Tonight Fitz from 98 KUPD called and talked to Johnny. This is the best I could do while writing it down because Johnny and Fitz both talked pretty fast.

98KUPD DJ Fitz talks to Operator's Johnny Strong 6/22/2007

Fitz: Johnny how are you?

Johnny: Good How are you?

Fitz: Dude, getting you on the phone is harder.. I don't want to say harder than the president, but it's like harder than the governor or something. I had to call Atlantic twice and stay on hold. What's it like to have so much support from a major label?

Johnny: I guess its my work ethic. Not many people get up in the morning, strap on a 50 pound weight vest and then do an hour vocal training. I'm very humble and I just want to be the best at my game. Like Jordan, etc (I missed some of the people he named here). I just want to be in peak condition and I guess thats why I get respect.

Fitz: I'm a little scared to come to the show tomorrow. I'm afraid you'll tell me to drop and give you twenty. Or kick my ass.

Johnny: I only kick peoples' asses if they want me to. Nah, I only like to punish myself not others.

Fitz: Operator is fairly new. What's the back story on the band?

Johnny: I started singing when I was 7. I put all my artistic talents into something I believe in 100% and then I was joined by a great guitarist, Paul Phillips (Fitz interrupts and says for those that don't know, Paul is formerly of Puddle of Mudd), then I met up with an amazing group of people and I hate to say we're bringing back rock, but so many people have said it and I don't think rock really went anywhere, just a lot of bands started doing that emo thing.

Fitz: Johnny, you mean you don't think rock went anywhere when Fall Out Boy had the number one rock record?

Johnny: I'm kinda on gag orders on what I can say and what I can't so I can't really call anyone out.

Johnny: There are a lot of rumors going around that I'm getting in all this trouble. That I've been throwing bottles at people and hitting people, destroying stages and stuff. All I do is get on the bus, do my show and get back on the bus. I guess people don't see me and they think I must be getting in trouble. I'm really excited to go out with Sevendust. Hearing all the rumors about us so many bands don't want to give us a chance. They don't want to go out with us so I give it up for Sevendust and Black Stone Cherry for taking us out. This isn't Britney Spears, it's Rock and its suppose to go against the grain. There are some other dates that we're looking at, but I give it up to any band that takes us out.

Fitz: There's a picture of (I didn't catch the guy either) smashing a guitar, not tulips.

Johnny: Now if you smash things people go *makes a gasping shocked sound* At one show, my mic broke half way through so we couldn't finish. I had just fired my drummer at the beginning of the tour and I was really frustrated that I couldn't finish so I just started destroying his drum set. A cymbol fell off the stage and I guess it hit one of the security guards and everyone started saying I kicked him in the head. If I had kicked him he'd be in a coma or in a coffin.

Fitz: Don't ask me to drop and give you twenty tomorrow cause I don't think I could do it man.

Johnny: Fitz, I just want to say thanks to KUPD for spinning Operator and Soulcrusher. You were one of the first places to start playing Operator and I really appreciate that and I want you to know we're coming tomorrow and we're going to give 150% for you guys out there.

Fitz: Thanks man, we really appreciate you saying that. It's good to hear someone so excited about rock.

Johnny: Not just rock - life. Everyone needs to wake up and realize that there are people out there who wake up in the morning and want to strap bombs on. Life is so beautiful you need to squeeze everything you can out. Life is precious and when it's done it's done. That's my motto. Same with music. Play every note like you fuckin' mean it.

Fitz: Thanks for talking to us Johnny.

Johnny: Thanks Fitz. Later brother!