Speedball frontman Chuck Burns is nothing if not prolific. Still playing drums for local hair metal legends Seduce (who are preparing for a giant show at the DTE Music Theatre in August with Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell, Motorhead and Testament) and co-fronting local stoner faves the Universal Temple of Divine Power, Burns is now back behind the mic with his down and dirty punk ‘n’ roll band Speedball.

Having played the LoftFest -- the 20^th anniversary party of Saline’s The Loft Recording Studio -- at the Crofoot last month, the men of Speedball are reconvening once again at Small’s on Friday to fire through a set of uncompromising, high energy rock ‘n’ roll fury.

Prior to the LoftFest, when had been the last time Speedball played on stage together?
Some time last year. The shows are sporadic now – we get together when everybody’s in town. Bill (Kozy, guitar) does sound for Cheap Trick so he’s always on the road with them, and Mike (Alonso, drums) also plays drums for the Electric Six, so he’s out with them a lot. It’s just a matter of when everybody’s in town.

So, the band never officially split, it just slowed down?
Basically, yes. We never said, “that’s it, we’re done.” We just kinda’ went our separate ways for a while. I got a job with the Ford Motor Company, which put the brakes on things. In the meantime, Bill got the job with Cheap Trick and everybody was doing their own thing. We just get together from time to time now.

How do you feel the LoftFest show went?
It was great. Any time I get together with those people, it’s always good times. It’s like riding a bicycle. We’ve got it down so good, and through our schedules we really don’t get much time to rehearse, so any time we play we’re hanging on by the skin of our teeth -- but we always pull it off and have a good time. It’s a shame because I wish we could play a lot more, tour and stuff. But such is life.

Will you be doing another record?
I’d love to. When we split up, I had half a record’s worth of material at least. It’s just a matter of finding the time. Basically, it’s down to when Bill’s in town because he’s just gone all the time, running sound.

You’ll be able to do a full set at Smalls. What can we expect?
Pretty much the usual Speedball show. It’ll be a rip-roaring, great set no matter what we do.

You also play with Seduce and the Universal Temple of Divine Power. Is it hard to juggle them all?
I also play drums in a hardcore band called Heresy, and a friend of ours just put a 45 out for us so we’re talking about doing a record-release party. But yes, it’s hard to find the time for rehearsal. Especially with my day job, because I have a manic schedule. It doesn’t leave me a whole lot of time for anything else.

People seemed genuinely excited to see Speedball out again, just as they did when Seduce first re-formed. Are you proud to be involved in so many bands that have had a real impact on Detroiters?
A blind girl finds an acorn every once in a while, right? I just happen to play with great musicians, people that are creative. It always comes out great. I set my standards pretty high when I put myself into a project. I throw myself into it completely, and most of the time, the other members have done the same, like the Skeemin’ NoGoods. We were all over that.

I’ve just been fortunate to play with such great players, especially being a drummer and a guitar player. When I’m playing drums, I’m always watching the guitar player and stealing licks. When I’m playing guitar, I’m always watching the drummer and stealing licks from him. I’m always copping licks.

Which instrument do you prefer playing?
I’ve played drums for the longest, but I think I prefer playing guitar. It’s just a little more creative. I have a love/hate relationship with drums. Sometimes I just love it, it depends on the situation that I’m in.

Finally, you played a Seduce show with the Universal Temple on the same bill. Would you ever play a show featuring all four of your bands?
I’ve done shows in the past where I’ve played with three bands. So sure, what the Hell. You only live once. Give me a coffee and I’m ready.