US band The Casualties rescheduled their Australian tour for November 2011. Mary Boukouvalas caught up with drummer, Marc "Meggers" Eggers, to discuss politics, touring and what Australian fans can expect from the upcoming tour.

I realise you’ve just come back from a European tour. How did that go?
We actually just went to Spain for 1 show, a festival. It was fun. Other than the rain that occurred just during our set only. Shared the storage with the UK subs, and heard a lot of great Spanish bands for the first time.

Are you having a break at home at the moment? Relaxing or working on new material ahead of your Australian tour?
A little bit of both. Just got home so we will take a short break. Then head into our practice spot to work on a set list for our upcoming shows and continue writing new songs.

Have you been to Australia before?
Never. After all these years and touring almost non-stop, for some reason we have never made it there. I can’t wait for the experience.

When did you come to join the band? How did it happen?
I joined in late 1995. I was friends without the band and was in another band called The Rivits, with at the time Jorge’s girlfriend. They were having trouble with their drummer and asked me if I wanted to fill the gap. I said yes, and here I am about 16 years later, still powering through.

The four of you, as the band stands now, have continued to work together since 1999. What are some of the things that have helped you all remain in the group?
We are friends. We all have our little differences, but we care about each other and accept one another. And of the most important thing other then friendship, are the fans. The people who come out time after time, and continue their support. It means everything to us.

Why do you think The Casualties have survived for so long? What advice would you give new bands to help them maintain the essential elements of unison within a group?
This is our lives. Been doing it so long, it is what we love, and what we know best. My advice would be to just have fun with it. Don't start a band for any other reason. And if you plan on touring, be prepared to lose money, but have the time of your life and stories to tell your grand children.

Over the period of time The Casualties has been around, about two decades now, what lasting impact do you think you've had on the punk scene – not just in New York but internationally?
I’m not sure exactly, but I've heard a 100 times from kids everywhere: "You guys are the band that got me into punk" or, "You guys are my bands biggest influence". It’s still so strange to hear, but it makes me feel like, ok, this something more than me having fun, doing what I love. These kids are actually listening.

What are your favourite Casualties’ songs? Why?
"Unknown Soldier". I’m a huge fan of the "woahs" Plus, it’s one of the few slower songs we play, so my arms get a bit of a rest.

How do you think music fits into the world of politics?
They have to fit in. It is important for bands with a following to bring issues to the table that a younger generation may not know or have any concern for. Then it’s up to the listener, to see how they feel with it. I’ve always believed that politics need to be in punk rock, but don't get me wrong, I love a good old fashioned ridiculous drunk punk band as well.

What has been the hardest part of being an active punk band for so long?
Being gone so often you miss out on a lot. Whether it’s missing your son’s first steps, being dumped on the road by a long term girlfriend, or not being able to go to your good friends wedding. Seems we miss out on a lot of important stuff like this. But when you're all in this together you cannot be selfish, you automatically have 3 other people to think of.

Many say that The Casualties has influenced people to leave their suburban upper middle class families and live as a street punk, living under bridges and sleeping in the streets. How do you feel about these allegations, not about only your band, but the whole genre of street punk music?
Really? I have never heard that. And it is not my place to say what to do with your life. You want to leave mom and dad to see what street life is like? Go ahead. You want to stay home, and live the good life off parents, go ahead. It’s all about a person’s own choices. I live for me, my band and my family that’s it. I will not judge.

How do you think your music has changed over the years? Do you think there are particular styles/genres that you’ve incorporated into your classic street punk genre?
For one, we can actually play our instruments these days...well….kind of. We have learned a lot over the years, especially from our record producers, Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore. Yes, we all love all genres of music, and of course that’s going to seep into your sound somehow. You can hear it in our last record with new melodies, some thrash and reggae put into it.

For the Australian tour, are you releasing anything else, any limited edition tour packages, or are you promoting your latest, We Are All We Have? What are your favourite tracks from the album, We Are All We Have?
Since it’s our first time there, I think we are going over just to show people that we exist and we will rock your socks off. Favourite tracks…hmmm… "Love", "War is Business", "We Are All We Have", and "Rise and Fall". I’m pretty proud of that record so it’s hard to say.

The Casualties have been touring for years. How much of the year do you spend touring?
Depends, I would say we average about 8 months a year on the road.

Of all the places you go on tour what's your personal favourite place? I’m sure the next time you are asked that question, you will say Melbourne!
Yeah? I hope so. I love playing in Japan. The people are just so respectful and fun. I always have a blast going there.

How do you find that your recorded songs translate in the live environment?
They are a bit sloppier, and faster. But makes for a great high energy show. Come out and see for yourselves. You'll have a good time. And, the more you drink the better we sound.

You’ve really embrace the social media. I should know because suddenly you were following me on Twitter. Your tweets are a lot of fun – and documented your recent European tour. Who does all the tweeting?
I’m glad you enjoy them. I get twit-faced from time to time and write up a little nugget of laughter.

I know the saying is: “What happens on tour stays on tour” but are there any “fun” stories you could share with aureview?
I shit myself driving a couple years ago. I was so close to making it to the next truck stop, less than a mile. But no dice, made a mess in my pants and everyone was gagging. I got left at a truck stop in Kansas last year. I called our tour manager a 100 times and he thought I was pocket dialling him cause he saw a big lump (my pillow and blanket, not me) in my bunk and just kept driving. SUCKED!!!!!!

If you had to put together a festival of bands, old and new, who would you include in the line-up and why?
Aus-Rotten, The Stap Onz, Clit 45, The Unseen, Krum Bums, Antidote, and Motorhead. Just so me and my closest band friends could play and party with all our favourite band.

So what’s next for you guys?
Going to get a drink right now. Then some local shows coming up at the end of the month. Finally coming to Australia and south east Asia in November. Working on a new record and releasing it sometime in 2012. Touring with The English Dogs in February. Just keeping busy and doing what we love to do.

We cannot wait to see you down here very soon… what can Australian fans expect from your tour?
A lot of high speed, energetic, loud punk rock. Followed up by a massive hangover.

Any closing comments?
Can’t wait for the tour, sorry we had to postpone it, but we will be there and rock our hardest for you all. Really looking forward to it. Cheers.

Thanks again for your time. See you at the Melbourne show!