Forget Prozac. Try the wiL Francis way – be someone else. The hot singer of punk-rock band Aiden, who released his solo LP "Hate Culture" last year, will open for Escape the Fate as his omnisexual other self at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at The Crofoot in Pontiac. And, guys, read this if you're looking for a way to impress him. He'll only be William Control for so long.
Musicians with an alter-ego are an increasing trend, but everyone has different reasons for having one, it seems. What was yours?
My intention was to not have intentions. I was at a really horrible place in my life and the only thing I could think of to pull me out of the abyss I'd been living in was to create something from deep within. Pain is always a great motive for art.
What's liberating about being someone else for a night?
I've always enjoyed the world of make-believe. As a kid I used to dress up as one of the Ghostbusters and run around my neighborhood pretending a tree was Slimer and the big dog that lived next door was the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. I guess the attraction is living in a fantasy far away from this dreary world we live in.
What's William Control's naughtiest secret?
That he loves Barbara Walters.
William is omnisexual, so what kind of guys is he into?
The kind that open the door for you.
Your band Aiden has a pretty large queer following, what do you attribute that to?
When we started this band we set out to create an environment where everybody felt equal and a part of something so much more than your everyday doings. It is really important to me that people who come to our shows feel accepted and loved regardless of sex, creed, race or social class. Acceptance especially if you're gay is very hard to find in this world run by psychopathic Christian hate mongrels who think everyone is going to hell.
What can you tell me about the new album the band is working on? And will William Control make a cameo?
It's a lot different than any other record I've done. It's definitely the most ambitious and horror driven. I've stepped into a different world and written songs as other people. I don't want to ruin the surprise so I leave it at that. William Control is living inside of me – and sometimes the line blurs. Although most of the time I can't tell when it happens.
William Control
Doors 6 p.m. Feb. 28
The Crofoot, Pontiac
http://www.thecrofoot.com
