Features
NOFX Knows Its Effects
Punk-rock band NOFX has compiled its collective experience over a 30-plus year career into a best-selling collaborative autobiography.
Photo: AP Photo / Erik Schelzig
Bassist and vocalist “Fat Mike” Burkett of NOFX snaps one with a fan at book signing event in Nashville, Tenn., April 26.
“Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories” documents the band’s emergence in Los Angeles in the early ’80s, its sudden success, and its members experiences with drugs, touring and even sexual abuse. The book was written with filmmaker Jeff Alulis.
NOFX never signed with a major record label, despite gaining substantial popularity in the ’90s.
Singer and bassist “Fat Mike” Burkett said one of the reasons the band chose to stay independent was because people like that “it was secret music…. That’s why we never went to a major label. If everybody likes it, it’s no fun to like.”
The band has been touring upscale bookstores across the country to promote the publication, which recently hit No. 9 on the New York Times bestseller list for paperback nonfiction.
“Other bands don’t want to offend audiences,” Burkett said. “I love offending audiences.” In true punk rock spirit, it seems there are plenty of Americans lining up around the country for a chance to be offended.