In case everyone was wondering what was going on with Operator and the small whispers of people leaving the band and venturing on elsewhere, Johnny wanted to take a minute to let everyone know what was going on so here's a quick update from the original badass himself:

Well as you all know, or should know by now, with the exception of a few co-writing credits and tracks, I've done all of the song writing, playing of the rythym/lead guitars, bass, vocals, keys, and percussion for OPERATOR. During the making of the 'soulcrusher' record the A&R rep for the Label wanted to put a band together for the tour. Through some auditions and various meetings a line up was created. After the OPERATOR '07 tour was over there wasn't much need for a 'band' anymore. It was always my understanding that once the tour ended, I would go back and write the next record and, eventually, go back out on the road. The musicians from the first tour are great guys, and players. I wish them all the best of luck. I'm finishing up my new film 'Sinners and Saints' and Im in the process of figuring out what I'm going to do for the next record. Most likley I will be playing guitar live and touring as a three piece. Whether or not any of the guys from the last line up wind up in the mix has yet to be determined. I want to thank all the fans, and I can't wait to get the film and some new music out soon!

-Johnny

As you are all aware, Johnny is currently in the midst of his next big project, Sinners & Saints; a movie by William Kaufman.  Sinners and Saints is Will’s second film and Johnny plays Detective Sean Reilly.  Reilly is part of New Orleans’s Street Crimes division and has seen his share of violence.  He has been through some of life’s most difficult challenges – the loss of his son, splitting up with his wife and now the death of his partner.    Sinners is the latest adventure for Johnny and it is sure to be one that makes everyone stand up and take notice of something I’ve been saying all along – the man’s got the utmost talent.

Almost everyone knows I have a lot of love for Johnny (if you didn’t know, you do now. ;) ) and I believe that he is the most underrated when it comes to talent.  Fortunately, the whole world is about to catch up.   Whether you’re a returning fan or someone just catching up with Johnny, Sinners is a must see.     Recently, Johnny was kind enough to clear some time for me and answer some questions for all of his fans at UJSFC.    Enjoy the read and make sure you check out the official Sinners and Saints website.  And be sure to see the movie when it comes out!

Sinners And Saints: Q&A session with Johnny Strong.

Since Sinners and Saints is in pre-production, there is more and more news coming out which is absolutely fantastic. The recent news is details of the cast. The list is below:

With Sinners & Saints beginning production next month, we are learning more and more about the cast. Here's an updated list:

Johnny: Detective Sean Reilly - The leader of an elite New Orleans "Street Crimes" task force.
Where you've seen him: Are you serious? You wouldn't be here if you hadn't seen him. In case it needs mentioning; Black Hawk Down, The Fast & The Furious, touring with his band Operator.

Bas Rutten: Ekker - an ex-South African commando and the right hand man of villain Raymond Crowe.
Where you've seen him: MMA Fights. Three time undefeated King Of Pancrase and the undefeated UFC Heavyweight champion.

Costas Mandylor: Raymond Crowe - the deadly and unstable leader of a rouge team of mercenaries sent to New Orleans to hunt down Sean's ex-Army buddy, Colin O'Neil.
Where you've seen him: Probably most notably, the Saw movies (3, 4 & 5) and most recently Beowulf. He also appeared in some episodes of Charmed.

Jake LaBotz: His role is unknown to me at this time.
Where you've seen him: The recent Stallone Rambo movie as well as Ghost World and Lonesome Jim.

Kim Coates: Detective Dave Besson - Sean's, best friend and partner.
Where you've seen him: Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor as well as on TVs CSI Miami, Prison Break, Entourage and currently Sons of Anarchy.

There is also an appearance by Udo Kier which is awesome. Udo has been in several things including Blade, Feardotcom, and End of Days. How exciting!

I have been contacted by the movies producer and been given some great news. Johnny's next movie project, Sinners & Saints, has been picked up and they will begin production in November. The movie will be filmed in New Orleans. I have been extended an invitation to visit the set and will keep you all posted on if/when I head down and will of course share any infomration that I learn while I'm there as long as it is shareable. Congrats to Will Kaufmann for getting his film picked up and let's all look forward to seeing Johny on the big screen again.

A couple of quick updates. Sorry for the long spot between updates!

Rikki Lixx has now left the band and we all would like to wish him lots of luck wherever he winds up. It was a joy to watch him play and we wish him continued success in his new adventures.

Operator is currently working on the next album. No word yet on when it will be recorded and released, but the good news is that they're working on their second album.

Operator has also recorded their version of Guns N Roses 'Its So Easy' You can hear it at their myspace page.

I am also revamping the gallery so please hang in there while it's under construction.

Lastly, I've added some lyrics off of the Soulcrusher album. Not complete yet, but it's a start.

I come to you with a request from Johnny. Please do the following:

Hey this is Johnny from OPERATOR. I need all of you to comment on our new band photo taken by the famous CHAD MARTEL! There are a few people at our Label (ATLANTIC RECORDS) that seem to think it isn't very good! We love it and want to hear what you guys think!!! Hit the photo up and leave your comments. Also email danny.wimmer@atlanticrecords.com and dane.venable@atlanticrecords.com and tell them what you think!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the picture that he's talking about (click for larger):