First Listen to NOFX “The Decline” | Bass Teacher REACTS to a Punk Rock Epic! This was unbelievable.

[@fatmikedude]

Glad you liked the song. It was fun to watch your reaction. Just so ya know, I wrote every part and played all the stringed instruments on this song…. Hefe did play the solo in the middle though. Also, Ryan Greene did an amazing job recording and producing this lil ditty…

[@citythink]

Thanks for all the shoes. And shows. And songs. And being a huge part of my soundtrack for the last 30+ years. See y’all in Toronto 🤟🏼

[@lambierulesFX]

You suck live tho!

[@basketrecords6378]

I’ll bring coke if you come back to Columbus

[@ryanhardy4830]

​@@lambierulesFXyeah I heard they suck live and I love that

[@manneborg]

Thanks for all the music man.

[@M4RRC]

I've been listening to this song for over 20 years and it still gives me goosebumps every time I listen.

[@tonightweareone]

everytime, every single time

[@tonightweareone]

now that im older i actually cry 😅

[@ryanhardy4830]

​@@tonightweareonea lot of memories yeah man I understand that feeling it's so fckin amazing but little bit bittersweet at the end fck I miss the old days

[@tyrannoeil1609]

has it been 20 years! GOD I'm old!

[@gmarques1527]

I cry every time I listen since 2004 too

[@thewraithiscoming]

Smelly gets props. Finally.

[@LowEndUniversity]

I knew the second those sexy hi-hats entered at the start of the song, the drummer was the real deal. I could just tell.

[@mcspraycan]

I give him props constantly haha. My son is a very promising young drummer and holds Smelly in high regard. That makes me so happy.

[@skatholik5575]

he is one of my favorite drummers. i startet with S&M Airlines back in 89 when i was a little skaterboy. now i am 45 y old drummer and i still love nofx

[@harpoonharpoon6259]

In questo genere musicale "Punk HardCore Melodico" la batteria svolge il ruolo principale molto più che in altri generi e sottogeneri. Viene chiesto ai batteristi di passare da 20bpm a 220bpm con semplicità oltre al fatto che il singolo pedale della gran cassa deve risuonare come un doppio.. anche nella mia band "Fennek HC" Tenos..il batterista..era il motore trainante senza il quale difficilmente saremmo riusciti a realizzare il mini EP. Ti metto il link di un nostro brano qui sul tubo. Noi siamo una band Punk HC del Sud Italia Salento :)))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmrZlqibha6CnJosi=bQC4IyAPXCZyQhsO

[@Beluga_Too]

Smelly gets love loads, but because he's no longer a fucking addict the sheen has worn off. People see him as bedrock, not worth of appreciation.

[@skankinjimbo]

Glad to see Mike finally getting his due for being a GENIUS songwriter and bass player as well! All of us fans have known for quite sometime, and it’s long overdue. Dude is a true artist. I hope he increases his recorded music output since NOFX is no longer touring.

[@gregc6072]

….they’re on their final tour now (I’m going to see them in Boston)

[@ryanjacobson5033]

As a bassist myself I have been arguing this for 20+ years.

[@JohnAdamIan2]

One of his new projects - the Codefendants - absolutely rules! music.kzbin.info/aero/OLAK5uy_n3VA2aV-V0FurZSv0fKpP4m1eEqpTi9eM&si=freAwa9XuFeFpzhS

[@tiagocosso4063]

so unfair the not recognition over the decline, what a masterpiece

[@paullowell3342]

@@tiagocosso4063 NOFX has never wanted mainstream fame. The punks know who they are be that’s what they want.

[@adamquintana3574]

God I love watching people hear The Decline for the first time 😮‍💨

[@robertfarmer8123]

It restores a lil faith in humanity =)

[@iamea138]

i almost cried

[@gerstenmannbutterblume9679]

So true! ❤

[@dvpunk]

decline reaction vids are my happy place of late.. this is one of few i have rewatched a bunch of times.. a great and honest reaction with real music learning content that even a complete musical noob can understand.. this election season i mentally have this song on repeat in my head again anyways..

[@brandonfbomb_2327]

​@@iamea138 I cry every time I hear or watch this song

[@creepfighter4536]

This song is an absolute masterpiece

[@189vans]

I love this breakdown! Love to see a new fan finding the best thing

[@maxpatenaude2115]

The best punk rock song ever without a doubt

[@sebg2086]

masterpiece lol......relax

[@ashleybrown4754]

@@sebg2086No, that’s accurate.

