Night one of NOFX’s last ever European tour perfectly illustrates why Fat Mike’s crew will be treasured forever as true punk rock rebels

Posted on by Logan Rocker
night-one-of-nofx’s-last-ever-european-tour-perfectly-illustrates-why-fat-mike’s-crew-will-be-treasured-forever-as-true-punk-rock-rebels

You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.

When any band announces a final tour nowadays, we take such declarations with a mountain of salt. Black Sabbath. Kiss. Mötley Crüe. All bands who’ve rinsed the whole “final tour” concept for every last dime. Even Texan pop-punkers Bowling For Soup got in on the action back in 2013 – only to return to the live music scene in 2016. Just last week, Sum 41 declared their retirement from touring with a final run of shows planned for the not-too-distant future. I guess this is growing up. 

So when legendary So-Cal punk rockers NOFX declared last year that they were calling time on their acclaimed 40 year career, the news was met with a certain amount of scepticism. Presumably this was another of punk rock provocateur Fat Mike’s little jokes? But no, when this writer spoke with NOFX’s band leader hot off the heels of said surprise announcement, he assured me of his group’s intentions.

“I need it to end,” he told me. “I’m tired of being Fat Mike on stage. There’s so many other things I want to do in life. Every show on this last tour will be completely different. I’m so excited to play them. It’s going to be really special. And we’re not doing the whole Black Sabbath/Mötley Crüe thing. On October 6, 2024 in LA, that will be the last time NOFX ever plays.”  

Time will tell. But one thing remains undisputed at this stage in the game: if this is indeed the end, NOFX are going out on the highest of all highs – drug-related puns aside. 

This writer has been lucky enough to have seen the band (rounded out by guitarists Eric Melvin and El Hefe and drummer Erik “Smelly” Sandin, plus touring keyboardist Karina Denike) live on countless occasions over the last 25 years. During that time, their performances have ranged from sublime to shitty. NOFX themselves would be the first to tell you that professionalism and consistency have never been high on the agenda. This, after all, is the band who called their first live album, I Heard They Suck Live. And as Fat Mike sings on the opening track to Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing, 60%, a song that’s become something of an overall mission statement for the band, “I’m not here to entertain you, I’m here to meet my friend the Russian, the Irish, the German, the Colombian. I don’t care how bad I fuck up, I care about how fucked up I get. I’m not your clown, I’m your dealer.”

So imagine the crowd’s surprise when NOFX take to the stage at Poble Espanyol in Barcelona for the first of their final European shows, and we’re greeted by a well-oiled, finely tuned, actually in-tune machine. 

By Fat Mike’s own admission, the band have been rehearsing. As a result, they’re remarkably well prepared for the occasion. It’s evident that they care about putting on a great show, too. And there’s an overriding sense of humility, commitment and gratitude on display throughout the band’s epic two-and-a-half hour set that’s been hitherto hidden beneath a sea of self-deprecating humour and schtick. 

All of that’s still here in abundance, of course. Topped up with a healthy dose of bad taste banter and politically incorrect jokes. Some things never change. Nor would we ever want them to. But NOFX are clearly intent on giving their fans nothing short of 110% tonight, and this evening’s show is by far and away the best this writer has ever seen them play.

With three gigs across the weekend and different records scheduled to be performed in their entirety alongside sample selections from the greatest songs ever written (by them), tonight’s crowd is treated to a haphazard hybrid of two all-time classic albums – So Long & Thanks For All The Shoes and White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean – and an additional assortment of nuggets from one of the best back catalogues in punk rock. 

The setlist alone is enough to lay claim to the fact that NOFX are indeed the greatest and most important punk band of their generation, the likes of which we will never see again. And if the scenes from tonight’s sold out crowd confirm anything, it’s that this band mean an awful lot to an awful lot of people. There’s going to be a great big NOFX-shaped hole in our hearts once they’re gone. So long, fellas. And thanks for all the shoes. 

