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Interview with
JOHNNY 3 TEARS
from
HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
(3rd March, 2025)

(20th February, 2025)

Interview with Sylwia Green and Dave Bruce

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Photo – Travis Shinn

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Check out the full interview below

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Hollywood Undead: A Conversation with Johnny 3 Tears

Hollywood Undead has built a reputation for electrifying performances, high-energy music, and a distinct fusion of rap and rock. With their signature masks and hard-hitting lyrics, the band has captivated audiences worldwide. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Johnny 3 Tears to discuss the band’s journey, the ups and downs of the industry, and the upcoming Australian tour.

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The Thrill of Performing Live

Sylwia: You still have a few weeks before you go back on tour with a few dates here in Australia. I want to go back to 2018 when I saw you live for the first time on your Europe tour. I had to travel to another country because everything sold out instantly. I remember the feeling I had after the gig – it wasn’t just a performance, but an experience. You engage fans like few other bands do. Does it ever get tiring after 20 years of performing?
Johnny 3 Tears: Thank you, that’s really nice to hear! Honestly, there are times during the day when I think, “Man, this sucks”—whether it’s the weather, being stuck somewhere, or feeling exhausted. But once we’re on stage, all of that disappears. It’s what it’s all about. I’ve never stood on stage and thought, “I don’t like this.” Even when we’ve been booed or had things thrown at us, it’s still been fun. The experience itself is such a thrill. Growing up, I always loved shows where you became part of something bigger. It’s an energy that I still feel every night we perform.

Was Hollywood Undead Meant to Get This Big?

Sylwia: When you started Hollywood Undead, did you expect it to grow to this level and become a full-time career?
Johnny 3 Tears: Not really. We didn’t have a plan per se. We had already been in so many bands that failed, so we weren’t thinking, “This is going to be huge.” Then suddenly, every major label wanted to sign us, and we thought we’d become the biggest band in the world. It was a rollercoaster—some years we were on top, others we weren’t. But the fact that we’ve been able to do this for such a long time is what I’m most grateful for. Many bands release one record, and that’s it. We’ve been lucky to have fans who stuck with us.

Advice for Aspiring Musicians

Sylwia: Is there any advice you would give to young artists trying to break into the industry?
Johnny 3 Tears: Do it because you love it. If you’re doing it for money, fame, or any external motivation, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. The industry is unpredictable. But if you love making music, you’ll always be happy because you’re doing what you love. The music world is tough—there are thousands of people fighting for the same spot. You need thick skin and a relentless drive.

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The Impact of Social Media on Music

Sylwia: When Hollywood Undead started, it was the MySpace era. Now, with TikTok and Instagram, has it become harder for bands to break through?
Johnny 3 Tears: It’s a double-edged sword. Back then, you needed a major label to get noticed. Now, anyone can release music instantly. But that also means there’s way more music out there, making it harder to stand out. If I were starting today, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Labels now expect artists to be content creators as much as musicians. Some songs blow up just because they’re a joke on TikTok, while heartfelt music gets lost. It’s frustrating. That’s why I always say, go out and play live. Play anywhere people will listen—coffee shops, street corners, anywhere. That’s how you truly connect with fans.

Balancing Band Life and Personal Life

Sylwia: Hollywood Undead is known for its masks and stage names. When you’re offstage and just George, does that separation help you balance your personal and professional life?
Johnny 3 Tears: Not really—I even call myself Johnny to my wife just to annoy her! (laughs) But yeah, when we were younger, the band was pure chaos. We lived together, partied together—it was madness. Now that I have a wife and three kids, I have to be more responsible. If I lived like I did back then, I’d be dead. You see what happens to musicians who don’t put the brakes on. There was a time when drugs and drinking were the norm for us. In the music world, it’s almost encouraged. But if you want longevity, you have to evolve. That’s the key to survival.

What’s Next for Hollywood Undead?

With a new tour on the horizon and a devoted fanbase, Hollywood Undead shows no signs of slowing down. Johnny 3 Tears remains grateful for the journey, embracing the highs and lows with a resilient attitude. For Aussie fans, the wait is almost over—Hollywood Undead will soon be back on stage, delivering another unforgettable experience.

For tour dates and updates, visit www.amnplify.com.au and follow Hollywood Undead on social media.

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and coverage of the best in music!

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Follow HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
Website – Tik Tok – Facebook – Instagram

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Check out the full interview below

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AMNPLIFY – DB