NOFX frontman Fat Mike on 25 years of Fat Wreck Chords

Shad talks to NOFX frontman and Fat Wreck Chords founder Mike Burkett, better known as Fat Mike, about the label's 25-year anniversary and how he's seen it grow from fledgling startup to one of the most important labels in punk rock.
EXCLUSIVE: Fat Mike on his forthcoming musical "Home Street Home": • NOFX's Fat Mike on Hom...
Fat Wreck Chords | www.fatwreck.com/
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[@adamb.2964]

This is a hell of a great interview. Fat Mike has always been nice and generous to me and is exactly the dude I remember from back when we first met in mid 90s. I dropped by one day to his office to say hello and he stopped work and took me to lunch and loaded me with NOFX merchandise. I'm glad to see success didn't change him one bit. Like him or not, he's a genuine dude that likes what he does.

[@jeff7764]

And who are you?

[@BurtTurbo]

@@jeff7764 Adam B.

[@Joshua-bo2ln]

​@@BurtTurbo,😂😂😂😂😂

[@Izahdnb]

This man in a dress is one of my big inspirations.

[@a.pinochetvoltac.c.c.7798]

Nice bro, chase your dreams

[@Kwisatz_HaderachXIII]

Where is he?

[@mattabbott4546]

Absolutely brilliant. Punk culture is alive!!! Fat Mike, a legend!!!! Much respect from South Africa. A unique legend!

[@Burgundy-yo6f]

I want my son 2 know u&each member of N0FX separately&personally, musically&all of you-the band and travel&different love&lifestyles...Ms.burgundy w/fat love buddies.

[@NRD1985]

'You don't have to have a job that you love, you just have to DO what you love.' Good philosophy.

[@fidgetyrock4420]

+NickyD1978 its true.. eventually job will find you

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

[@NRD1985]

Fidgety Rock I like it - Positivity in Punk Rock

[@fidgetyrock4420]

+NickyD1978 the trick in punkrock is to sing about shit that doesnt label you as a role or specific service... its like , pride should be the least part of a punkrock band... punk should challenge refresh and question. ..

[@fidgetyrock4420]

+Fidgety Rock and also clever. high iq is needed; )

[@megathingz7994]

If he didn't have the matching purse, I'd be worried.

[@gennesta9296]

+Mega Thingz jajajaj!

[@LaughingatpainUSAway]

Accessorize works in style, as WELL AS CRIMES!!

[@ChuckNorrisEmoQc]

One of the first well prepare interview iv seen about Fat Mike, they didn't try to make him look stupid or make us believe he's a bad influence at all. I really like to watch how he let mike speak about the great things he done along he's career and the way the decisions have been take to keep the production house working in our dark years for punk rock.

[@jnaz3thirty1]

Awesome interview ! "You don't have to have a job that you love, You just have to DO what you love, And you have a job, so that you can do those things"...(Michael John Burkett)

[@martc9426]

+jnaz3thirty1 This changed my perspective. I love that he said it.

[@fidgetyrock4420]

wow you misunderstand punk. its about doing what you love which isnt populare, and making it populare. then make money of it.

[@jnaz3thirty1]

+Fidgety Rock makes sense , coming from a blink182 fan ...jus sayin

[@fidgetyrock4420]

+jnaz3thirty1 yeah mark got my balls.... so?

[@FuckPunkers]

Wish this was like a 2 hour interview, I was listening to every word

[@DarthMeister]

+Brave Little Toaster The toaster was so brave i cried :(

[@evolve101]

I agree. Good fat Mike interview! 2 short.

[@Theleftybassist]

+FuckPunkers definitely could have been longer!

[@adrian5b]

+FuckPunkers I've been a NOFX fan for 12 years since I was a teenager, like a really geek fan that thought knew everything about it, and this is the first time I've seen/heard the real guy behind the Fat Mike persona, and it's just mind blowing. He started doing drugs after 30, he went to college, he ran a healthy business responsibly…

[@fidgetyrock4420]

+adrian5b real men are very good actors; )

[@Stephen-ie7uq]

Mike has a personality that's both strong and conscientious. It's a hard blend and I think it's why he and NOFX and the label are so enduring.

[@richymart]

Best Fat Mike interview I've ever seen. This guy has been my idol for over 20 years. He's a fucking legend and NOFX are the greatest band.

