Jason Bayless

What made you decide to do this project and how did you get hooked up with Laban Phedidias and David Bergthold?

While I was on the Taste of Chaos tour I got an email from a fellow co-worker that said, "Hey, David is going to make a documentary about you and the Vans Warped Tour. Laban is going to be co-director." So of course, I thought this had to be a joke. Then I got a phone call from David asking some personal questions. After that phone conversation with Dave I knew this was for real and the next thing I knew, it was the start of the film, "Wake Up Screaming!"

How long have you been involved with PETA and has this benefitted your position as a spokesperson for the organization?

I started working with PETA roughly four years ago and have been involved with animal rights issues for

about 12 years. Working for PETA, www.peta2.com, has exposed me to many different people and the
reasons why they are drawn to animal rights issues-health reasons, environmental concerns, and for the animals. Everyone has their own individual story on why they are vegan, are against animal testing or
why they choose to boycott the circus. On the other side of the story, I have been face-to-face with hunters, vivisectors (people who torture animals for flawed scientific reasons) and others who just want to fight. These experiences have given me deeper convictions on why we must fight so hard to change the way people view animals and to reinforce the fact that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use in entertainment.

Much in the same way that everyone has their own story on why they are involved with protecting animals from suffering, many people who are not vegan tend to have that one thing they feel like they could never give up-milk, cheese, leather, etc. However, once they find out how easy it is to be vegan and still have great tasting vegan cheese, soymilk and fashionable non-leather clothing-they make the change. People will make that change because no one wants to support animal suffering and if there is a way to have the same product without harming animals; it is an obvious choice to become vegan. (www.goveg.com)

The craziest moment-such a hard question. There are so many things that seemed 'normal' while it was happening, then later looking back you think to yourself, "What the hell was I thinking!?"

One time, Federal Agents in DC stopped us and we refused to cooperate with them because their demands were insane.

Several times throughout the tour I was threatened to be arrested and several late nights involving alcohol also come to mind... If I go into all the details here it might give away parts of the documentary.

One of the scariest moments on Warped had to be in Buffalo, NY. A storm blew in and dumped a ton of rain on us. Lightning was striking everywhere, including hitting one of the main stages. Kids and Warped
Crew ran every direction to seek cover and to protect all the gear.

I am more excited about making friends on the road than having the excitement of wanting to meet someone.

I don't get overly excited about meeting movie stars or bands, but I have met some wonderful people while out on the road and became really good friends with them. Hanging out with Rise Against, My Chemical Romance, Alicia Silverstone, going out to eat with Hot Rod Circuit, AFI, and members of Dropkick Murphy's and Mighty Mighty Bosstones always ends up with long time friendships.

What band have you consistently enjoyed watching on Warped and what new bands have you gained interest in within the past four years of touring?

S.T.U.N. is a band that I have gained interest in and consistently enjoyed watching. If you have not seen them live - you must! They put on one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Not only are they vegan/veggie but their music/lyrics are awesome. Jay, lead singer of Suicide Machines, and I were just talking about S.T.U.N the other night. We both agree that this band is amazing!

The greatest challenge while making "Wake Up Screaming" had to be having cameras in your face 24 hrs a day. No matter what I would do there was a camera filming every moment and every word that I would say. Don't get me wrong Dave and Laban are great people but I couldn't even talk to my mom on the phone or talk to a 'special' someone without them in the distance watching every move.

No, the really cool thing about Warped is that it doesn't matter if you have been on the tour for 4 years or if it is your first year out-it is one big family. Yeah, there were moments where the heat, long nights and a bit of over drinking caused a little tension but by the next morning, everyone was cool, no hard feelings. Its 49 days straight sometimes in the worst conditions you could ever imagine and by the end of the tour it is very hard to leave. The friends you make when you are on the road are friends that you will keep for a very long time.

Catering on Warped Tour is incredible! The food on this tour is the best that you will find on any tour. You name it we had it, vegan pie, cakes, ice cream, bar-b-que, pancakes-vegan corndogs! Basically anything and everything.

Our vegan chef was amazing! Some of the meals were so damn good you thought that it was catered by a 4 star restaurant. The Chef would wake up at the crack of dawn to start preparing food for the mass number of vegans and veggies on the tour. The catering crew is what held the tour together.

Should this answer be before or after the release of the documentary? Once the film comes out - I will not have any secrets.

I will defiantly be out on Warped again in '06 - As much as the tour kicks my ass every year - I have to go on it again for my 5th year in row. Plus, some lucky person will get a chance to win a week out on the
tour with me. - keep your eyes on www.peta2.com for more info.

At the tender age of 19, Jason co-founded the National Organization to Stop Police Improprieties, a group based in his small hometown of Weatherford, Texas, that combats police misconduct around the country. After several years of working for social change and promoting non-violence, shifting to animal rights activism “just clicked” eight years ago, when Jason realized, “I can’t preach against violence if what I eat on my plate is a product of violence.” He became a vegan—avoiding all animal-derived products—and founded Vegan Power, a Texas-based outreach group.

