Drinks With Johnny #55: Fat Mike of NOFX

[@trainspotter360]

I've never seen an interview where he actually talks about how he plays bass. He's such a great musician.

[@DrinksWithJohnny]

Agreed

[@mistermartinstreet]

Sober Fat Mike is far less obnoxious than high/drunk Mike.

[@psychotropictraveler514]

So much cooler sober. Hes a terrible drunk

[@johnsmith-so5do]

When did he get sober, cuz I saw him do I line before that backyard show at his house last summer..

[@Jones-eq4bs]

@@johnsmith-so5do he says 3 months like 5 minutes into the video.

[@customtoggle7938]

Jesus it's been FIVE years since First Ditch Holy shit who set the time machine on turbo

[@philillustration8424]

Fucking hell man i wish i never read that. Where did the time go?

[@NintenDub]

It only gets worse.

[@NintenDub]

Great album though

[@IcyBird420]

I remember walking to school for an entire year because they didn't pass the funding for busses that year. I knew punk in drublic back and forth from listening to it walking to school. So long ago but so crystal clear. Thank you boys.

[@tywalz]

I was on the other end of that and rode the bus home. Had a CD player and new about every word to War on Errorism. Just started listening to them again. Cheers

[@IcyBird420]

@@tywalz Cheers!

[@leucifer2]

buses*

[@PlayerN013]

I met Fat Mike while walking around in the crowd at a Warped Tour in 96 or 97 in Michigan. Deftones, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Sugar Ray, Pennywise, and so many bands played. It rained during the Deftones show and they played straight through. I was just a teenager and didn't want to be a jerk by calling him "Fat" Mike when I seen him walking amongst us concert goers, so I just said "Hi Mike, I love your music!" and promptly kept walking to not be a weirdo nerding over him casually walking around. I also remember Kid Rock showed up and was booed offstage because he had a dwarf cussing in a diaper and everyone was naive in thinking that it was actually a little kid was onstage cussing in that band. Man, those were the days!! Keep making punk rock elite Mike (Fat Mike)!

[@maxiepattie85]

I once made a guy kill a man over NOFX

[@trainspotter360]

Almost the same thing happened to me at Warped Tour '00. I snuck back stage and saw Fat Mike talking to someone. I took acid so I just walked up to him, interrupted his conversation and asked if I could shake his hand. He was, rightfully so, annoyed. He did shake my hand though and I walked away, embarrassed about how I acted. As we walked away, Smelly came up to us and started talking to us and he asked my name and shook my hand. I think he saw the interaction I had with Mike and how embarrassed I was and it made my fucking year and it made me so happy. Smelly might be the best dude who's ever lived.

[@stefanblois7275]

I'm guessing that dwarf cussing in a diaper was Joe C! lol

[@PlayerN013]

@@stefanblois7275 Yeah, but nobody in that crowd knew it at that time.

[@derekmatuja583]

Warped Tour 98. I was Kid’s stage manager on that tour.

[@FamousAndFallen]

This was amazing. Loved the details about bass playing and song writing. Rare to hear him talk about these things and it was awesome.

[@MikeP2055]

There's an extra twinkle in his devious little eye when he's sober. I love it. Great chat. Great insight. Just great all around.

[@ardemgourdikian1394]

You're totally right. I usually doubt Mike in recent years when he says he sober. However, within a few minutes I could tell he truly is sober. He's looking healthy and seems really happy.

[@SiimonFerocious]

As a punk rocker who's been sober for a few years but still loves good music and partying I've related to Fat Mike in more ways than one. Its really good to see him living and enjoying sober life and being in reality. I've seen both your bands live and they both kicked ass!

[@romixsoundstudios]

I've watched plenty of interviews with Fat Mike, and this was the best by far. I loved to hear about playing techniques, chord progression, writing methods and all.

[@Madtwins]

Thank you for the interview with Mike !!! It's very nice to hear discussing like that by such a nice people !!!

[@mateosamora]

Pink Floyd made a good double album, but The Minutemen made a great double album. Rad interview, Johnny. I always enjoy Fat Mike interviews for the anecdotes and personal stories, but it’s cool to hear him talk about his style of playing, songwriting, and producing. Can’t wait to hear the new record.

