NOFX

NOFX

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1983 in Los Angeles, United States
Founder	Fat Mike, Eric Melvin, Erik Sandin
Headquarters	Los Angeles , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Fat Mike (bassist and lead vocalist), Eric Melvin (rhythm guitarist), Erik Sandin (drummer), El Hefe (lead guitarist and trumpeter)
Products	Studio albums, EPs, singles, live albums
Number of employees	4 (band members)
Website	www.nofxofficialwebsite.com

NOFX () was a punk rock group from the United States, established in Los Angeles in 1983. The founding lineup featured bassist and lead vocalist Fat Mike, rhythm guitarist Eric Melvin, and drummer Erik Sandin, all of whom remained consistent members throughout the band's history, with Sandin briefly departing in 1985 before returning in 1986. In 1991, El Hefe joined as the lead guitarist and trumpeter, completing the most recognized formation of the band.

While NOFX rose to prominence during the 1990s punk rock revival, they notably never signed with a major record company. Over more than forty years, their discography expanded to include fifteen studio albums, sixteen EPs, and numerous singles. Their commercial breakthrough arrived with their fifth album, Punk in Drublic (1994), which stands as their sole release to achieve RIAA gold certification. The band's fifteenth and final studio album, Double Album, was released on December 2, 2022. Having sold upwards of eight million records globally, NOFX ranks among the most successful independent punk acts. In 2008, they hosted the television series NOFX: Backstage Passport on Fuse. The band concluded their career with a farewell tour ending in October 2024.

Formation and early period (1983–1987)

The origins of NOFX trace back to 1983 when guitarist Eric Melvin connected with bassist and vocalist Mike Burkett (known as Fat Mike), leading to the creation of a band initially called NO-FX—a name inspired by the Boston hardcore punk group Negative FX. They were soon joined by drummer Erik "Smelly" Sandin. Their first recording effort was a 1984 demo titled Thalidomide Child, produced by Don Bolles of Germs. Although it had limited sales at the time, this demo was reissued in 2012. The band’s debut EP, NOFX, was released on Mystic Records in 1985 and later re-released in 1992 as part of the Maximum Rocknroll compilation CD.

Throughout this early phase, NOFX experienced several lineup shifts before stabilizing in 1991. Drummer Erik "Smelly" Sandin briefly left, replaced sequentially by Scott Sellers and Scott Aldahl. Guitarist Dave Allen joined for approximately four months before his untimely death in a car accident. In 1986, the band issued the EP So What If We're on Mystic!. The following year saw Dave Casillas added as a second guitarist; he contributed to the EP The P.M.R.C. Can Suck on This, which satirized the censorship efforts led by the Parents Music Resource Center. The original provocative S&M-themed cover art was replaced in later pressings with an image featuring Eric Melvin. Prior to releasing Liberal Animation, Mystic Records put out a self-titled compilation combining early tracks from both the NOFX and So What If We're on Mystic! EPs; roughly 1,000 copies were produced featuring updated artwork inspired by the original NOFX EP design.

Initial albums and Epitaph signing (1988–1993)

In 1988, NOFX recorded their first full-length album, Liberal Animation, collaborating with Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion. Despite its title and some lyrics poking fun at vegetarianism, Fat Mike adopted a vegetarian lifestyle following the album’s creation. This debut was reissued in 1991 under Gurewitz’s label, Epitaph Records. After Liberal Animation, Dave Casillas departed and Steve Kidwiler took over guitar duties. The band’s sophomore album, S&M Airlines, was released through Epitaph in 1989.

The third studio album, Ribbed, came out in 1991. Shortly thereafter, Kidwiler exited the group and Aaron Abeyta ("El Hefe") joined as guitarist and trumpeter. With Abeyta onboard, NOFX recorded the EP The Longest Line along with their fourth studio album, White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean, both released in 1992. That same year, former label Mystic Records issued Maximum Rocknroll, a compilation consisting of early singles and demos—a release Fat Mike claimed he had no prior knowledge of until encountering it in stores.

Ascendancy and Recognition (1994–1999)

During the 1990s resurgence of punk rock, NOFX unveiled their fifth studio effort, Punk in Drublic, in July 1994. This album stands as one of their most acclaimed releases, reaching number twelve on the Billboard's Heatseekers chart and earning gold certification six years post-release. The track "Leave It Alone" garnered radio attention; however, its music video was withheld from MTV airplay due to Fat Mike's refusal to embrace mainstream media exposure. Today, Punk in Drublic is widely regarded as a seminal punk record.

