In early 2023 NOFX announced their 2023 tour dates will be the end of the road for these iconic war horses. Formed in 1983, NOFX has never signed with a major label. Selling over 8 million releases makes them one of the best-selling independent artists of all time. Those who have experienced a NOFX concert are lamenting the end of their touring days. They are also making sure they get to one of these last concerts. This reviewer drove from Connecticut to Thornville, Ohio to partake in the two-day Punk in Drublic festival at Legend Valley Concert Venue. There were many cars from numerous states and even Canada whose owners knew not to miss this incredible weekend of music!
The weekend overall was well received by all in attendance. Each day started with 3 hours of beer tasting in the shadow of a full-size brachiosaurus for those who splurged for the VIP pass. There were many Midwest breweries represented with many styles offered. There were a number of merch tents with everything from band gear to artwork available. Probably the most important tent was the one that housed the Punk Rock Saves Lives foundation. Punk Rock Saves Lives serves as a catalyst at events for the punk rock community to start focusing on health concerns, equal rights, human rights, and more. There were several food and beverage vendors scattered about the venue to satisfy the needs of the festival goers.
On to the main event, the music! Here’s a quick synopsis of the weekend’s music lineup. All bands put on GREAT sets! We at MMM can highly recommend you visit the websites of all these bands and see when and where they will be playing. You will NOT be disappointed!
Day one kicked off with Southern California’s all-female punkers, Bad Cop / Bad Cop. These ladies are the poster children for the term “women who rock”. They started the day with an infectious high-energy performance.
Next up were the Codefendants. They are the latest project from NOFX’s Fat Mike but sadly, he didn’t perform with them. In March they released their debut album, “This Is Crime Wave” which is a cross between hip-hop, new-wave, flamenco, and the Beatles.
A California punk pioneer, Adolescents took the stage next. They’ve had several line-up changes and taken hiatuses. Through it all, they always deliver a righteously classic set. This day was no exception with the highlight of their set being their classic “Amoeba”.
Strung Out treated the crowd next with their brash brand of punk. These mid-90s SOCAL regulars have evolved musically over the years but they are always a powerhouse on stage.
The “Darlings of Gainesville” took the stage next. Less Than Jake delivered their typical frantic brand of ska-influenced punk. They all move about the stage like wild animals finally released from time in a cage. If there is one word that can be used to describe a performance by LTJ it’s “FUN!” Side note, saxophonist JR Wasilewski is a fellow Connecticutian.
One of the OG bands of the LA Punk scene was next in the lineup. Circle Jerks wowed the crowd with song after song from their historic catalog. Scattered between songs were political and social diatribes by vocalist Keith Morris which fans of the band know to expect. However, they didn’t detract from the music, they merely highlighted that of which Morris sang.
Finally, the stars of the weekend took the stage to Rocky Horror’s “Time Warp”. NOFX were clearly there to have fun while delivering their “middle finger flying” form of punk. Vocalist “Fat” Mike Burkett has never given a damn about what he says and he isn’t about to start now (Thankfully!) The band’s stage banter is almost as entertaining as their music, ALMOST. They delivered a set consisting of 40 songs to the delight of their loyal fans. SETLIST
The next day started with a threat of severe thunderstorms that never materialized. That didn’t stop the loyal punk rockers from showing up. I could be wrong but it seemed like more folks showed up for day 2.
Brenna Red fronted the kickoff act, The Last Gang. The band’s stage presence and energy kicked things off in much the same way as Bad Cop/Bad Cop did the day before. The pit was circling and bodies were flailing.
Michigan’s Mustard Plug brought their high-energy ska-punk to the stage. They have been riding the ups and downs of ska punk’s rollercoaster of popularity without wavering. You know they have to be great if Wesley Willis wrote a song about them!
Get Dead out of San Francisco performed the next set. Formed in 2007, like many of the bands on the bill, they were signed to Fat Wreck Chords. They are billed as punk but their music goes well beyond that genre and they bring in many influences to deliver a unique sound.
The real motor city madmen, Suicide Machines, really revved the crowd up next. Frontman Jason Navarro made several trips to the rail to get up close and personal with his fans as the band raged on behind him. Their aggressive set was the perfect lead-up to what followed.
The Bouncing Souls blasted onto the stage with their cacophony of New Jersey punk. Over 30 years of touring have not worn the lone Northeast band on the bill down. They were as energetic as they were when they started in the late 80s.
Like the previous day’s Circle Jerks, the next band is one of the original bands from the California punk scene. The Descendants look nonetheless for wear of the long years on the road. They delivered a rip-roaring powerhouse of a set to the delight of all.
Next was a blend of glee and sadness. This would be the last set that NOFX would be playing in the great state of Ohio if they hold true to their word. This reviewer feels they have the integrity to hold true to their last tour declaration, unlike a certain British group who played their farewell tour in 1981 and are STILL touring. Hmmm, Who could that be? Again the band took the stage to Time Warp and joked about not holding back. This would be their last show in the state so if they’re banned from Ohio, who cares?!? They delivered yet another long set as promised. SETLIST
It will be sad to think of a music world without being able to look forward to another NOFX tour but these guys have earned the right to hang it up. Through controversies, travels, and a worldwide pandemic, they’ve endured. My gut tells me they might reform for one-off gigs from time to time but their individual projects and families will no doubt take precedence in their lives. There is still time to catch them perform so if you can, do so! You will not be disappointed!!! REMAINING DATES
