Your mission, if you choose to accept, is to decipher the cryptic codes that lie within this interview. There will be other clues hidden in this issue that will lead you to the next step in your mission. Be careful. This perilous journey will take you inside the mind of a mad man possessed. You will come to question your own sanity and the very meaning behind your existence. But when you complete the mission - if you complete the mission - you will be rewarded immeasurable treasures that one day may save your life! This document will detonate in 99 seconds...
Tell me about the name of your latest project SpySciety99.
The SpySociety is a reflection of the world that society lives in today. Big Brother is upon us and corruption is everywhere. We know who you are. We know what you do and where you do it. You cannot escape the electric eye of administration. Suddenly, as the clock strikes 2000, the world has become a much smaller place than it once was. SpySociety99 is the retaliation of that fate. Do unto others as they do unto you.
'SS99.' Almost sounds a bit ominous, eh?
Totally. This is war of the electronics and mind control. Kill or be killed. The concept of SS99 is not only the interpretation of the dreaded suits and ties of reality, but an anarchists' approach to the subject as well.
Who is in SS99?
Myself [Myke Hideous], A.K.A. Agent SpY99: words, communications, hand to hand combat, counterintelligence and espionage; Special Agent In Ovo, A.K.A. Joseph Pla: guitar, anti-terrorism, covert tactics, code breaking and chemical sabotage; Special Agent Que, A.K.A. Daniel Esser: bass, electronics, demolitions and aeronautics; Special Agent G-13, A.K.A. Byron Barbieri: drums, special weapons, surveillance and tactical strategy.
What do you write about?
Our missions are against the imperfections of humanity from the views of serial killers, liars, thieves, criminally insane, political and religious imposters and such.
Are you guys in the studio yet, or...
We have recorded top-secret information that we are now using to make connections to the underworld part of this business that goes unseen by the public. Though nothing is available to the public as of yet. Our mission proceeds to advance forward only after we 'convince' the establishment to back us and our underground army to take over the minds of the public. That's when we clean house.
After the rise and fall of the Empire Hideous legacy, and your experience touring with the Misfits, how does it feel to, well, 'start from scratch'?
Well, normally I would have to kill you after releasing such highly classified information. But in this case I'll make an exception. The Empire Hideous went as far as it could as an unsigned band. As sad as I was to see its demise, there really was no choice in the matter. Things weren't running smoothly anymore, and I couldn't continue running on empty. Only two-and-a-half months after the break up in February '98, I was fortunate enough to be called upon by Jerry Only of The Misfits, asking me to sing for them on their European and South American tours. Obviously I jumped at the opportunity and gave it my all. But apparently that wasn't enough for them, and after only three months, they told me they wanted their other singer back. So, without getting into extreme detail on how royally they screwed me, I humbly accepted my fate and moved on. Coming back from the position of being in a band that was playing festivals in Europe to crowds as large as 13,000 people was really hard. I went from instantaneous stardom and making decent money to literally nothing at all. No money, no job, no band and no place to live. It was devastating. I had nothing because I gave everything up to be in that band. So, yes, I was pissed, but it never really stopped me. Only one month went by before I had organized a new line-up of musicians for SpySociety, started writing an autobiography about the past 10 years in the music business, and released two more Empire Hideous CDs.
So, what happened on the Misfits tour? Any scars?
Plenty, but none that I could possibly touch on in such a short period of time. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward now, and I feel that there is no need for me to express any animosity towards my past with them. What's done is done.
What about Empire Hideous? Will there ever be a resurrection?
I would love to do Hideous again, but I don't think the time is right. Who knows? Maybe it is and I just don't know it. Every time I turn around, I see another band out there that's doing the same thing I was doing eight years ago. That's not a bad thing, either. As far as I'm concerned, Empire Hideous is not dead. Just dormant right now. I am trying to release another CD with older re-recorded and re-mixed material from the earlier days. Hideous was my first love, and I'll take it to the grave with me.
What do you make of all of these wild random shootings that seem to be taking place all over the U.S.?
It's all part of the corruption of this world and society in the U.S. I'm not a bit surprised. In fact, I only foresee it getting worse. So be prepared. These random acts of violence are the result of media frenzies and brainless television shows like 'Ricki Lake,''Jerry Springer,''Saliy Jessy Raphael' and 'Jenny Jones.' Primetime television is the highest impurity in the U.S. today, by far.
Should I mention the prophecies of Nostradamus?
Sure. I am a believer in Nostradamus, and let's just say his predictions frighten me.
Where do you plan to be on New Year's Eve?
Sitting in my place with a loaded gun, a bottle of Jim Beam and two eyes on the chaos that will take place [in] the outside world.
Any other good bands out there these days?
 Yeah. There's quite a few talented people out there that I find satisfying my need for music. But they're all gonna die anyway once SS99 takes them out. Sad, but terribly true.
Is SS99 going to tour soon?
Not quite sure. We'll see what happens in 2000.
Tell me about this 'Myke Hideous' autobiographical book.
As I mentioned before, I've written a book that covers my 10 years in the music business from start to present. Though it is completed, it's going through editorial changes and corrections. Once that's done, I'll be submitting it to a publisher for its complete package. It's a look at my life as a musician. How I got into it and how far I was able to take it on my own, I think it will be something that all musicians and artists will be able to relate to because of its common interest with those involved in the scene. Many similarities pop up making its contents become a comparison to their own struggle with the biz.
What is it that you guys are actually drinking on stage, champagne?
Yep. Every mission is a celebration for us, because you never know when it's going to be your last.
Who is your all-time favorite spy?
There's been a few, but I'm not at liberty to speak publicly about them.
What about Agent 99 from 'Get Smart'? She was kinda hot, eh?
Totally. We used to date years ago, but our missions got rather tedious and I had to put her away. It was a 'spy vs. spy' thing.
Closing statements?
We know who you are