Erik and Gretchen Funk Interview



Erik is in Dillinger Four, he and his wife Gretchen own the Triple Rock Social Club - the BEST venue in the Twin Cities for seeing shows, eating 'Po Boys and drinking too much. Here is a little interview with the the two of them.

Hey Erik and Gretchen, it's been a year now since you've moved into your new place, after living in your last house for nearly 10 years - does this feel like home yet?
Gretchen: yep, it really is starting to. The neighbors are great, and we feel really comfortable, so that helps. Every bit of work we do on it just makes it feel more like ours!

Erik: For me it did pretty much right away.

The home you bought had gone into foreclosure - how was that experience from your perspective?
G: I thought it was really scary buying a house through foreclosure at first. I mean it had been left alone for what? Two years? That’s crazy. And who knows what was wrong with it. And there were no guarantees. Scary stuff. We had an inspection though, and really went through the house one more time, which always makes you feel more certain. We got really lucky too though, it turned out to be a real diamond in the rough.

E: The most frustrating thing was the wait time on responses back from the bank. The red tape at the bank really slowed things down.

What sort of projects have you taken on for this new house and what's planned in the future?
G and E: Well, we have painted just about every surface that will hold still. And put in a few new windows. We’re having the basement redone right now, like right now, like there is a guy hammering right now. Then I guess in the next year maybe we will address the garage? We’re not fans of moving the car for snow emergencies.

Was it tough for you guys to sell your first home - emotional attachment?
G: I was really surprised at how easy it was actually. We did not change neighborhoods, so everything is still familiar, that might have helped.

E: I agree, we were there for a long time and totally ready to move on.

Initially you were thinking of selling your home without a Realtor - what made you change your mind?
G: Well, knowing you… That helped. Because I’m not sure we would have worked with another realtor. I think 10 years ago, when the market was really different, it was a valid option. Now though, well, I think people are so wary of things, cautious. In a buyers market, people want to get the best. I’m not sure a hand written sign saying “for sale by owner” instills confidence. “Guaranteed by realtor” says be confident. It’s the edge you need right now.

E: When I looked at the online services available, saving a few bucks seemed attractive, but we decided it was more important to have a professional advising us and working on our behalf to make sure the house sold in a tough market.

What's going on with the D4? I'm sure you never get sick of people asking "Are you going to record something soon?"
G: nope, I never get sick of that question.
With all these reunions going on - is there a Billingsgate show on the horizon?

E: no, I lost touch with all those guys years ago. But I will gladly come over to your house and jam those records anytime. We were awesome.



How did the process of buying the Triple Rock differ from buying a home?
G: So much more debt!!! You can’t ask Erik, he was in Japan. It was possibly the most nerve wracking week of my life and I think I have blocked it out of my mind.
The home stuff was fun!

E: I was in Japan for the actual closing. Buying a house there are tons of options. Buying a bar, you may only see a few options a year that could work for you. So you have to move really fast.

What have been some of the highlights for you with the Triple Rock? And what are some of the frustrations of running the bar/venue?
G: Highlights: All the French fries you can eat. And we have a kick ass staff. Not working for someone else.

Frustrations: Insurance and liability, drunk people.

E: Highlights: Pride of keeping it going for ten years. Seeing some of my favorite bands in my own place. Lots of time to golf
Frustrations: Not enough time to golf. Finding out some of my favorite bands are jerks. The usual struggles of keeping a small business afloat.

You guys are both avid golfers (ok, Erik might be more obsessive than avid) what's punk rock about golf and who is the best punk golfer you know?
G: Steve, you have seen me golf. I’m not sure when you decided you could use the word “avid” with me. There is nothing punk rock about the way I suck at golf.

E:I agree that there is nothing punk rock about golf. I have not actually seen him play, but I have heard Fat Mike from NOFX is quite a golfer.

Pete from Holding On first dropped the bomb that they'd be playing a reunion show on this website - anything you want to shock the world with?
Nothing to report on this end.
The Holding On show is coming up though!
April, 25 2008 at Triple Rock
w/ Modern Life Is War (and Pandamonium!)
http://www.triplerocksocialclub.com/