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Powerman 5000 plays the Rialto tomorrow night

For Powerman 5000 frontman Mike Straker - known to fans as Spider One - the most appealing aspect of his musical life stems from childhood aggression rather than a desire to be known as talented musician.

"When I was young, around 12 or 13, I discovered the punk music scene - it was a big motivation in my early life," Straker said. "I never aspired to be a great musician or guitarist, but I liked the energy and vibe of the scene."

Still, judging from their 1999 platinum release, Tonight the Stars Revolt, and their sold-out headlining tour, fans seem to enjoy everything about the band - from Straker's on-edge, banana-yellow hair, to the band's aggressive guitars and propellant vocals.

This has made Powerman 5000 one of the most colorful and popular acts both on MTV and alternative radio stations.

Straker said this new-found popularity has added a new dimension to their lives.

"It's difficult to hang out after shows now. There are more kids who see us and follow us around," Straker said. "I guess that's what happens when you're on MTV. We're perceived quite differently now."

Fans who have stayed loyal to the Boston-based band have seen Powerman 5000 move in many directions. Straker said the progression of the music is intentional, not just for the fans, but the band itself.

"Musically, you always want to challenge yourself, challenge your fans," he said. "We'll keep changing, keep music that's consistently Powerman."

Claiming influences from hip-hop, punk and heavy metal, Straker added that each aspect of the band's life is poured into their music - and what comes out dictates the thrust of their music.

"It's always altering (music) - it combines different types of music," he said. "When I was just starting out, I was really into hard core. Then, I went through a period of time where I was obsessed with hip-hop. Powerman 5000 combines all those styles. It was a natural progression into the form that it is now."

Although impressed with the current heavy metal trend in the music world, Straker was careful to predict the future direction of the band.

"I don't know - I've given up on predicting what will happen in the future. I like the fact that heavy music is back on the radio. It's refreshing to see it on MTV," he said.

Despite his relative humility, Straker said there is a big difference between past tours and their current headlining tour.

"This is definitely a step up for us," he said. "It's the way you always wanted it to be. We've headlined small tours before, but nothing like this."

Straker also said much of the tour's success is due to the growing fan base.

"There's a lot more enthusiasm. But you know, that's why we do it," he said. "We try to thank the fans who support us."

During a three-day stretch last month, the band proved their loyalty is to the fans, regardless of personal sacrifice - culminating with a nation-wide broadcast for Farmclub.com, an online site that allows bands to upload their own music.

"That was a crazy hectic day. We did two shows in L.A., recorded a song and shot a video - and the next morning, we had to fly out to Las Vegas for the show," Straker said.

The Rockets and Robots tour will come to the Rialto Theater tomorrow night. Doors open at 7 p.m., with opening band Dope taking the stage at 8 p.m. Static-X will also perform.