[@sebg2086]

4 chords song.....masterpiece lollllllllllllll@@ashleybrown4754

[@kellanlindsay8502]

This song changed my bass playing when I was in highschool. Learning all 18 minutes with my best buddies, and performing it live and asking one of the trombone players from the school band to jump in with us. Such a massive feat when youre 15-16. NOFX are kings. Glad you enjoyed it 🤘🏻

[@kellanjones5588]

Oh man i haven't listened to the decline in years. Soooo fucking good. I'm glad to see some other Kellan's with good taste in music as well.

[@blairmcmackin8857]

Good job buddy!

[@geezspot42]

You didn't read the warning on the in sleeve of the album?? 🤣😉 good one to cover.

[@blairmcmackin8857]

@@geezspot42 what's the warning on the cover? Used to have the CD back in the day but it's long gone now and can't quite remember but I do remember there being one.

[@WorkingmanX]

​@@blairmcmackin8857I think it was something like don't pay more than 12 bucks printed on the cover.

[@yeetyolodab]

This is a song that didn’t used to make me cry when I was a teenager. Now that I’m 40, it definitely does. Listen to the lyrics and the tears will flow.

[@joelcore]

i feel seen... 42, but so seen.

[@philmichaels9364]

Anthem. Went to their show in Orlando. Ready for la

[@Scotticusmaximus]

you dont cry like this until you get older and lose things and people along the way

[@MarkMeraji]

@@Scotticusmaximus100% 🫤

[@frybelcher]

And then you listen to it with baz's (spelling) orchestra and just lose it all over again.

[@mellendegenerate]

I'm forever grateful I got to see this live. I was too young to appreciate it the first time, but this year when they closed with it in London it got me right in the heart. What an absolute fucking masterpiece.

[@ocgboylost]

they opened with this song back in 2006 when the house of blues in Anaheim was still in Downtown Disney. I am too forever grateful that I was right up front witnessing the beauty that is NOFX😢

[@derka5698]

This is how everyone hopes their friend who has never heard The Decline before will respond. They usually do not 😂

[@jimbrewer5048]

Ur comment is spot on. This video scratched an itch I’ve had for 25 years lol

[@robtaylor703]

I find it's a great litmus test. No need to be friends with people who don't love The Decline.

[@Morhaw]

Who doesn’t love The Decline? Maybe the Bene Gesserit should use it as their Gom Jabbar

[@Morhaw]

@@portlandmicitycouncilmeetings what the fuck are you on about? They used to be shit. Then they got good. Then they got popular. You’ve got the order mixed up to fit your hate filled Nazi fuckhead ideology

[@carloscastellanosalvarado734]

Loved every minute of this. Thank you for giving punk rock a chance. Most of these channels just look over the genre in general. NOFX are amazing musicians.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Anytime. These have been some of the most fun videos I’ve made lately. I never know what to expect, and it’s always something killer.

[@thcbomb8571]

@@LowEndUniversity You should listen to some A Wilhelm Scream, you gonna like it!

[@taylorgallant6013]

​@@LowEndUniversityyeah, I second the others for A Wilhelm Scream!! The King is Dead is one hell of an opener

[@stefanheuldoch883]

@@thcbomb8571 Fully support this comment! The Horse or, if you even wanna top that one off, Skid Rock!

[@bushleague3472]

Yeah, even Rick Beato who will pontificate on Nu Metal, wax eloquent on Grunge, and even go so far as to throw Lagwagon the odd prop, for the most part ignores any punk that didnt get radio play in the early 2000's.

[@nocomply27]

As someone who knows this song well, it was brilliant knowing what was coming next and watching your reaction when the song changes so drastically 😄 it's an absolute masterpiece

[@seppmaier3050]

You probably have one of the most talented guys in punk rock or even rock genre. Smelly is an absolute machine considering that there's just single pedal bass drumming involved. And he's the one who keeps it all together. The decline is the masterpiece in punk rock. Cheers from Germany

[@danevertt3210]

Totally agree…..Erik Sandin is an amazing player. His story is epic…….like a saga.

[@StephSinalco]

Totally. Btw, if you didn't read the book "NOFX: The Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories", it's absolutely brilliant and underlines the story you mention.@@danevertt3210

[@shdwdrmr-dq3lo]

I think the best part about "The Decline" is that it becomes the greatest punk rock song of all time by virtue of showcasing nearly every flavor of punk rock while still delivering a timeless message.

[@brettandrewclarke]

Not a single person in my circle gave this any credit when it was released. I played it into the ground for many of the reasons you describe. It’s a journey. It rips. It lets you catch your breath, then it rips again. I’m not listening to it loads these days. Maybe a couple times a year. But it still sends chills like it did back on release day.

[@SkySplitterInk]

Maaaaan my friends and I were and are obsessed with this since it came out! Wish ya coulda hung with us haha.