Following this success, the band turned down offers from major labels. In 1995, they issued their inaugural live album, I Heard They Suck Live!!, which explicitly conveyed their stance against major label contracts and mainstream radio promotion.

Their subsequent album, Heavy Petting Zoo (1996), featured provocative cover art that was banned in Germany. Although it became their first album to chart on Billboard at position 63, it did not replicate the commercial impact of its predecessor. Fat Mike described this release as an unconventional record with ambivalent feelings toward certain songs.

In 1997, NOFX returned to a faster-paced punk sound with So Long and Thanks for All the Shoes. Two years later, in 1999, they released The Decline, an 18-minute single-track EP noted for its incisive social critique and standing among the lengthiest punk compositions recorded.

Transition from Epitaph to Fat Wreck Chords (2000–2008)

NOFX's eighth studio album, Pump Up the Valuum (2000), marked their final release through Epitaph Records before transitioning to Fat Mike's own label, Fat Wreck Chords.

In 2002, they collaborated with Rancid on a split album featuring mutual covers of each other's songs.

Their ninth studio album, The War on Errorism (2003), signified a shift toward political themes and initiated an anti-George W. Bush campaign that included punkvoter.com and the Rock Against Bush compilations and tour. The song "Separation of Church and Skate" was featured in the video game Tony Hawk's Underground. Additionally, an unreleased demo surfaced on the compilation Take Action! Vol. 4 in 2004.

Beginning February 2005, NOFX introduced the subscription-based NOFX 7" of the Month Club, releasing nearly monthly EPs until March 2006. These featured fan-chosen cover art, with early subscribers receiving colored vinyl editions.

On March 14, 2006, they released the EP Never Trust a Hippy, followed by the full-length album Wolves in Wolves' Clothing in April. The title track was included in the video game NHL 07. Their song "Kill All the White Man" made a brief appearance in the film Crank (2006).

In January 2007, NOFX recorded performances for their second live album, They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!, which was released in November. That year also saw them touring internationally, with their journey chronicled in Fuse TV's series NOFX: Backstage Passport.

Coaster, Cokie the Clown, and Self-Entitled Era (2009–2014)

February 2009 featured a reunion of NOFX with former members Steve Kidwiler and Dave Casillas for sold-out anniversary concerts. Their new album, Coaster, produced by Bill Stevenson, was released on April 28. The band participated in Warped Tour 2009 and toured Australia and New Zealand alongside Bad Religion.

On November 24, 2009, they issued the EP Cokie the Clown, comprising outtakes from the Coaster sessions. Fat Mike occasionally adopted the persona "Cokie" during live performances; however, a controversial incident at SXSW resulted in his ban from venue Emo's.

In June 2010, NOFX announced a compilation titled The Longest EP, which gathered selected tracks from their EPs spanning 1987 to 2009; it was released on August 17.

On November 23, 2010, Fat Wreck Chords released a split EP featuring Seattle band The Spits.

Early in 2011, Fat Mike disclosed that new material was being developed; by December he had commenced work on another NOFX album alongside composing a soundtrack for a fetish film.

June 2011 marked NOFX’s inaugural Canadian tour that included Newfoundland for the first time. They also reissued early recordings as a self-titled hardcore punk covers LP distributed internationally.

In February 2012, Fat Mike announced studio sessions for a new album slated for release later that year. A pre-release single titled My Stepdad's a Cop and My Stepmom's a Domme was issued in June.

Their twelfth studio album, Self Entitled, debuted on September 11, 2012. Additional releases included the single "X'mas Has Been X'd" (January 2013) and a comprehensive 30th anniversary LP box set (February).

Starting November 2014, NOFX conducted an extensive Australian tour covering major cities.

First Ditch Effort and Subsequent Singles (2015–2020)

During summer 2015, NOFX toured across the United States celebrating Fat Wreck Chords' quarter-century milestone with prominent supporting acts such as Lagwagon and Propagandhi. Guitarist El Hefe confirmed intentions to produce new material following this tour; an album release was anticipated for September 2016.

On July 19, 2016, they announced their thirteenth studio album titled First Ditch Effort, accompanied by lead single "Six Years on Dope"; the full album was released on October 7. That year also saw publication of their autobiography NOFX: The Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories, supported by a related tour featuring book signings.

