Headbangers best know Jason “Gong” Jones as the former singer of Drowning Pool and the current frontman of AM Conspiracy, the Florida-based hard-rock outfit that recently dropped its self-titled full-length debut (Burnhill Union). What fans might not know is that the mohawked vocalist is also a skilled tattoo artist (check out some of his work in the slideshow below). And in celebration of Revolver’s new tattoo issue on newsstands now, we thought we’d talk to Jones about his visual art.
REVOLVER How long have you been tattooing?
JASON “GONG” JONES 15 years.

How and why did you start?
I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember. I was dating this girl that was a piercer for a while and I guess just being around that scene was what really got me into tattooing.

Where you tattoo?
I work at Horseshoes & Handgrnades, 1012 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida.www.grenadestattoo.com

What piece are you the most proud of?
The Sailor Jerry pinup girl face. I know it’s not the most technically difficult piece – and I’ve seen it done quite few times by other artists – but I just like the way it came out.

How would you describe your style?
In life, I feel like I’m a cartoon of myself, so I guess my art reflects that…so maybe “cartoon realism?”

What’s the most annoying client you’ve ever dealt with?
I had a lady shit herself while I was tattooing her lower back. That was pretty fucking annoying… Luckily I was almost done.

Photo of Jones by Jose Figueroa-Baez.