[@ninjasuperstar88]

“This is the only genre with jump scares” 😂😂😂 loved that comment!!! Such a great break down and reaction. Keep up the great vids!!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Thank you!! 😁

[@sahamal_savu]

Various subgenres of Metal have some good jump scares but Punk does it better 😉

[@anofsti]

It's also worth noting that the lyrics of The Decline is a great summary of everything that has happened in the 25 years since it was written

[@SuperLemonAdam]

Just a shame that not enough of the world's been listening. It's amazing how many of Fatty's songs have told or even seemingly foretold the status of politics in this country. "The Idiots are Taking Over" is so accurate it's scary.

[@ashleybrown4754]

@@SuperLemonAdamFat Mike is kinda fat but definitely not dumb

[@coryander4918]

​@@ashleybrown4754 he's not fat at all

[@johnnycigar3240]

@@coryander4918 Your conception of fat has been extremely skewed by the obesity epidemic of the usa. Dude's got a gut, he's fat.

[@coryander4918]

@@johnnycigar3240 dude he's skinny as fuck

[@dstr328]

Omg homie...you mentioned what it would take to make you cry on cam and while I'm not on cam dead ass cried watching you become as affected as all of those who suggested the decline. I didn't make the suggestion but I too remember the moment I came home with this record. To say I was blown away is such a under statement. I too am also a bassist, so I equally tuned into that. Add to this I'm 46 yr old and am a full fledged card carrying member of 90s punk...watching you reminded me of that moment on my cement floor first listening to that record. Watching you reminded me of that moment where everything changed in me on my first punk songs. Yer a solid guy and 100 percent dig what you're doing. Loved seeing your child like enthusiasm and thanks for sharing it with us

[@silby77]

I'm 46 as well and love all things '90s punk. I was on vacation on the beach in San Diego with some friends when I heard this EP for the first time. My friend Justin had just got the CD and we listened to it on a little boom box. Still just as moving as it was back then!!

[@tonightweareone]

❤️❤️🫠🫠

[@Wantabe2188]

💯

[@dmuzz81]

Caught both show in Sydney last weekend. The Decline finale is by far the best performance I've ever seen. Was fkn epic!

[@jameswilson2268]

I was at both Melbourne shows and yeah both nights were so amazing and it being the very last show in aus finishing with the decline was bitter sweet

[@barte3822]

The most poignant Punk song ever written and recorded. Still relevant today. 💥 🔥

[@greg0uk]

🤣

[@dailystar1]

Agreed

[@berserkirk248]

Hands down.

[@DenwoodOfficial]

Now Fat Mike just needs to invite you down to The Punk Rock Museum for a live sesh! Another great vid!

[@JoneyJefe]

Guarantee if he gets the invite, Mark will make it happen.

[@PickleBread355]

That's where we had my dad's funeral

[@hardcore302]

Thank you for listening to your viewers! Hopefully Mike drops in! Someone send it to him!

[@DennyMan182]

I love to see him flip out over Mikes bass playing!

[@Notyouwelder]

I just emailed it to him

[@busterbrady9885]

I found out the video was uploaded through fat Mike's Facebook page

[@patduganz]

Erik Sandin is one of the best drummers. His ferocity on “It’s My Job to Keep Punk Rock Elite” is my favorite drum opening in music.

[@matzemunz2827]

Smelly is a monster!

[@Anxious_McStabby]

That dude is my hero.

[@matzemunz2827]

One of my favourite things about Smelly, when he plays it often looks like he's not moving that much but is seems like the drum are moving underneath him. It almost looks like old cartoons when they show some old machines. Always loved that

[@sebg2086]

one of the best drummer lol relax hahahaha.....you could copy past his drum on 80 nofx song

[@eaglebauer944]

Yeah, I get it. You all love Smelly, I like him too... but _"one of the best drummers?"_ I'm, sorry but that's ridiculous.

[@JEdmund81]

Your effusive, positive reaction made me so happy! Been listening to this EP since it came out and it's nice to watch someone hear it for the first time and be moved by it.

[@fauxtographic]

I love that the ending get everyone right in the gut. It’s that step up that does it for me. It changes the tone from one of apathetic uncertainty to hope. I’m not crying you’re crying.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Perfect way to articulate that. I actually commented that same thing on another thread this morning. I thought it was epic with an epic ending, and that whole step up just killed me. After re-listening last night with the lyrics open, they read like a plea of despair, but the music supported the message with hope. Brilliant stuff.

[@sixbitsnigerino]

Its one step up.

[@fauxtographic]

My mistake

[@tonightweareone]

@@LowEndUniversity theres gonna be a better place, I promise

[@mrpzak]

The ending almost sounds like marching, which just makes the theme and meaning of the song that much more depressing. But then that step up, like you said, there's that bit of hope.

