Pep-Rock: Could you please tell us your name and what you do in the band?

Johnny: Johnny “Rock” Lynch and I play drums in the band.

Pep-Rock: How did u come up with the name of the band?

Johnny: It’s actually a quote from a monk by the name of Thomas Merton. At the end of his poem, Merton writes, “Be anything you like, be madmen, drunk, and bastards of every shape and form, but at all costs avoid one thing …success. Joe thought of the name.

Pep-Rock: How did you guys all meet?

Johnny: Well, I met Joe through a Boston producer friend of ours. My good buddy David Minehan recommended me to Joe. I auditioned and got the gig on the spot. I met Amy at the audition. She was already in the band.

Pep-Rock: How did you guys enjoy the tour in the UK ?

Johnny: I think we all enjoyed ourselves…I know I did!!! It was cool to also tour with the same two bands, Second Monday and Not Katies, for all five shows. Big thanks to the Furber family…hi guys!!!

Pep-Rock How come at the London show it was your gig but in the end Not Katies ended up headlining the evening?

Johnny: We asked them to play last. It wasn’t a big thing or anything. We asked them and they said sure. We rotated each night, the rest of the tour. They would headline one night and we’d do the next.

Pep-Rock: What’s the best and worst thing about being in the UK ?

Johnny: Best: Free beer and reefs!!! Worst: Not able to find any beer or reefs!!!

Pep-Rock: How’s everything going with the new album?

Johnny: You’re talking about “ Chopstick Bridge ”

Pep-Rock: Yeah

Johnny: Well, it’s been out in stores since May. I think it’s a really good record that reflects where we were musically at the time. You have to keep in mind that we had just lost our former guitarist and had a tour coming up with the Dropkicks. We got a friend to fill in for the tour and came home, realizing that we had studio time coming up. We played a few times as a trio and it just fit. We said “fuck it…that’s record the record as a trio!!!” and that’s all she wrote.

Pep-Rock: How has the fan’s reaction been to the new stuff?

Johnny: Good. I mean we usually play half of the first album and half of “Chopstick.” In Europe and the UK , we got to play longer sets so we dusted off tunes like Renegade, Watching Us Anyways, Armbands and Braids and Pop Punk Band. We also played a few brand new tunes as well.

Pep-Rock: So what’s your opinion on the result of the US election?

Johnny: I’m upset. I voted for Kerry. I think the US needed a change and Kerry was the man for the job.

Pep-Rock: What’s the plan for Avoid One Thing in 2005?

Johnny: To rock and roll all night and party everyday!!! More touring. Hopefully, we’ll be heading out again in February. I hope we’re able to come back to Europe and the UK too. It would be great if we could get a support slot on a big tour!!!

Pep-Rock: Do you guys having last comments or closing statements?

Johnny: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” “if it stinks, put it on ice,” and “have a good time all the time!!!”

Pep-Rock: Cheers