MUDHONEY: STEVE TURNER On Surviving Seattle Without Losing The Plot

MUDHONEY: STEVE TURNER On Surviving Seattle Without Losing The Plot

Author: HEAVY Magazine September 15, 2026 Duration: 28:22
Interview by Ali Williams
Australia has been claiming a little piece of MUDHONEY for longer than most of the world had worked out exactly what to call them. The Seattle band first made it down here in 1990, possibly becoming the first of the emerging grunge contingent to do so. Speaking with HEAVY, guitarist Steve Turner still has a fairly simple correction for anyone getting too enthusiastic with the historical labels. “We still think of ourselves as a punk band.” 
That distinction probably explains quite a lot about MUDHONEY. Formed in 1988, they had records out and were already touring before Nirvana and Pearl Jam became global names. They were there before Seattle became an international obsession, remained there while record companies went looking for the next band wearing old clothes and carrying a distortion pedal, and kept playing after the attention moved elsewhere. Turner remembers the explosion around his friends with far more amusement than envy. MUDHONEY were already earning enough to tour, pay their bills and continue making music, an achievement that was hardly standard operating procedure for a Seattle band at the time. Then everything around them became enormous very quickly. 
"I was happy where I was at. I don’t want to be a rock star. I never wanted to be a rock star or anything. I just want to play some music.” Watching friends become extremely famous only strengthened that opinion. “I definitely don’t want that. I want one paycheck. Give me one of your paychecks and I’ll be happy.” Fair. Fame optional, cheque accepted.
Full interview and write up heavymag.com.au


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Dive straight into the raw, unfiltered conversations happening behind the amplifiers and drum kits. HEAVY Music Interviews, straight from the team at HEAVY Magazine, pulls you backstage and into the green room for genuine talks with the most compelling voices in rock, punk, metal, and the wider heavy music landscape. This isn't about polished press releases; it's where artists open up about the craft of a crushing riff, the stories behind an iconic album, and the realities of life on the road. Each episode delivers a new perspective, whether it's a legendary frontman reflecting on decades of noise or a breakthrough band explaining their explosive sound. You'll hear the passion and personality that fuels the music, directly from the musicians creating it. For anyone who lives for the energy of a heavy track and wants to know the people behind it, this podcast serves as a regular, essential connection. Tune in for authentic discussions that go far beyond the surface, keeping you directly plugged into the heart of the scene.
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