[@mikefree5895]

In the name of the punk rock community I wanna say: Welcome home brother! hahah no but in all seriousness it is so awesome to see someone of your level and background being blown away by both the musicianship and rawness of what punk rock can be! this song means so much to me and seeing you experiencing this masterpiece for the first time and just absolutely getting all the emotional energy and connect to it, that was just fucking beautiful man! thanks for that! really! 🤘

[@silby77]

I agree!!

[@ryanhardy4830]

Hell yeah!!

[@LowEndUniversity]

🥹🙏🏼

[@OkNoBigDeal]

After this video blows up and goes viral don’t forget what made you famous by listening to your subscribers suggestions and catering to your audience. Incredible video. Good work.

[@tacofpv7130]

Nofx is my favorite punk band of all times ...

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

@@tacofpv7130 how old are you? Just curious

[@tacofpv7130]

@@flogginga_dead_horse4022 35

[@BigD5]

12

[@tacofpv7130]

35

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

It's interesting that you mentioned Mike's voice as being some what pleasing, because I feel like a lot of people might hate his voice because it's so harsh. But I was listening to them a few weeks ago, and I was just so relaxed, that I realized that NOFX feels like "home". I've been listening to them since I was a kid, and their music pushes all of the right buttons and puts me at ease. What you felt at the conclusion of the Decline is what I and many others feel for this band on the daily.

[@FaceTheAshes]

I'm really enjoying your recent dive into punk. As someone who's been playing punk rock for 20 years (and 99% self taught) it's always extremely cool to see formally educated and super talented players dissect these songs from a technical point of view. Obviously even self taught musicians absorb certain amounts of theory over the years, so it's cool to see that expanded upon like this. Great job.

[@postupmedia]

Very cool, NOFX has been my favorite band since I first heard them when I was like 10 years old. Almost 30 years. So many classics

[@AtomizedSound]

I’m glad NOFX are getting proper recognition for the music they create rather than the negative attention they usually attract. Once you dive in their songs and how it’s crafted and get over the “it’s punk” visage it has, you start to see Mike’s genius and the other dudes in the band all these years that they’ve been doing it. I jumped aboard on a whim when “The War on Errorism” was released and it blew me away. I started bass playing around that time too and it’s still my favorite album by them. Glad you listened to your subscribers on this one and dived in! It’s a great epic song by them and possibly their magnum opus of their career at this point.

[@VitaminStudios]

This is all happening RIGHT when they are quitting lol But Fatty can be found hanging out at his Punk Rock Museum and the attached Triple Down bar in Vegas

[@randimccone]

Was so beautiful to watch someone new discover and appreciate this in real time, truly awesome way to start my day!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for hanging out with me this morning 🙏🏼💙

[@silby77]

Thank you for reviewing this masterpiece! We spoke, you listened. That says a lot for a channel!! Now go back and listen to the lyrics. NOFX is my favorite band for a reason. Every member rocks and Fat Mike is a lyrical genius!!

[@anthonykemble9143]

Word smith and Wesson. Genius

[@LowEndUniversity]

I listened to the song again that same night with the lyrics. Really brilliant, bittersweet stuff. Really added context to the different feels the song went through. It’s a weird, dark “hope” as it resolves at the end, and feels so relevant to society today. Truly something else!!

[@silby77]

​@@LowEndUniversityperfect description!

[@XscottXcoreX]

Thanks for making this video. New to the channel but I thoroughly enjoy not only the content but your humanity! Your genuineness is deeply appreciated

[@LowEndUniversity]

Wow, thank you!

[@mario.fernandes]

The Decline is a precious work of art. This is definitely the most elaborate song I've ever heard in my entire life. It's good that this exists, and seeing videos like this I understand that there are people who feel the same sensation. This is fkng awesome!

[@DaubvonDaub]

I got grabbed to this channel with these punk videos, this is the music I love and play, there are so many Rad punk bass players, I'd love to see more of these from the genre. I like these videos a lot.

[@189vans]

Same here, first Rancid then Op Ivy, NOFX and now this

[@nachocrash2503]

I've only heard a few videos but once he did NOFX I just new he would come back for the decline. Quicker than expected, thank you brother!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Had to start 2024 off right! Cheers 🙏🏼💙

[@rome8180]

You mentioned that it felt like a musical. Mike is actually a big fan of musical theater and even put on his own punk rock musical, Home Street Home, a few years back.

[@Dowinohue]

And there is an album of the songs ready to react to

[@Construktz]

@@Dowinohue High Achievers? haha.