[@robrockstv781]

Im 49 years old and just found this band,I like them alot

[@dennisjr77]

Better late than never!! I got into them in ‘94 from a friend playing their album “white Trash................”

[@SocialGore]

how's 53 treatin ya

[@totalfootballreactions]

@@SocialGore you mean 54

[@eduardogonzalez-oh7tp]

amazing job keeping fatty interested.... never seen a better interview in my life

[@ShartimusPrime]

Gave Mike and Soma a ride home after sharing a plain from LA. Mike got in trouble with the cops for cursing on the plain. But even after all of that he got a picture w me, and then Soma asked if my wife and I would give them a ride home. Incredibly kind couple, but they didnt give us any gas money . . . They gave us booze!

[@thekidd7650]

ShartimusPrime whhhhhat? Lucky

[@JasonWattsTokyojay]

I'm a fan of Shartimus and have been a lifelong fan of NOFX, this is great.

[@angelsd8771]

ShartimusPrime plane plane dude plain is like plain jane airplane is transportAtion that flys in the sky

[@drk321]

Jesus, did you finish fourth grade? Please look at your atrocious spelling. And this is in the days of spell check even.

[@njones420]

I met Mike and Hefe in a bar in London in 1995, and sat and had a drink with them ... really nice guys (especially as I was an annoying teenager at the time)

[@robert-cn4tc]

Mike is a good person. fair and honest. A rare thing these days. I think "punks" are some of the kindest human beings I've ever met, despite society's stigma. Start your own country Mike, I'll be a citizen. Dinosaurs may die, but NoFX never will.

[@aldown]

I wanted to hear more about Fat Mike spending New Year's Eve with the Gallagher brothers lol

[@SimAlgyaxSaTun]

"I did not fledgle." - Fat Mike

[@awtreichel]

"Why you listening to Orchestral Manoeuvers in the dark when you can listen to Social Distortion?"

[@colina1330]

That's funny because Electricity is an Orchestral cover.

[@bobert6523]

His girlfriend said "If you don't wear this dress to that interview, I won't peg you tonight"

[@martc9426]

+Bobert Bobert exactly what I thought haha. Lucky guy

[@KevSheehan]

I need a wife like that

[@fidgetyrock4420]

xb stupid bitches.

[@OldManDoom]

Yeeeup. I love Fat Mike but that was what I was thinking the second he said his fiancee was a mistress. Haha

[@SaltpeterTaffy]

On his last record he confessed that he likes to crossdress, he's been doing it since he was thirteen.

[@sirundying]

first time i see mike serious in an interview

[@MeatEatingSissy]

He always loved lesbians. It looks like he's finally become one.

[@zimacowboy87]

obsessed with big lesbians

[@smokeyarcade]

Fat Mike has become.....Fat Michelle.

[@debbieholts7369]

He's actually a secret trans girl. seriously!

[@kevinwegner3014]

I have a new admiration for this man. Fat Mike is keeping the true spirit of punk alive.

[@420MusicFiend]

lmfao This was a great interview man.....seriously on point and funny as hell. "Kerry King yelled at me. So we stole some Slayer snacks, big deal" lmao.

[@TranzparentMethods]

This is best serious interview (one of the only) with Fat Mike.

[@jerryrice4659]

Hadn't watched an interview from Shad before, but he's one hell of an interviewer. The whole interview felt like 5 minutes long it was so engaging.

[@grafikj1uj1tsu]

He's a master of his craft. I'll check out more of his interviews now.

[@mishayaros]

big influence and I love the show, thanks for producing intresting video interviews like this, I'd love to hear about street art/ graffiti

[@QwithTomPower]

+misha yaros Our radio team did a segment on Bansky's Dismaland this week that may be of interest: goo.gl/HIyM6I

[@atcquentin]

I was familiar with Shad from his music and as the host of Hip Hop Evolution on Netflix but man, his interview skills are great. This is a really great interview

[@MrCheezybread]

Grew up listening to nofx and 25 years later still listening to nofx. Real punk forever

[@kevinmcgowan9250]

Seriously good interview. I have seen so many interviews with Mike where he is disconnected or bothered and doesn't give serious answers to anything. At the end you could actually tell he was disappointed it was over. Good show, keep it up.

