Interview with BearForce1 (Bear Force One), Amsterdam's Gay Boy Band

Bears finally have a ban to call their own. No, we don't mean those furry animals prowling about the woods. We mean bears, the furry subculture within the gay subculture. Bears consider themselves more natural, rugged, and manly then the average Will & Grace gay-boy. That may or may not be true, but what is true is that in the gay music genre, they've been slighted. Not any longer...The first honest-to-gosh 'bearband' in the world, Bearforce1 is certainly a force to be reckoned with and respected. In August, the group officially launched their club-friendly debut single with eight performances during Amsterdam Pride, and a cheeky video is already a YouTube staple-thanks in no small part to Perez Hilton awarding them the title: "The Most Amazing Thing Ever" on his blog. When the bears roamed into Philly a few weeks ago, we chatted with Bearforce member Robert and got all the furry facts.

Associated Content: Where and how did you all meet?

Robert: Well, it was cocktail hour. We can't remember exactly the name of the place, but the karaoke was wicked!

Associated Content:Has there ever been any romance or sexual tension within the group?

Robert:Unfortunately, we are all just good friends, but who knows what might happen when we go on tour!

Associated Content:Are you all getting more action thanks to your new celebrity?

Robert:We are certainly getting noticed more, but now we have no time for anything but Bearforce1.

Associated Content:How did everyone choose their signature color? Do they symbolize something dirty-like color-coded bandannas?

Robert:They don't mean anything at all, actually, but remember: Pastel is the new black!

How did it feel to have Perez give you so much love on his site?
Robert:It was certainly very kind of him to mention us. Perez for President!

Associated Content:What does the future hold for Bearforce1? A full album?
Robert:An album is certainly on its way, and the next track is a heavy electronic version of Bowie's "Fashion." But for now we are concentrating on promoting the current single.

Associated Content:Some might dismiss you as a "novelty act," but how seriously do you take yourselves?

Robert:We are all singers/songwriters in our own right, so there is nothing of a novelty about us. We have all been in the music business to different degrees for most of our lives and look forward to live performances.

Associated Content:What do you hope Bearforce1 will teach the world about bears?

Robert:Bear culture has always been totally accepting of all colors, shapes and sizes. Hairy or not, big or small, 20 or 60, Bearforce1 is an all-inclusive mix of fun, sweat and dancing. We hope to bring a positive message to everyone that, regardless of appearance or preferences, we are all here to have the best damn time we can. Be proud of who you are and respect each other!

Associated Content:Will Bearforce1 take over America?

Robert:It's all just a matter of time. Send us the tickets, give us the microphones and fasten your seatbelts-we're in for a bumpy ride!

For more info on Bearforce1, log onto bearforce1.nl.