[@MikeP2055]

I don't know if it's still here, but there was a professionally recorded version of a HSH performance posted to KZbin. It's heavy as hell, but so good.

[@tsaloni]

Hey bro! Tks for this! Amazing, it was so good to see your reaction and appreciation for the music it self! This music is in my top 3 NOFX songs, so again tks for this! Hi5 from Portugal!

[@bryanholdren9043]

Thank you for doing this video. This album changed my mind about punk and NOFX in general. Takes me back to High School every time.

[@MrBlairskie]

Awesome video. This is in my top 5 of favorite songs if all time. It's so cool watching you discover and dissect all these punk songs I love so much. Cheers buds.

[@LowEndUniversity]

I can see why it’s a top one. Thanks for hanging with me, man. Cheers!!

[@MrBlairskie]

​@@LowEndUniversityabsolutely , also the clapping at the end is supposed to be solgers marching.

[@ChrisVictim666]

Fat Mike did the Chris Demakes A Podcast, and went in depth into the songwritng process of "The Decline". It's an amazing listen.

[@chalexapman]

@surferbrah84 Chris Demakes is the singer of LTJ :)

[@Dixie-Normus-209]

I had no idea this podcast existed. Thanks for the heads up! Fantastic listen!

[@MikeP2055]

I was gonna recommend that podcast as well. Listening to Chris deconstruct songs is fascinating.

[@davideperciante1953]

What a band! My absolute favorite ❤ Fat Mike, smelly, El Hefe and Melvin thank u for everything, can't wait to see them in May this year!

[@willperza2080]

I love youre enthusiasm, passion and open mindedness. Only watched your Hot water music "drag my body" and this video. But you made me a very big fan of your channel. Much love and respect.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Wow, thank you! Appreciate the kind words, man.

[@benoitbergeron8858]

Thank you SO MUCH for covering this song! I discovered it about a month ago, but I don't think that I ever been that obsessed with a song before. It's poweful and emotionnal enough without the lyrics, but with them it's a masterpiece that will never be replicated.

[@LIMMM7]

This was amazing for me to watch.. So glad you did this one. I grew up playing bass in a punk band, we covered The Decline and many other NOFX songs. The Decline is one of the greatest songs ever written imo. Today I'm a songwriter heavily influenced by the Fat sound. I have 2 recommendations for you: Such Gold - Locked Outside The Magic Theater & Propagandhi - Without Love Happy New Year!

[@hitherescotty]

PLEASE even if you don’t make a video out of it, check out NOFX performing this with Baz at Red Rocks Amphitheater - it’s The Decline with a full live orchestra !!!! One of the coolest videos on KZbin

[@davidcourtneypearce547]

I've listening to this song sp many times, but listening to it broken down, it really actually made me cry..!!! 😢 it's an amazing song and even better broken down to hear each section.. Great video.. thanks.. lovely the Operation Ivy and Rancid videos too.. Happy days..

[@Jones-eq4bs]

This song has aged flawlessly. Thank you for diving into and digging punk rock. Punk rock will never die!

[@fuckcensorship69]

Lol. Imagine knowing about nofx in 24 and not thinking punk is DEAD

[@JonathanLopezVera]

Many NoFX songs feature trumpet, because one of the guitar players, El Hefe, plays trumpet. In my opinion, their best song is "The separation of church and skate".

[@booey6190]

For me that was the start of it all. I heard that song on Tony Hawk's Underground, so I went and bought War on Errorism, and the rest was history. Hands down my favorite band.

[@phxdwn121]

Great song, but also Dinosaurs Will Die is also another epic song about the music industry.

[@envythevulture3949]

If you are interested in checking out more amazing bass playing in (horn-heavy) punkska you really cant get much better than Steetlight Manifesto imo (particularly the album 'Everything Goes Numb')

[@nofrojeff2000]

I was going to suggest "Here's to Life" off Everything Goes Numb, the bass is wild in that song (let's be honest everything about it is wild)

[@brandynkilpatrick]

Absolutely! Love me some Streetlight Manifesto haha

[@randallevans2073]

"That'll Be The Day" is my all-time fave SM song.

[@Pbpro9988]

My first thought after watching this was if he wants to dip his toes more into ska, he's gotta go for the top with Streetlight

[@CS-wx3ob]

Same. Streetlight Manifesto pretty much checks all the boxes of the things he's talked about liking in this video.

[@_DBPooper]

The algorithm has been feeding me your punk reactions. I'm loving it. keep it up. I played bass back in highschool but switched to drums after a year (still rythm section).

[@LowEndUniversity]

Rad, dude. I’ve been dying to get a little better at drums - only feel it’ll help my bass playing. Thanks for hanging with me!