Barcelona: Night One set list

Intro/ Stickin In My Eye
Murder in C
Bob
Punk Rock Elite
K-hole
All Outta Angst
Soul Doubt
You’re Bleeding
Straight Edge
Liza and Louise
The Bag
Eat the Meek
Kill Rockstars
Dads Bad News
Fuck the Kids
Hobophobic
Monosylabic
I’m Telling Tim
Cant Get the Stink Out
Please Play This Song
6 Years On Dope
Days n Daze
Green Corn
Six Pack Girls
Quart in Session
180 Degrees
Flossing a Dead Horse
All His Suits
Falling in Love
Champs Elysee
Desperations Gone
Johnny Appleseed
I Wanna Be Your Baby
She’s gone
Buggley
Church and Skate
Kill All the White Man

DJ, presenter, writer, photographer and podcaster Matt Stocks was a presenter on Kerrang! Radio before a year’s stint on the breakfast show at Team Rock Radio, where he also hosted a punk show and a talk show called Soundtrack Apocalypse. He then moved over to television, presenting on the Sony-owned UK channel Scuzz TV for three years, whilst writing regular features and reviews for Metal Hammer and Classic Rock magazine. He also wrote, produced and directed a feature-length documentary on Australian hard rock band Airbourne called It’s All For Rock ‘N’ Roll, and in 2017 launched his own podcast: Life in the Stocks. His first book, also called Life In The Stocks, was published in 2020. A second volume was published in April 2022. 

1,144 thoughts on “Night one of NOFX’s last ever European tour perfectly illustrates why Fat Mike’s crew will be treasured forever as true punk rock rebels”

  2. I wish to express some appreciation to you just for rescuing me from such a crisis. Right after browsing through the internet and coming across techniques which were not productive, I assumed my entire life was gone. Being alive without the presence of solutions to the problems you have solved all through this short post is a critical case, as well as ones which might have adversely damaged my entire career if I hadn’t noticed your web blog. Your own personal talents and kindness in maneuvering everything was helpful. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t encountered such a step like this. I can at this moment look ahead to my future. Thanks so much for your expert and results-oriented help. I will not be reluctant to suggest the sites to any individual who should have care on this problem.

  3. Very efficiently written article. It will be helpful to anyone who employess it, as well as myself. Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.

  5. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂

  6. This design is incredible! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  8. Hello there, simply became alert to your weblog through Google, and located that it’s truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful when you continue this in future. A lot of other people can be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  10. I don’t even understand how I finished up here, however I thought this publish was great. I do not realize who you’re but definitely you are going to a well-known blogger if you happen to aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  12. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  14. Thanks for any other wonderful post. The place else may just anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.

  17. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specifically the remaining phase 🙂 I care for such info much. I was looking for this certain information for a very lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.

  18. Keep up the excellent piece of work, I read few articles on this website and I believe that your weblog is really interesting and contains sets of excellent info .

  20. Keep up the wonderful piece of work, I read few content on this web site and I believe that your web site is rattling interesting and has got circles of fantastic information.

  21. What¦s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me. Good job.

  23. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  26. I think other site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and magnificent user genial style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!

  27. What Exactly is Tonic Greens? Tonic Greens is a dietary supplement that has proven effective in helping many people manage the herpes virus and boost their immune systems without adverse effects.

  35. I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

  36. I have not checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  40. What does the Lottery Defeater Software offer? The Lottery Defeater Software is a unique predictive tool crafted to empower individuals seeking to boost their chances of winning the lottery.

  41. What Is Neotonics? Neotonics is a skin and gut supplement made of 500 million units of probiotics and 9 potent natural ingredients to support optimal gut function and provide healthy skin.

  42. Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  43. You have observed very interesting points! ps nice website . “I hate music, especially when it’s played.” by Jimmy Durante.

  45. I was suggested this web site through my cousin. I’m now not positive whether this submit is written by way of him as no one else recognise such exact about my trouble. You are amazing! Thank you!

  46. Tonic Greens: An Overview Introducing Tonic Greens, an innovative immune support supplement meticulously crafted with potent antioxidants, essential minerals, and vital vitamins.

  47. This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  48. Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  49. Very nice article and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

  51. I conceive this internet site has some very superb info for everyone. “Few friendships would survive if each one knew what his friend says of him behind his back.” by Blaise Pascal.

  52. Whats Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid other customers like its helped me. Good job.

  53. Wonderful blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Thank you!

  54. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  55. I am really impressed together with your writing abilities as neatly as with the format to your weblog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

  56. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  59. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm.

  60. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm.

  61. Some truly superb info , Gladiolus I found this. “Treat your friends as you do your pictures, and place them in their best light.” by Jennie Jerome Churchill.

  62. great post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector do not understand this. You must proceed your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *