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SNFU

From Alfawiki
SNFU
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1981 in Edmonton, Canada
Headquarters
Vancouver
,
Canada
ProductsStudio albums, live recordings, compilations

SNFU was a hardcore punk group originating from Edmonton, Canada, established in 1981 under the name Society's No Fucking Use. The band moved to Vancouver in 1992 and entered a hiatus in 2018 due to health issues. Throughout their existence, they produced eight studio albums, two live recordings, and one compilation, navigating numerous lineup alterations and periods of disbandment. Frontman Ken Chinn (known as Mr. Chi Pig) led the ensemble, which prominently featured twin guitarists Brent and Marc Belke during much of its lifespan.

Alongside original drummer Evan C. Jones and bassist Jimmy Schmitz, SNFU cultivated an international following through their energetic melodic hardcore punk sound, first captured on their debut release, ...And No One Else Wanted to Play (1985). Their fan base expanded with the innovative If You Swear, You'll Catch No Fish (1986), which included bassist Dave Bacon and drummer Jon Card, followed by the intense Better Than a Stick in the Eye (1988) featuring bassist Curtis Creager and drummer Ted Simm. Internal conflicts eventually led to their dissolution in 1989.

The band reunited in 1991 for a reunion tour that evolved into a sustained lineup including drummer Dave Rees and bassist Rob Johnson. After signing with indie label Epitaph Records, they released Something Green and Leafy This Way Comes (1993), The One Voted Most Likely to Succeed (1995), and FYULABA (1996), achieving sales exceeding six figures while touring alongside acts such as Green Day and Bad Religion.

Following their departure from Epitaph, SNFU experienced the loss of Brent Belke and Rees in 1998, as well as Johnson in 2001. After a two-year break, they independently launched the critically acclaimed In the Meantime and In Between Time (2004), featuring bassist Matt Warhurst and guest drummer Trevor MacGregor. The band disbanded once again in 2005 after Marc Belke left permanently.

In 2007, Chinn reunited SNFU with former member Ken Fleming. This lineup, which included Card, guitarist Sean Colig, and bassist Kerry Cyr, produced Never Trouble Trouble Until Trouble Troubles You (2013). From 2014 onward, the group consisted of Chinn, Bacon, guitarists Randy Steffes and Kurt Robertson, along with various drummers. They entered another hiatus in March 2018; Chinn passed away on July 16, 2020.

SNFU played a pivotal role in shaping the skate punk genre. Their contributions have been acknowledged as some of the most influential within Canadian music history.

Formation and Debut Album: ...And No One Else Wanted to Play (1981–1985)

In the late 1970s, Ken Chinn connected with twin brothers Brent and Marc Belke in Edmonton. United by their passion for skateboarding and punk music, they initially formed the punk outfit Live Sex Shows in 1981 with drummer Ed Dobek and bassist Phil Larson; however, this group dissolved later that year after a handful of performances.

Subsequently, Chinn and the Belkes established Society's No Fucking Use (abbreviated as Society's NFU), recruiting bassist Warren Bidlock and drummer Evan C. Jones. When Bidlock departed due to stage fright concerns, Jimmy Schmitz joined late in 1982 as his replacement, coinciding with the band's transition to the SNFU moniker. Early on, they contributed two songs to the It Came From Inner Space compilation LP released in 1983. Through vigorous live performances and opening for acts like Youth Brigade, Dead Kennedys, Dayglo Abortions, and GBH, SNFU expanded their reach across North America. Their track "Victims of the Womanizer" was also featured on BYO Records' compilation titled Something to Believe In.

Their first full-length album, ...And No One Else Wanted to Play, was recorded in Los Angeles towards the end of 1984 and released by BYO Records in 1985. This debut made a notable impression within underground punk circles due to its raw intensity and spirited delivery.

If You Swear, You'll Catch No Fish and Better Than a Stick in the Eye (1985–1989)

In mid-1985, Jones exited the band, followed by Schmitz in May. Dave Bacon stepped in as bassist, while Jon Card—previously with Personality Crisis and later affiliated with D.O.A. and Subhumans—assumed drumming duties. This formation embarked on a North American tour and produced the experimental album If You Swear, You'll Catch No Fish, released through BYO in 1986. After the album's completion, Card departed and was succeeded by Ted Simm on drums. The group independently issued the She's Not on the Menu EP, which contained earlier recordings. Early 1987 saw Bacon's departure, with Curtis Creager taking over bass responsibilities.

