Most of you in your 40s probably remember NOFX. They’re the punk band from Los Angeles famous for their punk/ska creations such as “Linoleum” and “Don’t Call Me White.” They were one of the first successes of Epitaph Records, which was started by Greg Graffin of Bad Religion, and unlike other famous punk bands of the ’90s, they never signed with a major label.
They’ll be playing July 12 at Portland Meadows for the Punk in Drublic 2019 tour with Bad Religion, MxPx, Anti-Flag, The Last Gang, Mean Jeans and others.
Since 1996, NOFX has been performing and playing punk rock all over the world. Their sound ranges from heavy and fast to ska and reggae – and they’ve even been known to rock a few jazz tunes.
A lot of their lyrics are very “fuck the establishment” but also give a compassionate “hell yeah!” to people whose voices are rarely heard and who are described as freaks or weirdos.
NOFX has been known to support such causes as gay rights, freedom of expression, anti-political corruption, homelessness and anti-racism, along with satirical songs (“Hot Dog in a Hallway”).
They’ve always been an inspiration, pointing out the beautiful things about homeless people and how we and other freaks and misfits are judged and made fun of and mistreated.
The songs are deep and understanding, as if they’ve actually been in their shoes.
Some of their words have been called “offensive.” Oftentimes, when touchy subjects are discussed, people get offended.
The world can be a rough, disgusting place. They remind me that people live sheltered lives where they don’t see the darker sides of life. A lot of times, their songs are about the better parts of the dark areas. Teaching me how to laugh at myself, and that things aren’t so bad. Also, that somebody understands all of the dark, sad, horrifying and humiliating things that happen in life.
I’m not alone and someone understands.
An excerpt from NOFX’s song, “Freedom Like a Shopping Cart,” written by Mike Burkett (aka Fat Mike):
“…No fear, no fuckin' feats, malt liquor tastes much better on the streets
Crustin, a way of life for heroines and heroes who hitchhike the road to Eden
Not Eden like the garden state, Eden like the state of mind…
Sleeping under rays, your teeth crumbling away, say goodbye
To all responsibility, you never wanted it man …
Kick back, free meals
A couple of times a day you make a couple of shady deals
No work, no fucking pay
Cardboard condominium by the bay
You're between the red and black, you're never goin' back
Say goodbye, to all responsibility
You never wanted it man.”