[@Kapagna]

What about London Calling?

[@TobbeBoll]

27:25 “We don’t have spare guitars on tour” , I laughed so hard when a clip flashed in front of my eyes of when Rob was introduced to Jason’s basses and there where like +200. :) Metal people don’t seem to only have one bass, not even when they warm up. :) The guys from NOFX seem all so nice and humble, Fat Mike, Smelly, very inspiring people.

[@dispenserhere1]

It made me think of the time Fat Mike broke his bass on Melvin’s face hahaha

[@psychotropictraveler514]

@@dispenserhere1 lmfao "if I wasnt so cheap and played a Fender, it wouldnt be as funny, because Melvin would be dead"

[@ilquintopezzo]

Man I wish that bass talk part would last another 2 hours

[@cedricmuller]

And the « how I write songs » totally divine

[@darwinkemp4874]

I traded an eighth for my first NOFX cd, Pump Up the Valuum.

[@conors4430]

That part about the bass is really interesting. I had people tell me my whole life he was not playing those parts solo that they must have been overdubbed. Amazing how a different technique can open up so many different avenues. Something that doesn’t really happen if you are trained the same way everybody else is.

[@LadyObasu]

Love the new intro! Always great to hear Fat Mike tell his stories and impart his wisdom to us. I hope you guys are able to play golf and have a nice time soon.

[@garrydavies6337]

Awesome interview and very insightful, I probably learned more about Fat Mike in this interview than I have over the last 27 years or so of loving NOFX! I love sober Fat Mike, he's a very funny, interesting and intelligent dude. I could've listened to this interview for another 2 hours! Great work Johnny, you've got a new fan. Now I need to seek out the Frank Turner episode. Keep up the great work dude. All the best. 👍👊🤘

[@lascanio]

Awesome to see Johnny stoked and nervous while talking to Mike... it felt like one of us hehehe great episode

[@brickfistpow3587]

Really insightful interview. Love that they talk about their playing techniques. If NOFX ever released tab books, I'd buy them all.

[@matthewjusa4316]

If you need a tab book to play nofx songs, you should probably give up playing now. The simplest (and shittest) songs going round.

[@amberdean1263]

Literally the best interview with Mike ever.

[@donnix768]

I’m glad to see these bands are good friends. I remember years back Mike making some negative comments aimed at Avenged Sevenfold. Mike seems to be in a good place, happy for him.

[@coryander4918]

say what you want, fat mike is just the best and johnny is such a great host

[@sly11benal7]

2 of my favorite bands period!

[@DrinksWithJohnny]

Thank you

[@redlipsofdeceit]

The new opening and quality of sound and video are f*ckin' awesome! It felt like Johnny was in standing right in front of me, and not on a screen. Kudos to Brando! I was really surprised by Fat Mike! He's a very intelligent guy. I loved that every time Johnny would pronounce something wrong, Mike would just correct him. 😂 Also, he's not afraid to say what's in his mind, like his opinion on James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine. 😂 Here's to a great season! Cheers! 🍻

[@cacadordorio]

Teu inglês é foda heim carai

[@marcafterlife]

Finally Season 3! Very hyped. Also great intro song. Is there a full version of it available? 👀

[@packer_nagaming5588]

I love their cover of the beautiful song Vincent! Great interview. Thanks Johnny!

[@Preciousroy8383]

Mike looks fantastic. This interview was great. Made me really happy.

[@cedricmuller]

I saw the lights, I came in. Ok, I am going to stay here for the next few years. This is the way. Great generous grateful and galant interview. (Me too, I was wondering how Get Your Own Way was at the end of the record, and I remember the Led Zep ending quote too). We love the new album

[@KHomfg]

Love this interview and love Johnnys shirt- which brand/where can i buy one? Seeing/ hearing Mike sober is a new and really enjoyable experience

[@canadianeastcoaster5142]

We love ya Mike, thanks for being healthy man, again The Decline with Baz is GOAT material

[@Harshpenny]

I met mike at the 2003 warped tour in phoneix AZ and I said “oh my god!” And he mockingly repeated “oh my god!!”

