We ran into Tattoo Pin up icon Sabina Kelley at her booth in the Great Gallery and asked her a few questions about metal and tatoos…
What is your first album you loved and cherish up to today?
That is so hard. There’s a couple of albums I listen to. NOFX was one of the first bands and concerts I got into. Social Distortion is one of my first and one of my favourites up to today. Love those guys.
Your first gig was where?
It was NOFX… in fact it was NOFX, Guttermouth and Squat. It was in Santa Barbara California.
Did you mosh?
I did actually; I was probably in 9th Grade, which is around the age of 14. Yeah 14. 14 and in a moshpit!
When did you get your first tattoo?
I got my first tattoo when I was 20. I waited for a long time, because I was a showgirl in Las Vegas and you can’t have tattoos because we all have to look exactly the same. So the first one I did was on the back of my neck. I knew I wanted full sleeves but at that point I couldn’t do it. So I got the tattoo on the back of my neck and it went from there. As soon as I quit being a showgirl the tattoos went boom.
Who are the artists you go to?
My husband (Nixx) who‘s here and tattooing right now. I have other artists I go to, you have to find the ones you like and stick with them. So there are about five I will go to. When I find one I really like I will stick with them. Like Franco Vescovi, Kat von D, Chuey Quintanar, Mr Cartoon. Mr Cartoon tattooed my knuckles – it says housewife. But I do stick with them as I’m comfortable with them.
Would you get or have musical lyrics tattooed?
Honestly I’m not that big on getting lyrics. I do have inspirational words on me like PMA (positive mental attitude), I have “blessed” on me too, “true love”. But no lyrics, none have ever really stuck with me enough to get it tattooed. There hasn’t been anything that has made me think I have to get this. If there was, then I’d already have it.
Which bands are you listening to at the moment?
Right now…oh wow….ok, I like listening to a wide range of music at the moment. At the moment I really like Eminem, that does surprise a lot of people. Then I can go to Johnny Cash, so many different styles of bands.
I haven’t seen any of the bands who played here. I’ve not been able to leave the booth, only run to get some food. I have to be in this booth for the entire convention.
Have you managed to see any of London while you have been here?
I’ve been to London seven or eight times and have never been able to see any of it as I’ve always been working. Since I have kids I have to get here and get out and get back to them as soon as possible. We do have tomorrow off (Monday) which is the first time ever that I have a whole day to do something before flying out.
Do you know what you are going to do?
Nope, I have no idea…do you have any suggestions?
Check out the Tower of London which isn’t too far from here, it’s amazing history, Go to Brick Lane, check out the bagel shops that are 24 hours…also Greenwich market – you should go check out Pie and Mash.
Oh awesome, we went Brick lane for dinner last night and had the most amazing curry. Tower of London I’ve been told to check that place out.
Thanks for your time!