[@themadhattress5008]

What I love about this dude is he has no shame or regret. He's a pretty practical guy who just does whatever, but know when it's time to be responsible. That's pretty dope. Not to mention he looks iconic as hell in that dress.

[@maxhoffmann8921]

a really cool and wise guy, didn't change at all during his career. Met the band once on the street after a show and they all so nice and friendly, you can't expect that from other bands.

[@bertmollar]

It's cool that he mentioned Banner Pilot. Probably one of the best punk bands to come out ever. So good.

[@YoeriKurvers]

The thing i like about punk is it's honest and it's real!

[@amilcarantunes1579]

and i9s where the nicest ppl/ artists are and it is a fact cause some metal bands and stuff sometimes they always think they are bgetter than everyone and cooler plus metal etilists and in punk you don't get thta, ppl listen to what they want and no one judges (all of this coming from a dude who listens more to metal than punk)

[@dennisjr77]

Yessss!!!!!!!!

[@alexanderwitkowski7692]

Best interview ive heard with Mike in years. Tumbs up!

[@leitch100]

I've been listening to NOFX since the early 90's, fat Mike is real, he's fair, he's not produced. If he says that bsdm is his real calling that's his business I guess. His/nofx song writings, music, and production got me through alot in my life, I have his back, dress or no dress, whatever you trolls are calling him and if it's true or not, I don't care, still a great man.

[@Psylonz]

For people asking why is he wearing a dress etc: READ THEIR BOOK! It's fucken amazing and gives you a huge insight on them (and the dress wearing).

[@Mr_Stanley888]

I turn 32 next year. Thanks Fat Mike.

[@hefic]

Hello, 40s calling.

[@JayT85]

I think fat Mike just made me realise what order my life should have been in

[@thomashill9886]

Holy Fuck! That was the coolest fucking interview I have ever seen in my entire life.

[@Tweeeeble]

29:10 No, not a rhetorical question. Yes, the other kind of question. No, not a question question. The correct answer is a hypothetical question. Holy shit I spelled rhetorical and hypothetical correctly without a red squiggle appearing underneath it. It's a good day.

[@colina1330]

I was thinking it was a moot point.

[@macegreene5057]

I love Mike's voice.

[@jeremynelson5311]

it kinda reminds me of between Jack Black and Seth Rollins

[@Jalex_Owns]

So much love for Fat Mike. Lifelong fan since '93. Cheers for having him on.

[@thedrummerdude777]

After watching this interview, I've come to realize that Fat Mike is a very smart businessman. And knows how to have a good time.

[@brothermaynard6816]

growin up in the 90s getting pissed singing nofx songs with yer mates was awesome sticking safety pins through ya face and loving being a mental punk kid the best memories. Thanks Mike u legend

[@Dave9966-]

Enjoyed this a lot! I'll listen to punk rock for the rest of my life.

[@MichaelD8393]

I'm glad that Shad is hosting q now. There's no way in Hell that Jian Ghomeshi would interview Mike here. He'd just call Mike something I can't say here on KZbin and decline the interview.

[@blaruesfox1212]

I collect CD's. All punk related CD's, even if theres only one song on it I enjoy, I buy it. Like this to show support for CD's and Vinyls

[@banger1684]

It still blows me away that the Australian punk band Frenzal Rhomb is signed to Fat 🤟.

[@astrologiaeaudiobooks7278]

I've always thought Fat Mike was an arrogant jerk, but after this interview i changed my opinion about him. He is actually a very fair articulated man with a clear view about the music business. Nice to see this side of him.

[@nikmarshall2989]

This is so great, the success of Mike is the success of the spirit of punk rock. Fat Wrechords has put out so many albums that I grew up on and it's just huge to know that all is still well.

[@jessetetrault6452]

Mike strikes me as such a down to Earth normal guy. The dress is bizarre but it's a nice fuck you to the rest of the world who doesn't get it. my friends and I grew up at punk rock shows. punk Rock saved our lives. The music saved us from simply conforming to the normal cookie cutter way of society. It's ok to think for yourself. it's ok to go against the grain. it's ok not to screw over people and simply do right by your fellow man. NOFX is always on the top of my list. fat wreck introduced so many great bands. way to go Mike love ya!

[@Angelsublime1]

how old are you?! Same here, I started listening to NOFX (first punk I heard was Pennywise) in 1994.