[@SocietyBizcakeAhoy]

I was at that one! I fell asleep during New Found Glory. My car ran out of gas on the way home. I feel like it was 2002 though, for some reason. Edit: looking at the flyers, Me First played warped in 2003, NOFX played warped in 2002

[@cedricmuller]

Was at one of their gigs in 95 with Lagwagon opening for them. I had the holy ray of an opportunity to listen to their sound check, it was pre Heavy Petting Zoo and they played Drop The World in a somewhat different version. I am still dreaming of that moment. After the show, I could have Mike autograph my back because I thought writing on a t-shirt would be lame. That historical moment never washed away.

[@Anthonybchannel]

Haha sounds just like him

[@kim-jong-poon]

Such a great interview. Didn't even know about this cast before it popped up in my recommendations and I'm definitely subscribing to it. Love avenged sevenfold and nofx is in my top 3 favorite bands (I can't pick just one to call my fav) fat mike inspired me to put down the guitar and focus on bass, which in turn eventually helped me become a better guitar player. Don't get me wrong though, I'm a bass player through and through. So much of my musicianship has been inspired by fat mike and for that I say thank you.

[@91795jc]

Hell yeah, this is going to be epic.

[@maxiepattie85]

Zero dislikes SO PUNK! so far

[@stringedout]

I think this is the first interview I’ve heard where fat mike is talking about playing bass and musicianship. Love this podcast, thanks!

[@Bigd843]

Fat mike needs to stay sober and good for him.

[@BandHanana]

Fuck you! Fat Mike can do whatever the fuck he wants. Love the dude, sober or not.

[@Tommy-fr5nm]

Awesome Johnny! If you get him back in person, I'd love to see him demonstrate some of the picking patterns he mentioned.

[@roymartin500]

That would rule.

[@zoozoo6116]

“Booze and Blow” -Fat Mike

[@andreahereforthejoy5450]

I learned about nofx through a7x. I'm 66 and just became a fan of a7x after matt's BLM op-ed. This video has made me a fan of Fat Mike! Such kindness. It's so important and in short supply. Thanks for this.

[@218maryland]

It makes my heart feel so warm and full of joy

[@gavinlocke800]

loved this cast..shout out from South Africa bru

[@NRD1985]

I've always got time for Fat Mike and NOFX. Even the weaker records have a couple bangers on 'em.

[@drockhines]

Shout out to Deftones. Good job, gentlemen!

[@carltonlong1985]

Mike actually looks younger now that he's sober and lost some weight.

[@gmonk003]

may just be the van though..

[@CurtMudgeon]

That was a cool conversation. I learned so many things. Thanks.

[@allergic2life]

great interview!

[@zeeth32]

dude i don't know if it's strictly how familiar you both were with each other or if you're just that good a host (this was my first episode but i'll definitely be checking out past and future episodes) but this was hands down the best covidverse interview i've seen just in terms of not talking over each other or awkward pause type shit

[@AlmostaFlipinSkater]

Nice! I love when podcast interviewers vibe with their guest. Stoked for new NOFX. The Stage is also the first A7x album I've heard (Brooks Wackerman) and shit's so good. I want an A7x/NoFX tour sometime!

[@mickschnabel]

Brooks is the fucking MAN! also some of the best Bad Religion albums have him as well (True North will always remain a favorite of mine)

[@matthewdelaney5366]

Love your stuff man! A7x always.

[@maxiepattie85]

Mike is a such a smart dude. You can't write like him and not be exposed to all *these things that make up what is known as reality* "The Truth" is yet to be determined if you look around

[@thispunkguyart138]

This is my favorite podcast interview with Mike...thanks for delving into his writings process. That was my favorite part. Makes me respect him even more as an amazing talent !

[@leeinoregon1326]

Dorris Lessing wrote more than one work of fiction. But great interview, Fat Mike is an American icon.

