Punk drummer, producer, guitarist, artist, activist, comic-strip illustrator—British-born Chicago resident Jon Langford is a prolific creator. In his latest multimedia endeavor, he addresses the moral and political issues surrounding the death penalty. Taking time out of his busy schedule, Langford recently answered some of life’s most—or possibly, least—pressing questions.
Describe a recent dream you had in 15 words or less.
Panic, late for school, arms not long enough to reach my guitar.
What do you wish to have done with your mortal remains when you die?
I’d like to be stuffed and mounted on Roy Rogers’ horse, Trigger.
What’s one of your guilty pleasures?
The Bee Gees.
What three items can always be found in your refrigerator?
Flood-damaged books, half a jar of Patak’s vindaloo curry paste, Bermuda Stone ginger beer.
What are you obsessing about these days?
Darwin.
What’s your most vivid memory from childhood?
Sitting on a barstool in the Cambrian Arms in Croesyceiliog, South Wales, at 8 in the morning while my grandmother and my Aunty Alice the landlady cleaned up and lit a fire.
What are you afraid of?
Organized religion, giant bloodsucking earwigs, clowns delivering pizza.
What global issue most excites or angers you?
I think future generations will look back on the huge economic disparities between the rich and poor nations of the world today with something like the revulsion we currently feel for slavery or cannibalism. That’s if there are any future generations . . .
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