[@oceanfin9239]

+Jesse Tetrault I can't read all that^. Sorry. You'll have to excuse me

[@RiccardoAlbertini]

+gail angel me too! :D

[@Angelsublime1]

fuck him he is a poseur. I am 35 yrs old and have listened to NOFX and etc. since 1993. I lost all respect for Fat Mike and NOFX during the Bush administration when they created Punk Voter. They did NOT express or encourage Libertarianism (despite the fact they preach and sing about it). He went on a news report where he said "john kerry seems cool, he snowboarded once". What a hypocritical poseur. AND that time he pissed in shot glasses and served it to a crowd saying it's top shelf tequila. What an asshole... I love the music, I do respect what they have done for other bands etc, but damn.....

[@oceanfin9239]

***** WoLL not likiNg SKA iz A problem, cuz it's really good

[@davejlong-official4955]

WOW, I loved this interview. The host was great!!! I'll be looking at other vids on this channel. Thank You (I watched this video because I'm a fan of Fat Mike) : )

[@maulday]

Nice interview. Seems like Mike was enjoying it as much as I did. I'm becoming a fan of this interviewer guy.

[@mordykinz4228]

Me too. This is the first time I actually like the interviewer

[@bigwillie1180]

I’m not a punk fan by any means but this dude is genuinely smart nice and actually cares about the music the bands and fans, so I’m opening my mind now to punk

[@ElrondMcBong.]

by far the best interviewer i've seen in years! wow

[@maxros182]

Now that kids is a ROLE model...........

[@SeanDS89]

As well as a fashion model haha :)

[@maxros182]

Yeah because "your" Economy is doing so well atm........ Also Fat mike is no hippie nor is having morals a hippie trait.

[@peacenowarbleak1427]

damn straight. I love your profile pic

[@ParkingLotBacon]

+Zenmaster Jared not very Zen-like, Jared

[@maulday]

+private joker All of us would have a better life also.

[@seetomgo]

Shad...I love NOFX, love Fat Wreck Chords, and I've got to say - you are a great interviewer. Your questions were on point, you adapted and adjusted to Mike's sometimes unexpected responses, etc.

[@jaredshellhorn1007]

I wish Fat could sit by my bed and tell me stories until I fall asleep.

[@peaceofpiety]

That's exactly what I want

[@ULTRABRULTRA]

Probably too much good stories to not fall asleep 😂

[@eduardorosado7813]

Gotta admire his ethics in business with those who are under his record label. I really found a good lesson in this interview.

[@NicholasBenjaminAmato]

This just made my night.

[@TomCurrell]

"You don't have to wring the rag and get every drop"

[@croatiancroissant28776]

Gotta love Mike. First met him when “Ribbed” came out. Genuinely good guy. Just don’t mess with him when he’s doing his job.😂 If you want a good reason to take care of business when you’re young, and live it up after you’ve done that, it’s right here.

[@AndrewJShirley]

I thought I loved Mike before, but fuck me, what a legend.

[@NorthOntarian]

have to agree that everything about punkrock music is better than any other genera

[@tigerstyle4505]

I've never been a huge fan of NOFX, Fat Mike, or a lotta the bands that have been on Fat Wreck Chords cause I've just always been into more street punk, anarcho-punk, crust, powerviolence, etc, but even for people like me Fat Wreck Chords has been a constant. Gotta respect it.

[@NicholasBenjaminAmato]

That just made my night.

[@trunkshope6]

i cant imagine a world without fat wreck, its like having the best part of the 90's still around

[@yutubeblows88]

woohoo 25 years now

[@ravirocka]

24 :)

[@stephenkater9621]

I LOVE NOFX. Ribbed was one of my first CDs I bought back in 92 and is still one of my favorite records.

[@DutchChattahoochee]

banner pilot rules. also, shad is such a great person.

[@danielxdoom3642]

Mike is such a great guy. I'm glad a person such as this has had a chance to flourish and inspire others. Real talk.

[@unamor]

GREAT interviewer. Props!

[@gizemkorkut]

This Shad asks some great questions tbh

[@mwloos1]

Is that Lori Myers' dress?