[@michaelshields9087]

This is my favorite interview with Mike ever. I loved NOFX back in the day and saw them live TONS in the 90s...That said, they lost me and/or I’d “outgrown” them (kinda derp on the latter). In recent months I’ve found myself having a pretty huge appreciation for them again. Oddly enough though, this is also coinciding with not really feeling the new album all that much but ‘tis life and how music works (for me at least). They can’t all be winners. I will say that my favorite modern input from NOFX are still So Long and then after that War on Errorism. They can be more miss with me than hit but still a classic band from my relative youth with many great memories associated with shows, friends, and good times. I’m rambling so I’m gonna go but shoutout to The Decline before I forget...so that’s 3! Up the Punx 138 🍻

[@suprehmo14]

I thought it was funny i was in the interrupters show in the second video. I'm glad it was made😁

[@maxiepattie85]

"At 35.... when my sense of humor decided to leave me, I realized that I never knew Mike, as much as his CDs! " I fuckn love these guys!!!! Like Impractical Jokers I just can't pick a favorite because I just love all of it man!

[@franpusl5273]

That is the nicest ive ever seen fat mike in an interview

[@GeneralxMayhem]

He's been on a streak lately. Angel Mike, I guess.

[@mickschnabel]

I agree w/ Mike about HPZ being "lethargic" BUT, I still love it. From memory, what I read, that was also when he was heavily into opioids, so that also probably played a role. I remember I even wrote a letter (but never sent) asking "why does Mike sound sad or depressed, is he ok?.etc"

[@Vollmarcose]

really cool. i love nofx. i love it to see him being sober.

[@ShadeLeeds]

I liked Falling in Love when you guys played it too ;)

[@sweetlowsounds]

loved this interview.

[@Akera541]

Against me! Was so fucking rad 🙌 good memories!

[@hippymuertoprod]

Mike about bass playing and songwriting, beautiful

[@maurice482390]

S&M Airline is my favorite NOFX album as well

[@damnjudybench504]

Favorite moment, every single time the sun hits Mike's chin. You gotta good chin bub. Johnny you are perfect, muscle reveal next episode?

[@briankalexander7958]

Hey Mike I love first ditch effort it's an amazing record and I love it

[@justinhoward4341]

Word. Ill probably watch 2 more of Johnny podcast. If Melvin and jefe come on.

[@laserbera19]

Two very cool, down to earth guys just shooting the shit about music, I love this episode! I honestly never heard of nofx or fat Mike, but I'm definitely a fan now! Hilarious banter back and forth, nice job guys!

[@adamdev9391]

Oh man. Welcome to the fat mike rabbit hole. Been listening to him for 30 years

[@Josway37]

How long were you stuck and how did you finally manage to escape from the rock you were under?

[@laserbera19]

@@Josway37 lolz exactly! Life gets in the way of everything, even great music.. I hope you all can forgive my ignorance! 😅🤣😂😇

[@MistaMahoney]

43:25 "there's three verses and they're all different, and they're all 16 chord progressions" me, 15 years later: whyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@sly11benal7]

Fuck yeah! NOFX fan for 27 yrs. Ima watch this later. Got nubs 2 destroy 😂. #mobilelegendshardcarry

[@ehudsonification3811]

Is Fat Mike giving this interview from a mini van? Wow, I really am old...

[@smitty0159]

Love nofx for a bit over 20 years now. ✌️

[@daveybeuy]

This is much better than the last podcast I seen FM on he is more comfortable chatting on the last one i lasted 9.34 and turned off

[@Cheeksbaby86]

Great interview! I’m a fan of Sober Mike!

[@bryansolares702]

I love how he said deftones are cool peeps

[@mdog86]

Never thought I'd hear Fat Mike talk about dmt lol

[@MistaMahoney]

really?

[@mdog86]

Well I guess he mostly just briefly mentioned it, but I never took Mike for a dmt type person lol

[@hernan5940]

I met Fat Mike in Köln 2019, he was FUCKED. We spoke briefly,he was still a nice dude. Glad to see him sober. Hope some of it sticks

[@therevolution91]

Did you interview Slash already?! (that would be interesting, too, Johnny) Btw: I did not even know that you are in Avenged Sevenfold. But I know that you played on Slash‘s solo record in 2010. (or somewhen around then)

[@DiegoAmbrósio-o6m]

Health to you, Fat Mike.

[@xdefiedbx]

Great interview

[@lorraineanderson263]

And his jaw is still swinging 🤣 i haven't taken speed for ages but I still grind my teeth in my sleep

[@contemptcreatorarthurave4042]

The Jim from Pennywise comment was hysterical.