Jason’s work for animals actually goes further back, to when he was 15 years old and found an injured grackle drowning in a pond. He picked up the bird and rushed him to a veterinarian. The vet wouldn’t treat the bird, but gave Jason a bottle of medicine and instructions for care. Jason took the grackle

home and nursed him back to health. He went on to volunteer as a wildlife rehabilitator at Wild Care, Inc., he was named “volunteer of the quarter,” at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge and at Bat World Sanctuary and Education Center, which awarded him “volunteer of the year” in 1996 for his efforts in rehabbing orphaned Mexican Free-tailed bats, his “specialty.” He has also held workshops for children at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, inspiring them to treat animals humanely.

Jason has served as a board member of the Center on Animal Liberation Affairs, as a campaign organizer with Animal Liberation of Texas, on the steering committee with Radical Education Community, and as campaign director for Texas Earth First. Right before coming to PETA, Jason interned with Floridians for Humane Farms—a group that was the driving force behind passing legislation in Florida banning the intensive confinement of pregnant sows.

A born workaholic, Jason works long hours in PETA’s education department, finding out where young people are and making a point to be there, then goes home to type away some more at his PC, moonlighting as a Web designer for several animal rights groups. Jason has toured with the punk rock Warped Tour and manned information tables at countless other youth-focused events. As PETA’s “Street Team” leader, Jason arms himself with videos, leaflets, books and other educational materials that help to show kids how they can fight cruelty to animals. When he isn’t on the road educating teens about cruelty to animals, Jason lives in Norfolk, Virginia.

For further information on Jason Bayless visit his My Space profile at: http://www.myspace.com