In March 2018, NOFX released "There's No 'Too Soon' if Time Is Relative," honoring physicist Stephen Hawking. Shortly thereafter they launched the inaugural "Camp Punk in Drublic Festival," showcasing leading punk bands including Rancid and Pennywise. Fat Mike hinted at forthcoming new material later that year.

February 2019 marked the revival of the NOFX 7" of the Month Club, delivering twelve EPs throughout the year featuring fan-submitted artwork.

On August 16, 2019, they released "Fish in a Gun Barrel," addressing mass shootings in the United States; proceeds were donated to Moms Demand Action against gun violence.

March 2020 saw NOFX debut videos for new tracks "PRBOD" and "The Oddition," which were not included on recent albums.

Final Studio Work, Retirement Announcement & Post-Retirement Releases (2021–Present)

On January 12, 2021, NOFX announced their first studio album in nearly five years: Single Album, which was released on February 26.

On September 1, 2022, Fat Mike confirmed that NOFX would disband during their fortieth anniversary year of 2023; their final performance is potentially planned for Los Angeles.

Later that month on September 27, NOFX revealed plans for their next release: Double Album, scheduled for December 2 along with lead single "Darby Crashing," reworked from earlier recording sessions.

They also disclosed intentions to issue three additional projects: Half Album, Everybody Else Is Insane, and NOFX: A–Z. On March 6, 2024,Half Album was clarified as an EP set for release on April 19 featuring single "I'm a Rat".

NOFX performed their concluding live shows from October 4 to October 6, 2024 in San Pedro, California. During their final concert they premiered an unreleased track titled "We Did It Our Way," which Fat Mike described as an expression of gratitude toward fans and collaborators.

On July 9, 2025, NOFX released single "Barcelona," recorded in 2013 but noted as their last song produced post-retirement; it will appear on an upcoming rarities compilation titled A-H, expected for December release.

Musical Style and Inspirations

NOFX is recognized for combining catchy melodies with sharp wit while incorporating genres such as punk rock, melodic hardcore, skate punk, ska punk, and pop-punk. Fat Mike primarily classifies their style as melodic hardcore rather than pop-punk.

The band's influences encompass foundational punk acts including Bad Religion, Rich Kids on LSD, D.I., SNFU, Operation Ivy, Descendents, Circle Jerks, Dead Milkmen, Ramones, Sex Pistols, Adrenalin O.D., Minor Threat, Germs, Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, the Adolescents, Misfits, and Subhumans.

Controversies

In May of 2018 during a Las Vegas concert referencing the tragic mass shooting earlier that year, rhythm guitarist Eric Melvin joked “I guess you only get shot in Vegas if you're in a country band,” followed by Fat Mike’s comment “That sucked but at least they were country fans not punk fans." This led sponsor Stone Brewing Co. to withdraw support from both NOFX’s craft beer line and Punk in Drublic festival. Subsequently both NOFX and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes were removed from festival lineups.

The band issued an apology admitting their comments were “shitty and insensitive.” By June they reported cancellation of all U.S. shows amid what they described as effectively being “banned” due to these remarks. Fat Mike later clarified that cancellations were promoter-driven rather than resulting from venue bans.

Band Personnel

Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2 Current members

• "Fat" Mike Burkett – bass guitar, keyboards, piano; lead vocals
• Eric Melvin – rhythm guitar, accordion; backing vocals
• Erik "Smelly" Sandin – drums
• Aaron "El Hefe" Abeyta – lead guitar, trumpet; backing vocals

Former members

• Scott Sellers – drums (1985)
• Scott Aldahl – drums (1986)
• Dave Allen – lead vocals (1986; deceased)
• Dave Casillas – lead guitar (1987–1989)
• Steve Kidwiler – lead guitar (1989–1991)

Touring musicians

• Limo – keyboards (?–2016)
• Karina Deniké – keyboards, backing vocals (2015–2024)
• Jon “J Grabes” Graber – additional guitar, backing vocals (2021–2024)

Timeline

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Discography

Main article: NOFX discography

Studio albums

• Liberal Animation (1988)
• S&M Airlines (1989)
• Ribbed (1991)
• White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean (1992)
• Punk in Drublic (1994)
• Heavy Petting Zoo (1996)
• So Long and Thanks for All the Shoes (1997)
• Pump Up the Valuum (2000)
• The War on Errorism (2003)
• Wolves in Wolves' Clothing (2006)
• Coaster (2009)
• Self Entitled (2012)
• First Ditch Effort (2016)
• Single Album (2021)
• Double Album (2022)

External links

• Official NOFX website