[@lespring]

I got absolute goosebumps while watching this video, thank you! I've known this song for years and used to love NOFX a lot but I've recently kind of forgotten about them as my taste in music is ever-shifting... So hearing The Decline again for the first time in easily 5 or 6 years, plus your genuine, heartfelt and incredibly expert reaction to it, has completely re-ignited my love for this song and NOFX! Thank you! Also, what an absolute masterpiece this song is! For a band that has collectively probably taken more drugs than any given medium sized country and has been known to be nearly incapable of standing on their own feet - much less playing live - on countless occasions, for them to write such a song is just unbelievable! Just shows, behind all the partying and stuff, these 4 guys are legends and incredible musicians! And on that note: all hail Mr. Smelly, the best punk drummer ever! What a band!

[@buckyhate7695]

Excellent video, Sir. The Decline is one of my all-time favorite songs, in any genre. There's just so much goin on, that it's rivetin, even now.

[@TruckJohnson]

Smelly is a severely underrated drummer. El Jefe, the lead guitarist [and occasional horn player], joined the band after the first couple albums, and really changed the band's style for the better. I think you'd really enjoy some Infectious Grooves. See if you recognize the bass player. :) Maybe try Violent & Funky or Punk it Up

[@msavage138]

He's not underrated. Everyone knows he kicks ass. He holds the band together as Fat Mike has said a bunch.

[@YeahBuddy]

Your life will never be the same. Nostalgically amazing. I remember when this song came out and blew my mind. Could listen to it for eternity. - Bass Player here btw.

[@zenzenzen4741]

Mark your genuine reaction is what makes you a likable youtuber. really good to see you having fun!! Happy New Year dude!

[@LowEndUniversity]

I appreciate that! Happy New Year to you!!

[@mcspraycan]

This hit me right in the feels. I was tearing up during the vid. Watched them play this last Sun on their final tour, have listened to them since I was about 12, I just turned 45 2 days ago. Vale NOFX.

[@edwillock]

Great analysis of the intricacies of this song. I listen to The Decline a few times a month as it cycles through my NOFX playlist and it never gets old. Knowing the song so well it was fun watching your reactions to the 90° turns it takes all over the place. With NOFX on their farewell tour I'm going to all three shows in Brooklyn, and leading up to it I plan to sit down and (re)learn all the songs from all 9 albums they'll be playing those 3 nights, which includes The Decline.

[@bruceleeman]

Next on the list: Streetlight Manifesto. Literally any song by them will leave you in awe by their musicianship.

[@ants114]

I came here to say the same thing! 20 years later and every song is still as good as the first time I heard it!

[@TheSuperBestComment]

My vote would be 'Everything Went Numb' or 'A better place, a better time'

[@Alexhannam100]

That’s a very good shout 👍🏻

[@jangreveraars9634]

Yeah, do Streetlight next!!

[@jaketappana6039]

That’s freakin genius. I’d say a Moment of Violence or Here’s To Life.

[@davidhardy875]

It’s such an epic song. Thanks for doing a video on it. I’m also glad Fat Mike said to check out Suits and ladders as I recommend that in comment on your decline pole. Makes me think I know what I’m talking about.

[@louisrepucci8407]

Thanks for caring about this piece of music...it makes me tear up every time. Been watching NOFX and Mike for 30 years now...and The Decline is easily one of the greatest modern compositions of all time. They play it live with BAZ Orchestra if you dig full instrumentation.

[@MarkMeraji]

Can’t believe you covered this song. EPIC!!!

[@jimbrewer5048]

This is the perfect reaction video. Some of us have shown this song to others all of our lives and this is the response that we’ve always craved. Ur bass knowledge is top tier. Great reaction man thanks

[@Groovegandalf]

This song has probably been the single most important to me, Lyrically. It's a masterclass in writing and putting dark meaning to such upbeat music. His social commentary is just a relevant as it was back then. We were all ammunition in the class war, and still are.

[@tangodelta7809]

Lyrically it’s ok.

[@Groovegandalf]

​@@tangodelta7809if you think it's just ok, you aren't really listening. Writing something that's this relevant 25 years later is incredibly hard to do.

[@tangodelta7809]

@@Groovegandalf I like the song, I listened to it the other day. I just reread the lyrics and yea some of them are still really relevant. The portion from ‘father what have I done’ to ‘a kill is why we breed’ jars the song and is generally just a bad take with shoddy lyrics; also, the take isn’t that intelligent just partisan insults without a grand point. It’s basically ‘Christian’s are easily fooled idiots who love guns and the NRA and church run the GOP and they’re to blame for a lot of our problems’. Ok, got it.

