EDNA LEE

Mother of Tony Lee (Railroad Jerk)

Edna: When he was like ten months old he would play the guitar. He was so cute! It was a toy one, you know. Then when he was seven, he really got into it. As he grew up, that's all he wanted to do... except at one point he wanted to be a stuntman.

So you weren't really surprised when he started playing in bands?

I was kinda upset over it, but I'm cool with it now. If that's what he wants, I support him. I just hope he can make it. I play the cassette he sent me all the time. In fact, I told him I can sing all their songs now (laughs)!

On their new record?

Yeah. You know, you hear how bands are a dime a dozen these days, just like movie stars. When he left for NY, I was very upset but now I say, "Anthony, follow your dreams!" When he was in school, he played in a band called Heathen's Rage. I'd go to their shows and sell t-shirts for them. But I never thought it would come to anything serious.

Did he have any heroes early on?

He was into Jimi Hendrix. So was his brother. I mean, who didn't like Jimi Hendrix! I think they got that all from me 'cause I love music. You know who else he liked was the Kiss. Remember them? In fact he had the dolls, he still has them! Also he liked the Beatles; he drew pictures of John Lennon. One Halloween he made his own costume and it was exactly like one of those guys.

Have you been into any Railroad Jerk shows?

No, because they're always so far. I know they play at that one place. What's it called? Heebee Geebee's?

CBGB's, yeah.

But I would love to see them play. I've met the other guys. They were here, so I know them all. They really travel to a lot of places, don't they?

Yeah, they're really a great live band.

You've seen them?

Yeah, I'm a fan.

What do you think? Are they going to make it? Do you think they're good enough?

Oh, I think they're great. I think one of the things they're combatting right now is their second record wasn't nearly as good as this one and so ....(long record company-type response)

Well, I'm hoping. I hope I see him become a star before I die!

Does he have a day job?

No, he's just doing the band. But he's married, you know that, don't you?

(lying) Yeah.

His wife is Tomoya, she's Japanese, I love her! She's a wonderful person, she's footing all the bills.