BY Joe Mae
Ricky Rebel was “straight” and in a relationship with a woman when, during a game of truth-or-dare, he hooked up with a guy. “It really bummed me the fuck out,” Rebel told “LA Weekly” earlier this year. “Like, holy shit. All of this stuff they were saying about me is fucking true. I thought maybe I became that way because [someone] had manipulated me. But I did like hooking up with the guy.”
Now bisexual, Ricky sings about his feelings in his newest track, “Boys & Sometimes Girls.” Local fans can see Rebel perform the song live this week when he performs two shows: first in NYC, then on Fire Island Pines.
Will this be your first time performing Rise Bar?
Yes! The last time we were in New York, we paid a visit to Rise Bar, and the people at the club seemed to really care about the performers. I can tell it’s a place that embraces creative diversity. I love the atmosphere too.
After your late-night performance, you’re off to Fire Island.
I’ve never been, but I hear it’s like Disneyland for gays.
You’re a Fire Island virgin?
[laughs] Yes, I am. I’m curious to find out if what they say about Fire Island is true.
It’s a wild island!
It’s great to have a place where guys can cut loose and be gay together. I love it. I can’t wait to rock the stage. I’ll be performing the Hector Fonseca mix of “Boys & Sometimes Girls.” Hector will be spinning while I sing it live.
Fans are going to love “Boys & Sometimes Girls.”
It’s the most honest song I have ever written. I literally wrote it as I was driving home from my Pilates/boxing class and then recorded it in one take. It’s a wink to all of the bisexual people that exist in the world, and there are a lot of us.
There’s been a lot of buzz about the song’s music video.
It’s pretty incredible! We made it together with MustaeV makeup.
I’ve been a fan MustaeV for some time. I wear their makeup in my photo shoots, interviews and performances. I met the company execs in New York, and we instantly fell in love with each other. They came on board for the video, and the buzz is right: It looks stunning. I can’t wait for people to see it.
We can’t wait to see you, Ricky!
Ricky Rebel performs Rise Bar in Hell’s Kitchen on Friday, August 5, and the Pavilion on Fire Island Pines by Voss Events Saturday, August 6. Visit RickyRebelRocks.com.