SNFU's acclaim steadily increased; in 1987, they earned the title of Best Live Band from Flipside fanzine, surpassing notable acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fugazi. James Hetfield of Metallica notably sported SNFU’s 'zombie' T-shirt. The band toured alongside Voivod and Dayglo Abortions and secured a contract with Cargo Records. Their third studio effort, Better Than a Stick in the Eye, produced by Cecil English and released in 1988, remains a significant influence within hardcore punk circles. The supporting tour featured their inaugural performances across Europe.

By late 1989, mounting internal conflicts and divergent musical directions prompted the group’s dissolution. Simm returned to Winnipeg, while the Belke brothers and Creager formed the Wheat Chiefs, active until 1998. Chinn relocated to Vancouver where he initiated short-lived projects such as The Wongs and Little Joe, simultaneously becoming an advocate for queer representation.

Reformation and Epitaph era (1991–1998)

To complete their obligations with Cargo Records, SNFU released The Last of the Big Time Suspenders in 1991, comprising live recordings, demos, and studio outtakes. The Belkes reunited with Chinn, Creager, and Card initially for a promotional tour that revitalized the band’s activity.

By June 1992, the lineup included the Belkes alongside Chinn, Card, and new bassist Ken Fleming in Vancouver. Due to Card’s struggles with substance abuse, he was replaced by Dave Rees in October. This lineup undertook an extensive European tour. Later that year, personality clashes led to Fleming’s dismissal; he was replaced by Rob Johnson of the Wheat Chiefs.

In 1993, SNFU entered a three-album contract with Epitaph Records, which was gaining momentum through artists like The Offspring and Rancid. Prior to releasing their next full-length album Something Green and Leafy This Way Comes, they put out two demos compiled as the "Beautiful, Unlike You and I" EP. Their sound evolved toward greater melody, reflecting influences from the emerging third-wave punk scene they helped shape. Touring partnerships included Green Day and Bad Religion, with opening support from bands such as Korn and Tool.

The 1995 release The One Voted Most Likely to Succeed targeted mainstream appeal but did not achieve chart success; nevertheless, it is regarded as a quintessential '90s punk album demonstrating the band’s adeptness with intricate compositions. The subsequent album FYULABA (1996), produced by Dave Ogilvie, received mixed critical responses.

Epitaph opted not to renew their contract following 1997. During this transitional period, SNFU issued Let's Get It Right the First Time, a faux-live record co-released through Megaforce Records and their own Rake Records imprint. In March 1998, both Rees and Brent Belke departed to pursue careers in film and television.

Four-piece era, In the Meantime and In-Between Time (1998–2005)

Despite facing industry obstacles and changes in personnel, Chinn, Johnson, and Marc Belke persevered, enlisting drummer Sean Stubbs (known for his work with Numb, Jakalope, and Bif Naked's band) to establish their first four-member lineup. They embarked on tours and initiated recording sessions for a new album, a process that spanned six years. In 1999, Chris Thompson (Corporal Ninny) succeeded Stubbs on drums. The band issued The Ping Pong EP in 2000 through Alternative Tentacles, which included five outtakes from the FYULABA sessions. Additional recordings featuring guest drummer Trevor MacGregor (from Treble Charger) contributed to their seventh studio release.

After nine years with the group, Johnson exited in June 2001. Matt Warhurst (associated with Ocean 3 and Jakalope) temporarily filled the vacancy before Thompson’s departure led to a two-year period of inactivity. During this hiatus, Belke founded Based On a True Story alongside Warhurst prior to relocating to Toronto. Meanwhile, Chinn formed Slaveco., collaborating with Warhurst and musicians from Ocean 3 and Based On a True Story.

