interview with us. Do you want anything to drink? If not, let's begin, shall we?

[ROGER DAVIS]

I'll admit, I thought it was a joke when I heard you were looking for me. I mean, me? In the Times? Biggest thing I've been in was the Village Voice, and that was like a two paragraph blurb, so as you can guess, I'm a little surprised.

And water'd be cool.

[THE REPORTER]

*pours glass of water and hands to Roger*

Well, Mr. Davis, many readers are more interested in these types of interviews than, let's say, purely political ones. Last month one of my colleagues interviewed a teenager-- Ponyboy something? Interesting name, he had-- living on the East side of Windrixville. You might've read it. Surprisingly, citizens were quite interested, and naturally your fans will be more than happy to read about you in the paper as well.

And that leads us to my first question. Your fans. What was their reaction to the knowledge of your disease?

[ROGER DAVIS]

Thanks. *Roger takes a drink of the water* Yeah, I glanced over it. I met the boy actually in Central Park. He's a good kid.

Well...I mean, fans is a real like...strange word, isn't it? I mean, I'm not saying I sold out Madison Square Garden by any means. I sold out CBGB's and the Pyramid Club at one point in my life. We didn't get on the billboard, but in Alphabet City, I was famous. So I mean, did I have fans? I don't know. I have people who know songs that I've written, but I doubt I have people with my picture on their wall. And I've been out of the game for a while. I haven't actually played a full set with a band in--well, last week was the first time I played in almost three years.

I guess I really didn't answer your question. The people that came to my shows...I don't really care what they think. My friends? The true people who were my fans? Well...I mean, they were shocked. They're still shocked. But it doesn't change their views on me.

If other people wanna think bad about me because I'm sick or whatever...then whatever. They can.

[THE REPORTER]

I'm sure nobody's blaming you for being sick.

You mentioned starting up again last week after a three year hiatus? What influenced this decision?

[ROGER DAVIS]

There's plenty of people in New York that wouldn't even walk on the other side of the street if they saw me simply because I have AIDS. It's a fact of life right now.

Um, I sorta just...got bored. I wish I could give you some sort of reason, but I got bored was the main reason. My girlfriend and I had talked about it, too. I got some things off my chest and out of my life, and I missed playing on stage. I missed the rush. Plus, we needed the money, so what better way than getting a paying gig?

[THE REPORTER]

I see. Just out of curiosity, is there anything you'd like to say to the general public that you've never gotten the chance to express before? If so, now would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[ROGER DAVIS]

Um, I'd actually like to, you know, mention about the Mayor's new policies on cutting health care and medical funding, 'speshally to the poor. I mean, I'm not a politician by any means, but it just seems...unfair. I mean, I know people who rely on that health care to survive, and it's suddenly cut after years of being in effect? It's not fair.

But then again, what do I know? I just know that if it's gone, there's going to be alot of sick people in Alphabet City and in New York in general, not to mention more deaths. Does the Mayor really want that on his conscious?

Just...forget it. I'm just some pretty boy front man who doesn't know shit about politics. Can we talk about something else?

[THE REPORTER]

No, I'm sure there are many out there who share the same opinion as you. This is the point of an interview-- To speak out about things you believe should be heard.

But of course, if you really feel uncomfortable with the topic we could discuss something else.

[ROGER DAVIS]

It's just that I've seen so many people screwed to the point of--of near death by just missing a month of their meds. Imagine not getting them at all. I mean, I use the free health care we have in this city. That's my lifeline. If they totally cut that and I'm not able to get medication anymore for my disease? The Mayor's just signed death certificates for a shitload of people, is all.

I just get really...upset at stuff like that. But yeah, let's talk about something else. I don't want people to think I spend my time on a soapbox.

[THE REPORTER]

Okay. So, if you don't mind me asking, could you briefly describe for us your series of experiences with drugs and AIDS, as of today? Of course you can omit anything too personal.

[ROGER DAVIS]

My experiences? Well..I mean, I was a good kid and stuff. I mean, I come from a mainly single-parent home, but that doesn't mean that it made me do drugs or whatever some people think. I mean, I was in a band. I started doing coke 'cause I saw how it picked other guys up. It kept me awake for shows when my body wanted to crash. My girlfriend actually got me onto heroin and at first it was just a once in a while thing that sorta spiraled, y'know? I was doing coke to stay up and party and heroin to come down during the day.

*Roger lifts his shoulder in a shrug*

And of course, I thought I could stop. Every addict thinks they have the ability to stop. And I knew I was killing myself. I just couldn't stop after a while. It just got to be too much. You don't mind if I smoke, do you?"

*Roger takes a breath in, before digging into his jacket pocket and pulling out a pack of cigarettes. He lights one, sucks in a drag and exhales.*

And the AIDS thing...well, I'm experiencing it every day. That's the best I can say about it. Every day is an adventure. Most of the times it's really shitty, but I have decent days. You're alive, is what they say at Life Support. You're alive, so just in that moment, your day is wonderful. Sometimes I think it's a bunch of bullshit, but whatever. I'm alive. It's a plus.

[THE REPORTER]

You have an inspiring attitude. What is it that keeps you so optimistic?