[@TheJayman213]

What The Decline bass line are they talking about? That 16th notes in groups of three part that's similar to the opening of Idiots Are Taking Over?

[@TheSummitCove]

Cool to be you is one of my favorite descendents record

[@zavierorlos1948]

i would like to know how high the IQ of mike is. I personally think this guy is a Genius.

[@lacesoutchris]

Absolutely a fucking brilliant genius. The man wrote The Decline! He is also a multimillionaire who has who has his own record label and has put on so many other artists via Fat Wreck. Fucking genius. As far as IQ goes, I’d wager to say 160’s

[@alexfou3814]

Genius has nothing to do with your IQ

[@zavierorlos1948]

@@alexfou3814 Wrong ! ... all geniuses have an high IQ. all of them! there is not a single example of one genius with a low iq. Not a single one. got it?

[@alexfou3814]

@@zavierorlos1948 no I don t because genius is not intellectual it is higher than that..the genius, real genius is all encompassing, it includes the intellect but also all the other 3 elements, since the intellect is only one of them..genius is when they are all balanced..basing genius on an IQ or your intelligence on your iQ os limitation and restrictive. And genius is not a restrictive energy..thank you for your stats..it is interesting to see you didn t come to with that yourself, you just read it somewhere..and genius comes from within and is pure creation..the intellectect creates through dissociation and division when not aligned with the other elements..it is not real creation..try to have a spirit and not only an IQ

[@alexfou3814]

@@zavierorlos1948 and you cannot quantify genius

[@mmmbilly]

Mike seems like such a nice, genuine guy.

[@garisyabagaskara3930]

I'm a simple man i see fat mike i clicked it

[@joshdraken1]

Kinda pi$$ed to find out the Drinks with Johnny thing has been going on this whole time separately from the Avenged channel. Looks like I have some catching up to do.

[@thebrandolorian9037]

I remember those new year's eve shows at the San Diego Sports Arena. Every band had 1/2 hour sets. Once a band was finished on one side of the arena, the next band would start on the other side. 10 bucks for something like 23 bands. There was the usual SD bands at the time buck o nine, blink, unwritten law, sprung monkey, etc. Along with bands like nofx, lagwagon, guttermouth, vandals, pennywise. Sick of it all played one year. The bosstones played the year before that. Damn those were some great times.

[@letBloodRun]

Those shows were fun as hell

[@fitzgeraldhalstenburgstall995]

Best interview ever

[@michaeldwalker8055]

I am sure, even George Carlin would stand in awe of Fat Mike's use of language

[@garisyabagaskara3930]

Finally, this is what I wait for

[@vivianealves8544]

Great comversation as always

[@BlackBox-USA]

What's that thing about Loudwire and Fatty playing some of his bass riffs? Can't find it anywhere.

[@TheSummitCove]

Not out yet

[@georgeramos2176]

I hope you call more musicians, especially bass players, in this new season, instead of several wrestler fighters. 😂

[@redlipsofdeceit]

Me too! I asked for a Myles Kennedy feature and I hope so much it happens!

[@t.p.4683]

@@redlipsofdeceit great idea!!

[@collingalloway4046]

Hypnotize/Mesmerize and Wu Tang Forever are pretty great double albums

[@faridgohran6511]

Drink of nofx ever grunch rock punk 🌎🌎greeting from Germany

[@Balkac]

It was nice to hear about treating people by punk-rockers. Plus, I just cannot believe to have no backup guitars in case you playing such a big events like nofx. You can deal with that in a small club gig, but not in the huge fest.

[@paddydemps2291]

Very good.

[@maxiepattie85]

your comment is *SO* Punk Rock

[@Guenter34]

Fat Mike honestly seems like such a nice, humble dude.

[@s-dew]

dont call him a dude. Mikes gonna be pissed

[@charlie_sin_mag]

You gotta interview Tim!

[@sebb9356]

Yo. Vincent! Gotta here it now.

[@garrettjohnson4973]

sooo Fat Mikes smoking DEEMS... I LOVE IT

[@tisrockandrollbaby]

Michael produced a flatliners album once. As in turned up once and slept for 2-3 days on the couch. They didn’t even get a chance to say hello

[@fatmikedude]

Thats a total lie...