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Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer Linus Of Hollywood got his first big break as the frontman of the band Size 14, which had a rock radio hit with "Claire Danes Poster." After Size 14 disbanded in the late 1990s, Linus began pursuing a solo career, while also launching a record label and writing and producing for other artists. In turn, his credits include a lot of prominent artists, including Bowling For Soup, The Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, The Charlatans, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and Puff Daddy.
Presently, Linus Of Hollywood's music can be heard regularly on Nickelodeon as he co-wrote the theme song for School Of Rock. He recently released his fifth solo album, Cabin Life, following a successful PledgeMusic campaign and also makes time to play in the band, Nerf Herder. On behalf of Sportskeeda, I had the pleasure of speaking with Linus about his love for the NFL's Green Bay Packers. More on Linus can be found online at www.linusofhollywood.com.
When did you become a Packer fan?
Linus Of Hollywood: I became a Packers fan in the early 2000s. My now ex-wife grew up in Wisconsin and after visiting there every year, I totally fell in love with the people and culture there, and that included the Packers. I really enjoyed watching Brett Favre play and he was definitely the catalyst for my Packers fandom.
Did you have a team before you were into the Packers? Or were they part of your initial NFL journey?
Linus Of Hollywood: When I was a little kid, I loved the Steelers. I think I just liked their uniforms, but I remember watching them when they had Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swan and that was a pretty exciting team. Once I started getting into music and growing my hair out, I really got away from sports in general and didn’t reconnect with them again until I started watching NFL and NBA games in the early 2000s.
So what is it that draws you to the Packers?
Linus Of Hollywood: I really love the whole culture of the Packers. I think it’s really cool that they’re fan-owned. Green Bay is not a major market by any stretch of the imagination, so it’s pretty rad that they’ve held on to a team since the beginning of the league. Also, I like the “cheesiness” -- pun intended -- of the fans. There’s not a lot of hate for the Packers like there is for other teams, like say the Cowboys or the Patriots. You can’t really get mad at a person wearing a block of cheese on their head. Not to mention the team is amazing, and Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Classy dude, too.
Have you ever listened to Stevie Rachelle from Tuff's Packers tribute albums?
Linus Of Hollywood: I think I may have heard a song or two. Gotta admire his commitment.
Do you have a favorite player on the team?
Linus Of Hollywood: I’ll always have a man-crush on Brett Favre, but I do love me some Aaron Rodgers.
Were you happy with how the team played in the 2017 season?
Linus Of Hollywood: 2017 was kind of a wash since Rodgers was out with an injury. It was the first time since 2008 that they didn’t make it to the playoffs, so to answer your question — no.
Being L.A.-based, have you ever been to a Packers game in-person?
Linus Of Hollywood: I have not. I was so excited when L.A. got 2 NFL teams thinking that I would finally get to see the Packers here, but they haven’t played in L.A. yet. Maybe next year? It is also a dream of mine to see a game at Lambeau.
Do you have a lot of friends in L.A. that are also Packers fans? Any musicians we may know?
Linus Of Hollywood: I’ve met a few music biz. types that are Packers fans. Kai Dodson from Army Of Freshmen and Ben Perlstein -- formerly of The Benjamins, now a manager -- come to mind. There’s a bar here that caters to “L.A. Cheeseheads,” so I can go there and watch a game if I’m feeling lonely.
Packers fandom aside, what are you currently working on?
Linus Of Hollywood: I’m busy promoting my new solo album Cabin Life, working on my new electronic pop project Hotel Sex, and doing the usual producing and mixing of records for other artists.
Finally, Linus, any last words for the kids?
Linus Of Hollywood: Drink lots of water!