SNFU reassembled in May 2003 with Belke, Chinn, MacGregor, Warhurst, and producer Pete Wonsiak completing the album. Released in 2004 by Rake Records, In the Meantime and In Between Time was met with critical acclaim, often regarded as a return to their classic sound and ranked among their finest works. The song "Cockatoo Quill" earned a spot within the top 20 Canadian tracks in a 2017 poll conducted by CBC Music. Shane Smith (Ocean 3, Based On a True Story, Slaveco.) joined the lineup for touring duties.

In August 2005, mounting frustrations within the music industry combined with internal conflicts led to another disbandment. Belke transitioned into radio broadcasting. Chinn confronted worsening health challenges that culminated in homelessness before he eventually moved into assisted living arrangements.

Second reunion and Never Trouble Trouble Until Trouble Troubles You (2007–2013)

In July 2007, Chinn and Fleming organized an SNFU performance under the moniker "asSNFU" to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. With Fleming on guitar, they recruited bassist Bryan McCallum (Karen Foster) and drummer Chad Mareels (Fleming's Dog Eat Dogma). Following several shows, they dropped the "as" prefix and resumed performing as SNFU. This continuation without Belke generated some controversy; however, Chinn emphasized the evolving nature of the band by stating: "Those songs are my life. I’ll fucking play them ‘til I die." Denis Nowoselski replaced McCallum in 2008, while Smith returned to replace Mareels. The group undertook its most extensive touring schedule since their Epitaph Records era, including dates across Canada and Europe.

The documentary Open Your Mouth and Say... Mr. Chi Pig premiered in March 2010, highlighting Chinn’s battles with drug addiction and schizophrenia. It featured interviews with prominent musicians such as Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) and Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene). In April of that year, Jon Card rejoined SNFU for his third tenure, taking over from Smith. Sean Colig (Minority, Savannah) was added as guitarist and vocalist, establishing their first five-member formation in over ten years.

In 2011, Chinn suffered severe pneumonia resulting in numerous show cancellations; nonetheless, the band continued crafting new material. Punk historian Chris Walter released an authorized biography titled What No One Else Wanted to Say. In 2012, bassist Kerry Cyr (SideSixtySeven) replaced Nowoselski. Their rendition of "I Wanna Be an East Indian" appeared on Cruzar Media's tribute album to Dayglo Abortions but featured only Chinn alongside unrelated musicians.

Cruzar Media announced SNFU’s eighth studio album Never Trouble Trouble Until Trouble Troubles You slated for release in September; however, delays ensued. The band toured Japan and Canada during this period with guest drummer Junior Kittlitz filling in for an ill Card. Finally released in November—marking their first album in nine years and first without Marc Belke—the record received mixed reactions. Some critics applauded the new lineup’s faithful adherence to SNFU’s legacy, while others questioned Chinn’s performance capabilities. By late 2013, all members except Chinn had departed following supporting tours, leading to another fragmentation of the group.

Final lineups (2014–2018)

During lineup transitions, Cruzar issued the download single "I Wanna Be an East Indian." In February, Chinn teamed up again with bassist Bacon to assemble a fresh lineup, adding guitarists Kurt Robertson (known from The Real McKenzies) and Randy Steffes (previously a sound engineer and tour manager for SNFU, The Real McKenzies, and Green Day), alongside drummer Adrian White (associated with Strapping Young Lad and Front Line Assembly). Starting in April, the band embarked on tours across Europe and Canada, marking their first United States performances since 2001. They returned to European stages in July, this time with British drummer Jamie Oliver (of the U.K. Subs), while guest drummer Txutxo Krueger (from Total Chaos) substituted for several shows.

A planned Canadian tour in November featuring Creager and Simm was ultimately canceled. In 2015, with Bacon and Oliver onboard, Canadian concerts included a complete rendition of ...And No One Else Wanted to Play celebrating its 30th anniversary. The band also toured Australia and New Zealand for the first time since 1997. In 2016, Basque drummer Batikão Est (from Estricalla) joined the group, participating in tours throughout Canada and Europe.

In November 2017, Marc Belke reimagined two demos from 2000 into SNFU’s single "A Happy Number," released through Rake Records. These tracks incorporated prominent electronic influences, representing a notable stylistic evolution. Critics lauded this experimental direction, emphasizing the fusion of synthesizers and programmed drums. The band's final live performances took place in early 2018.