[@joeMW284]

@@tangodelta7809 I mean.. is he wrong though?

[@tangodelta7809]

@@joeMW284 I think it’s a shallow perception or narrative. It is punk music, so it’s whatever. I still listen to the song and I even listen to Propagandhi even thought I disagree quite strongly with some of their ideas.

[@xasperations]

Your love of music in general really comes across here. Also a great open minded attitude toward different genres. Incidentally, even remembering this song to play it twice is an achievement! And the complexity is ratcheted up by singing at the same time.

[@peterbritton5933]

I didn’t know how lucky I was being exposed to this song when I was a kid. In fact I just thought this was normal 😂 It’s really great seeing someone with a high level musical brain dissect it and appreciate it. NOFX were easy to dismiss by thinking they’re just another snotty punk bands but the depth and skill in their music is unmatched in the Genre. My recommendation for a blind listen is “The King is Dead” by A Wilhelm Scream. Another song with such clever progressions in a genre you wouldn’t expect, plus some banging bass licks. New to your channel but love it now! Thanks!

[@nobirdsnomasters]

The king is dead, small typo

[@johnquigley3671]

Bass wise, gotta go horse

[@stefanheuldoch883]

@@johnquigley3671 Skid Rock, my man!😚

[@TwoGunToast]

A Wilhelm Scream is a great fuckin band name, imma check them out on that alone

[@archaicruinx]

@@TwoGunToastthey're one of the best melodic hardcore bands ever to exist.

[@BlackHeartTarotClub]

Shout out to your subscribers for getting you on this. I absolutely loved watching your reaction to this. Fatty sent the link, so I knew it would be worth watching. 🖤🖤

[@Gandaug]

I love that you did this. I hope to see more NOFX here. They've been around a long time and could provide a wealth of quality content.

[@AstonishInc]

Awesome video, unparalleled song , great notes. Streetlight Manifesto next! Guaranteed to blow your mind. Lots of horns (like 4 or 5😮) any song will do, they are all bangers.

[@jkra0512]

Thank you thank you thank you for diving into this song. My all-time favorite tune. I’m new to the channel, first one I watched was you dissecting Maxwell Murders and hoped you would do The Decline. Awesome to see you have such an appreciation and be explain it all so well. Thank you, my friend! SUBSCRIBED! 😊

[@toastededavis8626]

Same!

[@stefanheuldoch883]

Same here!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Thank y’all so much! Appreciate the kind words. See you around!

[@PivotalShrimp]

Nothing like a 40 minute banger from Low End University. Awesome video!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@franmartinez4949]

Man, I’ve listen to this INCREDIBLE song like a couple of thousand times perhaps and I’m fucking crying right now: THANKS for your vibe and the amazing review!!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Wow, thanks so much for that! Appreciate you hanging out with me. The ending almost got me, too...😭

[@JadesKered]

This is an epic song, i'm from Italy and I think all the world must heard this song. Thanks NOFX (and all the people that worked for this)

[@antonipoux8124]

Thank you for doing this song. NOFX has been a favorite of mine since high school in the 90s. I remember my friends and I freaked out the first time we heard The Decline and we played it over and over and over again for days. Fat Mike is such a gifted song writer and bass player, he doesn't get enough credit. I hope you explore more of their songs, he has great gems in there.

[@rvabrendan]

Such a great song, and so fun watching you hear this for the first time. Great video!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Thanks so much!!

[@novakproperties]

You’re a brave man. Thanks for doing this. BTW: They are on their final tour of you ever want to see them live.

[@beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeatl]

Thank you for your video. I was 16 when I listened to the Decline for the first time. Thank you for recapturing this moment. It gave me goosebumps. I stumbled on this video a day after watching Nofx on its final tour in Eindhoven. They played such a great show. I hope you will make it to one of their final shows. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this song and I wish you the very best with your musical career. ❤

[@RJMelling]

Thanks so much for doing this, NOFX downplay their undeniable talent but we all know they're amazing and love them dearly 😊

[@mlilstix]

I listened to this for the 9000th time with you and it still gives me all the emotions. Watching this song give you feels too was a cool experience. I just found your page and I appreciate your love for music. 🤘🏻

[@LowEndUniversity]

That means so much. Thank you!!!

[@weeklyfont]

thank you for letting me relive the first time listening to one of my favorite songs vicariously through you

[@LowEndUniversity]

🥹🙏🏼

[@SamVimesCityWatch]

Better off Dead by Bad Religion. The chorus work by Jay Bentley is superb. No other contemporary Punk band would exist without BR!

[@breadsandwich336]

💯

[@silby77]

Such a good tune! Bad Religion rocks and Greg Graffin is a talented vocalist and a super smart dude!

