“I Think It’s Pretty Serious.” Pennywise’s Fletcher Dragge Weighs In On NOFX’s Disbanding News

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Paul 'Browny' Brown

The punkiest of punk rock tours kicks off across Australia this weekend with Pennywise sharing the stage with the iconic Circle Jerks, who have made their way to Australia for the first time in their 43 years as a band. HUGE NEWS!!!!

As with every guest, our resident bogan metal (and old school punk fan) Duane James spoke with Fletcher Dragge about the tour and punk world as a whole – touching on the recent announcement that NOFX would be calling it a day after almost 40 years in the game. It’s a surreal news item that’s caught the attention of the punk community across the world, and, straight from the lead guitarist’s mouth – he shared that after hearing the news himself, he reached out to Fat Mike to confirm the rumours – which were originally sparked by a comment Mike made on Instagram to a fan – and yep, it’s really happening gang:

“It’s kind of surreal to me because I don’t see any reason why they should stop playing. They’re crushing it still, their shows are great. Mike and the guys are writing great music. Every record they put out is is gold in my opinion. The last record was fucking awesome. And I don’t get it you know, I mean, maybe Mike’s getting tired of travelling or something, I’m not sure what the reasons are behind it. But I think it’s pretty serious.”

Putting himself in the same shoes, Fletch spoke about the impact Pennywise has had on his life, and their fans, and contemplated if they could ever make a similar decision:

“For me, I don’t ever think of Pennywise ending. I picture being up there at 70 years old doing it and I mean, I don’t know if our bodies will hold up. We play fast music, it’s crazy but it’s not unheard of. I mean look at the Rolling Stones. Our shit’s a little bit more demanding. You know, some of these bands are in their 60s. I mean Circle Jerks, I think Keith’s got to be 62 or something like that and he’s still up there killing it.

So that’s definitely weird to me to hear that they’re calling it quits because music’s music, fans are there, you’ve changed people’s lives, you’ve become part of people’s lives. People got their shit tattooed on their bodies. You know, that one show you play in their city is like their salvation. For me, this is what I love to do. This isn’t a job. This is a passion. This is not a hobby. This is like, what I live for and have lived for since I was like basically 14 years old. So I don’t see any reason to ever stop this shit. So hopefully, they change their minds. But if you get a chance to see NOFX, I would definitely go see them because I think it’s a pretty serious tone of voice that they’re saying this.”

They’re not pulling a Mötley Crüe. I accused Mike of pulling a Mötley Crüe and he said ‘Fuck no, this is not a Mötley Crüe’. So be warned. They’re probably calling it quits for real.”

Given Fat Mike‘s reputation and joking nature, many would assume the statement could have been a ploy to gather some publicity, but if another iconic member of the scene is stating otherwise, maybe you should get in while you can… We’re not getting any younger these days either!

Words by Paul ‘Browny’ Brown @brownypaul

Revisit our chat with Fat Mike – talking all things Good Things Festival here

Pennywise and Circle Jerks are currently touring across Australia.
NOFX will appear on the Good Things Festival 2022 East Coast run in December