One of the most entertaining shows on the planet – Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque – is headed for the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul tonight. TCM had a chance to talk to Suicide Girls founder Missy Suicide before tonight’s show. Photos are courtesy of: Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque
There are still some tickets available HERE
TCM: Thank you so much for making time to talk with us. Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque is coming to the Amsterdam tomorrow. This is the first and largest tour that is entirely managed by Suicide Girls.
Missy Suicide: Yes, so we are doing the whole tour on our own. We book the tour, choreograph on our own and its fully Suicide Girls staffed. Our Tour Manager, assistant, DJ, merch girl, everybody is a Suicide Girl.
TCM: That’s cool, knowing the concert circuit is male dominated, have there been issues or a learning curve?
MS: I think as women we are kind of used to dealing with the occasional idiot once in a while, and we know how to stay strong and be firm. But it’s been amazing how graceful and wonderful the staff at all the venues has been. Everybody has been pretty awesome on the road.
TCM: I have to confess, I am somewhat of a noob when it comes to burlesque. I covered a local punk themed show and it was different and a lot more fun than I was expecting.
MS: Yeah, they are sexy, and silly, and fun. Our goal is to have a really fun, entertaining experience. It should make everybody feel good, it’s impossible to leave the show without a smile on your face.
TCM: You started Suicide Girls about 15 years ago, did you think you would still be doing this 15 years later?
MS: (laughs) No, at that point I hadn’t been in a job for more than 6 months. I am so happy that Suicide Girls are still going strong, that we resonate with so many people all over the world, and that has allowed us to continue, spread and grow so much, and bring happiness and joy to so many people.
TCM: What were some of the biggest changes that you have seen since Suicide Girls started?
MS: People understanding and not being afraid to share on social media. When we started there was not Facebook, Instagram or Tumblr. Everybody thought the Internet was just for perverts and murderers and you had to check in on your computer at home, now everyone has the internet in their pocket. It’s been crazy to watch the acceptance of tattoos and piercings and the fact that beauty standards have become more diverse and accepting. And up until this last election I would have said that women’s’ rights over their bodies have progressed a lot. But well, you know, two steps forward, and one step back. Hopefully this will embolden everybody and make them realize that we have not come as far as we thought.
TCM: It’s interesting listening to you that a lot of the thinking behind Suicide Girls is more of a community than a way to generate revenue.
MS: Yeah, we try to hire from within. Whenever possible we hire Suicide Girls to handle all of our jobs, as recruiters, publicists, coordinators. We try to make as many opportunities for women as we can. If you are asking a Suicide Girl, what her favorite part about being a Suicide Girl is, she will tell you, it’s the friendships that she’s made. It brings together a group of women in this supportive, non-competitive environment. Relationships flourish and people become very close, very fast, even if they have never met in person.
TCM: Your current Blackheart Burlesque show has a Bowie/Prince tribute number in it. Any special thoughts about performing that number in Prince’s Hometown?
MS: Oh, Wow! But yeah, Prince is one of my big influences. I remember seeing Purple Rain when I was ten, which is probably a bit too young. But he was a bold individual, and just and incredible talent and it will be an honor to play in his hometown.
TCM: Thank you, one last silly question that we ask pretty much everyone we interview. If you were to rob a bank, run out with the money, jump into your car, and ride off into the sunset. What would your getaway song be?
MS: “Today”, by the Smashing Pumpkins. That was the first song that played on the radio after I got my driver’s license. It’s kind of a good luck charm.
TCM: Great choice! Thank you for your time. Any thoughts on Thursday’s show?
MS: Everyone should come out to see us, and remember, the girls perform best when it’s loud, so be bold!