[@SamVimesCityWatch]

⁠@@silby77I met both Jay and Greg after a show in London many years ago. I was always worried about meeting them after the story behind ‘The New America’ and Greg’s experiences with Todd Rundgren. However they were both super awesome guys and Jay even gave me a cuddle 😂😂

[@burkhartlaw1]

Hell yes!! I love NOFX. Led me to your channel! Great breakdown of a punk rock classic. Punk rock will never die!! (From a 52 year old man!)

[@LowEndUniversity]

Heck yeah man! Appreciate you watching!

[@bassmonster420]

This took me on a time traveling trip back to early high school. Great review of a great piece of music!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@connors83]

Your genuine enthusiasm for this song really comes across. It's a skate punk masterpiece. Defines an entire genre on music.

[@belaclaen]

Please continue to explore NOFX. Even if it’s just in your spare time. They always a treat for the ears.

[@patricksoler]

I'm so glad this song is being heard by more people. It's been my favorite since I first heard it. A masterpiece

[@billyfrost1941]

So thankful to say that I've seen them play this song live!! 🤯

[@Hannuraina]

guitar player but i was thoroughly fascinated by this review. nice work

[@LowEndUniversity]

Thank you kindly!

[@bouzoukiman5000]

I think NOFX is gonna be 10x more popular in the future...part of culture like The Ramones. Go see them on their final tour

[@JohnAdamIan2]

You're basically discovering punk rock in the order that I discovered it 20 years ago when I first started playing bass. Thank you for unlocking these feelings. edit: spelling

[@LowEndUniversity]

So rad! I’ve got a huge list to go through, and just enjoying the journey. 🙏🏼

[@JohnAdamIan2]

@@LowEndUniversity Here's a Canadian act you may enjoy. This album was written and recorded while they were in grade 10 or 11. Wild stuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYCxnXR5otOnaZYsi=scA7aV0KrgUFAi48&t=760

[@musickf]

Knowing you played in Scale the Summit and you're amazed at Punk bassists, regardless of how incredible they are, is insane to me. It's like watching the teacher getting introduced to the music that changed my life, and not only respecting it, but loving it and learning from it. Just mind blowing.

[@JoneyJefe]

This is the most poignant comment I’ve ever read in all his videos. And it’s exactly how I felt but was unable to say.

[@stefanheuldoch883]

Back in school, around 1994 when I was 12 yo, my english teacher through me out of class for wearing a Bad Religion shirt. A year later, when we were doing english/american lyricism, I did an analysis of "Change of ideas". Straight A-student from that point on, added by an apology from that very teacher

[@LowEndUniversity]

Dude, this is such a heartfelt comment. Thank you so, so much! Happy to have you here.

[@LowEndUniversity]

@stefanheuldoch883 Whoa!! That’s insanely vindicating, haha!

[@brians6749]

I bought this album when it came out. I’ve always been amazed by the variety in this song from the instruments to the vocals. I love hearing you play the bass parts separately. Great review.

[@Ettin81]

I subscribed because of this. NOBODY else is doing this for the punk genre. Loving what I’ve been seeing man.

[@sordfish72]

Mike does a really cool deep dive on this song on Chris Demakes podcast. I’m sure it’s already been recommended in the comments but just in case… Glad to see more people get stoked on this song! Gonna ugly cry so hard when I see it live for the last time this year.

[@andybside]

Nothing makes me happier than watching someone discover how amazing NOFX is.

[@ibanezted]

Ok now listen to the one with the full orchestra. This was so good I had to watch it twice! Also fat Mike has written musicals the guy is so musically talented. I cried while watching because the song is so epic and your breakdown of the song was excellent.

[@benperditionmusic]

I've been really hoping you'd tackle this one... Enjoyed this video so much. Like others have said, after 20 years I still get chills.. it's so good. Hope Mike checks it out!

[@Smalltownlyfe]

Seeing this song done live is amazing. Thank you for doing this song. We’ll done sir

[@jasonberezny9705]

Awesome seeing you appreciate them. Fat Mike does write musicals as well. El Hefe the guitarist also plays trumpet/horns.

[@JoneyJefe]

Was that a trumpet in this song? Or a trombone?

[@johnnybutt6988]

You forgot to mention in addition to guitar and horns, El Hefe is also their celebrity voice impersonator and may have played maracas once.

[@jasonberezny9705]

@@johnnybutt6988 true and 🤣

[@jasonberezny9705]

@@JoneyJefe trombone pretty sure.

[@maartenr1000]

⁠@@JoneyJefeit’s a trombone. If they play it live it’s a trombone sized trumpet….it probably has a name…idk.