[@JakeWitmer]

@27:00 "We don't strike when it's hot. ...We don't even strike. We just kinda slosh around." -LOL

[@georgiebogle7711]

I really like the somewhat 'genuine' interest in what's happened, and the ability to get an answer out of Fat Mike of all people. Only wish this could have been longer...good job!

[@tomaswallyveira1161]

my favourite part: "its actualy 24..." thats punkrock! :p

[@miketokars8368]

Success is being success. Being the guy with the big house on the hill would be fun.

[@L_E_L_0_U_P]

Watched NOFX with Bad Religion in Edmonton two years ago, dream come true. So happy I got a clear explanation on the dress lol, I was like wtf when he walked on stage here.

[@dxchasee]

im waiting for the interview where he looks exactly like this but 30 years older. Keep doin the shit you do. 6 pack girls is your best song

[@Chandoggy]

Kudos to the host....I would have trouble taking Fat Mike seriously in a dress. Not sure if he actually appreciated their music, message, and the embodiment of Punk. He was totally engaged, and really dived deep into Mike's every thought and moves. Great interview! He pushed him to reveal so much.

[@hucktoflat]

Fat Mike is just such an awesome guy, in music & in person. He's cool, intelligent, articulate & lives the life and manages to make a living out of his chosen lifestyle and remain true to himself.

[@juneausucks]

Great interview. The interviewer did a great job. Fat mike is super articulated but I haven't seen him quite like this. A typical fat mike interview is very satire and sarcastic. Respect.

[@xChrisS41x]

19:22 "You have to make as many records as FatWreckChords wants you to do, unless you don't want to" hahaha

[@friendbesto2599]

I don't think I've ever noticed his Nubs tattoo. Amazing

[@SkySplitterInk]

I really wanna know what he means about Suffers 10,000 being the biggest indie of the time. That would be some serious research.

[@andrewhall7930]

Early 1995 Tower Records Kahala Mall, Honolulu HI, I used to work 50 yards away at NY Deli (beside the Baskin Robbins) There was a CD listening station, one of the CDs was a pretty terrible Punk Compilation, but it had a Bad Religion song: Do What you want. I couldn't see myself buying the compilation, but the song was on Bad Relgion Suffer. Whenever I hear Mike talk about Bad Religion Suffer, I think of that experience. It also helped that 2 years earlier, some kids at my high school played NoFx Bob for the assembly.

[@yankees29]

I used to work at NY deli. My job was to answer the phone with a thick NY accent.

[@JakeParent]

Great interview!

[@miketokars8368]

I was happy for Travis Clark when We The Kings got signed.

[@robertkilminster3402]

This guy is the man. What's not to like about him?

[@cherryblossomdj]

I wish they played in SLC

[@danielamaral62]

well that was an awkward end to what turned out to be an awesome interview! Fat Mike hasn't really changed lol I love that he as such a good heart #NOFX4LIFE

[@southwestbleach]

decent interview, we watched it 3 times, after all, good interviewer, good questions - and Fat Mike ... deep respect

[@wrarmatei]

I can't imagine not listening to entire albums, from start to finish. It's easy to understand why kids aren't into that because I wasn't...for a time, but started doing so, as I got older (and started buying music)

[@AlmostCirculated1]

Fat Mike.. whether you love him or hate him, he is a great businessman. Wish I could get more of the "NOFX Stickin' in my Eye Pale Ale" beer. It's amazing.

[@awomeninusa5555]

I remember skating with my daughters father and he gave me a bootleg recording of Greenday and told me not to loose it.

[@deathailsatan]

I can see Fat Mike backstage at a Slayer concert wearing a dress & Kerry fuckin' King walkin in the room, hahahahaha ! I love both SLAYER & NOFX. Ok, I love SLAYER a lot more, but can't we all just get along ?

[@sumbloke1403]

Come to Melbourne again.

[@0oidiedinatimemachineo024]

lol that thing about not doing drugs til your 30s is basically the opposite of most people but I see exactly what mike means when you're younger focus on getting yourself financially stable and all that and then you can party

[@blairlohnes8103]

"Hold your idols accountable for what you've become..." ;) Dear Fat Mike... Thanks for being awesome.

[@thebarrochannel]

700.000 Hi Standard Cds sold. I bought a copy and that band sucked.But everybody was buying.

[@MrSimondaniel3]

+thebarrochannel What ? Hi stndard is rad.