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	It's been a long time since I actually met people who were dedicated to a cause. Today that man is Jason Bayless. Since I'm not Vegan/Vegetarian, I feel like I'm the last person on earth who would have anything in common with this activist. What draws me to Jason is his passion for his cause and how balls out punk he is in being a pro-active member of PETA. You have to raise your glass to someone who has that drive because to tell you the truth I don't see that "fire in the eyes" look about anyone anymore. When I was growing up, we fought the law and our slogan was "Skateboarding is NOT a crime". Jason's dedication to PETA and the education he has provided to tons of young people. "Wake Up Screaming" is an indie documentary film by Blockhead Skateboards founder Dave Bergthold and professional skateboarder Laban Pheidias that follows the life of Jason during his traveling with the Vans Warped Tour. You can watch him hang with rock stars, promote activism, and the crazy moments of one of the most chaotic tours ever! I took some time to ask Jason some questions about the documentary. To see some great previews of "Wake Up Screaming" visit: www.wakeupscreamingmovie.com
Written by: Jo Ann Duggins
What made you decide to do this project and how did you get hooked up with Laban Phedidias and David Bergthold? Laban and David made a PSA for PETA a couple years back. The PSA featured Laban. You can check out the PSA on peta2 TV - http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=laban While I was on the Taste of Chaos tour I got an email from a fellow co-worker that said, "Hey, David is going to make a documentary about you and the Vans Warped Tour. Laban is going to be co-director." So of course, I thought this had to be a joke. Then I got a phone call from David asking some personal questions. After that phone conversation with Dave I knew this was for real and the next thing I knew, it was the start of the film, "Wake Up Screaming!" How long have you been involved with PETA and has this benefitted your position as a spokesperson for the organization? I started working with PETA roughly four years ago and have been involved with animal rights issues for about 12 years. Working for PETA, www.peta2.com, has exposed me to many different people and the reasons why they are drawn to animal rights issues-health reasons, environmental concerns, and for the animals. Everyone has their own individual story on why they are vegan, are against animal testing or why they choose to boycott the circus. On the other side of the story, I have been face-to-face with hunters, vivisectors (people who torture animals for flawed scientific reasons) and others who just want to fight. These experiences have given me deeper convictions on why we must fight so hard to change the way people view animals and to reinforce the fact that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use in entertainment. Much in the same way that everyone has their own story on why they are involved with protecting animals from suffering, many people who are not vegan tend to have that one thing they feel like they could never give up-milk, cheese, leather, etc. However, once they find out how easy it is to be vegan and still have great tasting vegan cheese, soymilk and fashionable non-leather clothing-they make the change. People will make that change because no one wants to support animal suffering and if there is a way to have the same product without harming animals; it is an obvious choice to become vegan. (www.goveg.com) Craziest Warped Tour moment? The craziest moment-such a hard question. There are so many things that seemed 'normal' while it was happening, then later looking back you think to yourself, "What the hell was I thinking!?" One time, Federal Agents in DC stopped us and we refused to cooperate with them because their demands were insane. Several times throughout the tour I was threatened to be arrested and several late nights involving alcohol also come to mind... If I go into all the details here it might give away parts of the documentary. Scariest Warped Tour Moment? One of the scariest moments on Warped had to be in Buffalo, NY. A storm blew in and dumped a ton of rain on us. Lightning was striking everywhere, including hitting one of the main stages. Kids and Warped Crew ran every direction to seek cover and to protect all the gear. Who were you most excited to meet? I am more excited about making friends on the road than having the excitement of wanting to meet someone. I really enjoy meeting PETA2 Street Team kids, they are amazing! I don't get overly excited about meeting movie stars or bands, but I have met some wonderful people while out on the road and became really good friends with them. Hanging out with Rise Against, My Chemical Romance, Alicia Silverstone, going out to eat with Hot Rod Circuit, AFI, and members of Dropkick Murphy's and Mighty Mighty Bosstones always ends up with long time friendships. What band have you consistently enjoyed watching on Warped and what new bands have you gained interest in within the past four years of touring? S.T.U.N. is a band that I have gained interest in and consistently enjoyed watching. If you have not seen them live - you must! They put on one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Not only are they vegan/veggie but their music/lyrics are awesome. Jay, lead singer of Suicide Machines, and I were just talking about S.T.U.N the other night. We both agree that this band is amazing! Another band that has an amazing live show is Rise Against. Great guys! Greatest Challenge while filming? The greatest challenge while making "Wake Up Screaming" had to be having cameras in your face 24 hrs a day. No matter what I would do there was a camera filming every moment and every word that I would say. Don't get me wrong Dave and Laban are great people but I couldn't even talk to my mom on the phone or talk to a 'special' someone without them in the distance watching every move. Was there anyone you are ok to say that really just bugged the shit out of ya? No, the really cool thing about Warped is that it doesn't matter if you have been on the tour for 4 years or if it is your first year out-it is one big family. Yeah, there were moments where the heat, long nights and a bit of over drinking caused a little tension but by the next morning, everyone was cool, no hard feelings. Its 49 days straight sometimes in the worst conditions you could ever imagine and by the end of the tour it is very hard to leave. The friends you make when you are on the road are friends that you will keep for a very long time. Was catering accomodating to your needs? Catering on Warped Tour is incredible! The food on this tour is the best that you will find on any tour. You name it we had it, vegan pie, cakes, ice cream, bar-b-que, pancakes-vegan corndogs! Basically anything and everything. Our vegan chef was amazing! Some of the meals were so damn good you thought that it was catered by a 4 star restaurant. The Chef would wake up at the crack of dawn to start preparing food for the mass number of vegans and veggies on the tour. The catering crew is what held the tour together. Tell me something not many people know about you? Should this answer be before or after the release of the documentary? Once the film comes out - I will not have any secrets. Will you be going to the next warped tour? I will defiantly be out on Warped again in '06 - As much as the tour kicks my ass every year - I have to go on it again for my 5th year in row. Plus, some lucky person will get a chance to win a week out on the tour with me. - keep your eyes on www.peta2.com for more info. At the tender age of 19, Jason co-founded the National Organization to Stop Police Improprieties, a group based in his small hometown of Weatherford, Texas, that combats police misconduct around the country. After several years of working for social change and promoting non-violence, shifting to animal rights activism “just clicked” eight years ago, when Jason realized, “I can’t preach against violence if what I eat on my plate is a product of violence.” He became a vegan—avoiding all animal-derived products—and founded Vegan Power, a Texas-based outreach group. Jason’s work for animals actually goes further back, to when he was 15 years old and found an injured grackle drowning in a pond. He picked up the bird and rushed him to a veterinarian. The vet wouldn’t treat the bird, but gave Jason a bottle of medicine and instructions for care. Jason took the grackle home and nursed him back to health. He went on to volunteer as a wildlife rehabilitator at Wild Care, Inc., he was named “volunteer of the quarter,” at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge and at Bat World Sanctuary and Education Center, which awarded him “volunteer of the year” in 1996 for his efforts in rehabbing orphaned Mexican Free-tailed bats, his “specialty.” He has also held workshops for children at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, inspiring them to treat animals humanely. Jason has served as a board member of the Center on Animal Liberation Affairs, as a campaign organizer with Animal Liberation of Texas, on the steering committee with Radical Education Community, and as campaign director for Texas Earth First. Right before coming to PETA, Jason interned with Floridians for Humane Farms—a group that was the driving force behind passing legislation in Florida banning the intensive confinement of pregnant sows. A born workaholic, Jason works long hours in PETA’s education department, finding out where young people are and making a point to be there, then goes home to type away some more at his PC, moonlighting as a Web designer for several animal rights groups. Jason has toured with the punk rock Warped Tour and manned information tables at countless other youth-focused events. As PETA’s “Street Team” leader, Jason arms himself with videos, leaflets, books and other educational materials that help to show kids how they can fight cruelty to animals. When he isn’t on the road educating teens about cruelty to animals, Jason lives in Norfolk, Virginia. For further information on Jason Bayless visit his My Space profile at: http://www.myspace.com For further information on "Wake Up Screaming" - www.wakeupscreamingmovie.com BACK to Lifestyle