Hiatus, Chinn's death, and aftermath

The band announced a hiatus after canceling scheduled dates in 2018. Subsequently, Steffes and later Bacon became members of the Real McKenzies. June 2019 saw Artoffact Records release ...And Yet, Another Pair of Lost Suspenders, a live album capturing the 1992 reunion tour at Les Foufounes Électriques in Montreal.

In November 2019, Chinn revealed he was battling a serious terminal illness. Despite his condition, he recorded a solo 7-inch single featuring orchestral renditions of "Hurt" and SNFU’s "Painful Reminder." Chinn passed away on July 16, 2020, at age 57. Shortly after his death, SNFU shared his final acoustic piece "Cement Mixer" on YouTube.

In March 2021, Marc Belke and Rake Records released the EP A Blessing but with It a Curse, which included outtakes from the In The Meantime and In Between Time sessions with guest contributions from members of Propagandhi. ...And No One Else Wanted to Play was honored by winning the public vote for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize's Slaight Family Heritage Prize.

Original drummer Jones died on April 17, 2021, followed by Card’s passing on April 8, 2024.

Band members

  • Ken Chinn (Mr. Chi Pig) – lead vocals (1981–1989, 1991–2005, 2007–2018; deceased 2020)
  • Marc Belke (Muc) – guitar and backing vocals (1981–1989, 1991–2005)
  • Brent Belke (Bunt) – guitar and backing vocals (1981–1989, 1991–1998)
  • Evan C. Jones (Tadpole) – drums (1981–1985; deceased 2021)
  • Warren Bidlock – bass (1981–1982)
  • Jimmy Schmitz ('Roid) – bass (1982–1985)
  • Dave Bacon – bass and backing vocals (1985–1987, 2014–2018)
  • Jon Card – drums (1985–1986, 1991–1992, 2010–2013; deceased 2024)
  • Ted Simm – drums and backing vocals (1986–1989)
  • Curtis Creager (Curt) – bass (1987–1989, 1991–1992)
  • Ken Fleming (Goony) – bass (1992); guitar and backing vocals (2007–2013)
  • Dave Rees – drums (1992–1998)
  • Rob Johnson (Starbuck) – bass and backing vocals (1992–2001)
  • Sean Stubbs – drums (1998–1999)
  • Chris Thompson (Corporal Ninny) – drums (1999–2001)
  • Matt Warhurst – bass and backing vocals (2001, 2003–2005)
  • Shane Smith – drums (2003–2005, 2008–2010)
  • Chad Mareels – drums and backing vocals (2007–2008)
  • Bryan McCallum – bass and backing vocals (2007–2008)
  • Denis Nowoselski – bass and backing vocals (2008–2012)
  • Sean Colig – guitar and backing vocals (2010–2013)
  • Kerry Cyr – bass (2012–2013)
  • Randy Steffes – guitar (2014–2018)
  • Kurt Robertson (Dirty Kurt) – guitar and backing vocals (2014–2018)
  • Adrian White – drums and backing vocals (2014)
  • Jamie Oliver – drums and backing vocals (2014–2016)
  • Batikão Est – drums and backing vocals (2016–2018)

Guest musicians

  • Scott Juskiw – studio bass player (1982)
  • Trevor MacGregor – studio drummer (2000, 2003)
  • Junior Kittlitz – touring drummer (2013)
  • Txutxo Krueger – touring drummer (2014)

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

Singles and EPs

Appearances on compilations

  • It Came From Inner Space LP (1983)
  • Something to Believe In LP (1984)
  • It Came From the Pit LP (1986)
  • Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate cassette (1987)
  • Johnny Hanson Presents: Puck Rock Vol. 1 CD (1993)
  • Punk-O-Rama Vol. 2 CD (1996)
  • We Are Not Devo CD (1998)
  • Shot Spots: A Punk Rock Tribute to Trooper CD (2002)

Bootleg recordings

  • Live '86 7-inch single (1987)
  • Real Men Don't Watch Quincy 7-inch single (1990)
  • Via Plastic Surgery (1998)

External links

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