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by
Michelle Carr
This
interview was originally published
in the September 11, 1997 Velvet Hammer
souvenir programme.
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Anton LaVey--the
mere mention of his name conjures up images of the misunderstood
Church of Satan, liaisons with the late Jayne Mansfield and
the infamous “Black House.”
However, there is a very little known fact about this pioneering
and enigmatic man--a fact that prompted our interest and pursuit
of the high priest of the Church of Satan.
Russ Meyer seemed to be an obvious, however, tantalizing first
choice, but when met with many puzzled expressions from our
peers as to why we are interviewing this year’s fascinating
subject it “sweetened the pot,” if you will, exposing
one of the most influential career moves that is a great portion
of the philosophy behind the Church of Satan.
After reading this interview, you will find that you probably
have more in common with the doctor than you ever imagined.
Anton LaVey: Was Russ [Meyer] reticent
about the tape recorders?
Velvet Hammer:
A friend of mine who writes for Juxtapoz magazine interviewed
him over the phone.
Anton LaVey: I tend to clam up with
a tape recorder in front of me--I hesitate for prudent reasons,
so I don’t say as much. As you probably know, [Meyer’s]
gotten more eccentric as he’s gotten older. I was impressed
with the format of the Russ Meyer interview and with the context
of the show [Velvet Hammer].
Velvet Hammer:
Oh, why thank you. How did you two cross paths?
Anton LaVey:
We were both working for Pete De Cenzie, the owner of the El
Rey Burlesque. Russ was commissioned to do a movie in the El
Rey [French Peep Show]. Pete had his own starring role, a very
striking dynamic appearance, as much as any burly q could possibly
have. He’d just embarked on a civilian career, his baptism,
it involved filming the dance routines and the comics and the
audience. It was a good little film, the direct predecessor
to the Immoral Mr. Teas, the film that put him on the map. Our
paths crossed that way. He liked pulchritude, he liked glamour,
I guess it showed in his entire life.
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