So we found this dope band from Ann Arbor, Michigan who recently moved to New York to show off their music skills and fancy talents to the music junkies that tend to flock to the city. A five-piece dance rock band, they sound like Andre 3000 on a good day fused with pure instrumental creativity- sometimes letting brother duo, drummer (Justin), and guitarist (Ethan) play pure sets. It's always funny to me how good bands like this go unseen, until you stumble upon them at a hole in the wall bar and become completely obsessed, only to realize that they're not performing again for another month or so. These dudes were kind enough to strip off their clothes for me and show off their tattoos for an ink project that I'm working on. And it's funny how squirmish and shy they were.. thanks guys for being such good sports, more Belikos please!
Belikos Undressed and Inked Up
(Belikos, backstage at Pianos in NYC)
shane page, 25
Government: Shane Page
Nick Name: "shane/Mo", "Mo"
Digits: 25
Band position: vocals
Original post up: Ann Arbor, MI
How many times have you been inked?: 6 (for now)
When did you loose your ink virginity?: 16
What are they?: Belikos Rose (left forearm), "forca" (right wrist), 3 chinese characters ("power", "joy", "music") going down vertically on right arm, snake (with shadowing) going up same arm as chinese symbols, going over my shoulder to my back. The snake is holding a symbol, created by my youngest brother, in its mouth)
What's your favorite ink and why did you get it?: My fav is probably my half-sleeve on my right arm; I love the shadowing! It's the only official-looking tat I have. Hopefully that'll change.
What does the word Belikos mean to you?: Belikos means that you are shameless about expressing yourself. Belikos is rowdy and aggressive, but still gentle and beautiful.
If you were a superhero, which one?: If i were a superhero, I'd be symbiote Spider-Man (black suit), I just really wish he could fly...
Worst band moment fuck up?: Back when we first started, we used to get absolutely trashed before our shows (bad idea). i cant single out a specific event, but there were a lot of shitty-sounding shows because of it. For instance, I backflipped one of my friends off of the stage once, and when he landed he accidently kicked some dude in the head. Luckily, there was no fight because of it. Thats just one example, but there were many similar ones.
Favorite cuss word?: Fuck!
(Shane, performing at Pianos, NYC, 2010)
aaron orr, 26
Government: Aaron Orr
Nick Name: A.O
Digits: 26
Band position: vocals
Original post up: Ann Arbor, MI
How many times have you been inked?: 4
When did you loose your ink virginity?: 18
What are they?: sun around my belly button (I know, dont say anything). Phoenix on my arm, which represents rising from the ashes to overcome hard times. Quote on my back. Belikos rose with the serpents representing duality, man woman, life death.
What's your favorite ink and why did you get it?: My quote on my back. I wrote it and it represents me. "You would think life would imitate art but art can be done so beautifully it's life."
What does the word Belikos mean to you?: It represents our generation. A melting pot of diversity and appreciation for different cultures, and arts. All inclusive.
If you were a superhero, which one?: Tony Starks/ Iron man. Business man, articulate, and charming. He's a C.e.o and he can fly!
Worst band moment fuck up?: It was a big show back home after being m.i.a for awhile. I was Screaming and ran out of breathe and fell off the stage!
Favorite cuss word?: Shhhhit.
(Ethan and Aaron at Pianos, NYC, 2010)
ethan hampton, 28
Government: ethan hampton
Nick Name: showtime
Digits: 28
Band position: guitar vocals
Original post up: Milan MI
How many times have you been inked?: 3
When did you loose your ink virginity?: 18
What are they?: 1st:chinese symbol for playing music( or hittin a stick on a log)2nd: the snake/rose/fire tat 3rd: rendition of athena
What's your favorite ink and why did you get it?: athena, i was at her temple in athens and i swore to dedicate make my life to creating things that could last longer than me
What does the word Belikos mean to you?: family and a way forward thru life
Worst band moment fuck up?: bacardi
If you were a superhero, which one?: gordon liu
Favorite cuss word?: blast!!
(Belikos chilling in the bathroom at Pianos, NYC, 2010)
justin james hampton, 24
Government: Justin James Hampton
Nick Name: Guy Jr., Hams, Baby Yams
Digits: 24
Band position: Drummer
Original post up: Ann Arbor, mi
How many times have you been inked?: 2
When did you loose your ink virginity?: 17
What are they?: Double helix of snakes entwining a rose set aflame, japanese character for the letter "O"
What's your favorite ink and why did you get it?: The former, to solidify a brotherhood
What does the word Belikos mean to you?: Your state of mind during war, a means to an end, a way to live life like there's no tomorrow
Worst band moment fuck up?: Birthday show '08 @ tribeca grand hotel...booked, organized, and paid for show only to get too fucking drunk to play. WORST.
If you were a superhero, which one?: Peter Petrelli
Favorite cuss word?: DAMMIT.
(Aaron at Pianos, NYC, 2010)
Government: Keith Reed
Nick Name: Golden Fleece, Keef, KeKe, god (no disrespect meant)
Digits: 26
Band position: Bass, Occasional Vocal
Original post up: Farmington, CT
How many times have you been inked?: 0, sadly, but i have plans...
When did you loose your ink virginity?: :-(
What are they?: :-(
What's your favorite ink and why did you get it?: :-(
What does the word Belikos mean to you?: Beautiful things, my future.
Worst band moment fuck up?: general poor planning, any time we're late...generally my fault...fuck.
If you were a superhero, which one?: I am a super hero.
Favorite cuss word?: godmotherfuckingdammnit
Hey Afro-punk, got any tattoos? I want to see. Post pics below.
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