V-2 NOFX

Anybody who claims to be a fan of the punk rock music scene knows who NOFX is. The band has influenced every punk rock band that came after them. In my eyes, they are one of the first punk bands that I really got into, so they hold a special place in my heart. The quartet is fronted by singer, and bass player known as Fat Mike.  The band dabbles in some ska and hardcore at times, but is mainly influenced by the old-school punk rock and the “do it yourself” attitude. The band also consists of El Hefe on guitar, Eric Melvin on guitar, and Erik Sandin on drums. Fat Mike is a very charismatic front man for a band – depending on your definition of charisma, that is. He is bold and often snarky and sarcastic, as well as often blatantly political. They are great qualities for a punk rock band that is out to make people think and push a 

few buttons. The band has released 14 albums, including two lie albums, and one compilation. Most the albums were independently produced. The band did sign with Epitath records although that never led them to sell out their political, punk rock beliefs. They stayed with Epitath for a bit, but left in 2000 for Fat Mikes own album, Fat Wreck albums.  During the band’s career, they have made a point to avoid all areas of mass media. I think that is one of the reasons they have gained the respect of some of the original punk bands. They have always been in it solely for the music, never the money. You don’t see much of that today. In addition to the blatantly political nature of the band’s lyrics, Fat Mike is also politically active. His label has now released two “Rock Against Bush” compilations, and he also launched “Punk Voter”, a collection of punk labels, bands and fans that seeks to educate and inform America’s youth and get them to vote. Specifically, their goal at one time was to vote George W Bush out of office, but even after his reelection, Punk Voter is still actively educating young voters about issues that affect them. NOFX is a phenomenally influential band in mine, and many others life’s.