like most bands the line-up been overhauled a few times as well as their sound.Over the years we've been played on locals only radio show[on KXCI] many times,featured on Zia records comp vol.2,and for almost 3 years [and still counting] we have 2 songs in the top 20 at www.tammies.com [the tucson weekly grammy's].We've played various clubs in Tucson Ariz.,Phoenix Ariz,New Mexico and California.

some words about Ted Riviera's Gunrunners via ZIA Records

“a band from Tucson called The Gunrunners, and the lead track from their cd was titled no less than SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BAND. Please Jesus, we thought, do not let this song suck. Talk about a title to sum up everything these compilations are about. Turns out it not only did not suck, but was also an upbeat, energetic track that set a positive tone for everything to follow. Instant CD opener. Hands down. The lyrics are great, as they really illustrate how being in a local band trying to make it may be the worst fun you ever have in this life. Bands hate comparisons to other bands with good reason, but these guys sound like they could have come out of L.A. in the seventies, or the bar down the street in Tucson last night. It's a good thing. Support Your Local Band. And God Bless The Gunrunners. ”

The GUNRUNNERS are a power trio, sometimes a 4 piece that play a punk fueled desert rock.

Why this name?

the band's name was going to be "APACHE GUNRUNNERS" but after long thought it was shorten to " THE GUNRUNNERS".The idea behind the name is,that gunrunners use to sell guns and supplies to the American Indians to help them fight agaisnt the people who were oppressing them.

Do you play live?

yes, mostly in Tucson Az.,I love playing live.One special moment i have is playing with one of my influences RICH HOPKINS, and members of his luminarios. [i.e. JIM HOWELL, E.E. MENDOZA, GREG GOODE {R.I.P.}, KEN ANDRE, LISA NOVAK]

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

in a good way and bad, it's made music easier to get to, bands easier to reach people that they may never reach,but it has also removed the love of having the whole package the cool album or cd art work/layout, the cool packaging we use to have and trust there has been some real bi***ing cd and albums.

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

yes i think the major labels still have purpose for bands, but i think that the industry is still holding on to some old practices that have been costing them loss and they are blaming artist by take more from artist[i.e. the 360 deals].

Your influences? [I'm going to name a few , In no certain order]

LOU REED [VELVET UNDERGROUND]

RICH HOPKINS [ SIDEWINDERS, SANDRUBIES, LUMINARIOS]

MIKE NESS [SOCIAL DISTORTION]

SOUL ASYLUM

THE REFRESHMENTS

the GODFATHERS

THE TOLL

DEVO

JOSHUA PATH

the CRAMPS

X

TOM WAITS

the REPLACEMENTS

AHGAN WHIGS

the ALLEY CATS

DAVID SLUTES [SIDEWINDERS, SANDRUBIES, MARYANNE]

GILA BEND

Favorite spot?

i love Tucson, i was born here . i moved to california and lived there a while. it was cool but that scene is no where as cool as it use to be. the east coast is also cool states are smaller closer together so you can reach my people more scenes, they have one thing i can't stand, SNOW.

this interview was answered by TED RIVIERA