Since 2017, punk fans from around the globe set to witness what came to be one of the remaining havens of punk rock festivals, Punk in Drublic.
However, on April 22-23rd of this year, the annual fest made one of its’ last stops in Austin, Texas at Carson Creek Ranch to celebrate one of punk rock’s most influential bands, NOFX and their final tour. After 40 years of changing the dynamic within curating punk rock music, the band claims that their long-standing stage presence has come to an end.
“This is not a final tour like Mötley Crüe or Black Sabbath…These are the very last shows NOFX will ever be playing. We are gonna play with all our hearts…With all our joy…And then we are done. We are done done,” stated Fat Mike.
As much as the punk community can come together for amazing live music like this, the ones in need are never forgotten or left without. Notable punk-rock support programs such as community outreach organization, The Sidewalk Project (co-founded by Punk in Drublic performer, Stacey Dee of Bad Cop Bad Cop) and non-profit organization, Punk Rock Saves Lives were posted up at their booth all weekend with open arms and a lot of support to give.
Punk in Drublic (which refers to NOFX’s 5th studio album released in 1994) is a massive 21+ beer and music festival (with optional camping) derived from the creative duo of NOFX’s frontman, Mike “Fat Mike” Burkett and Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions with the combined forces of the Punk in Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival. The band usually headlines each Punk in Drublic tour, but this time with the plan to execute 40 songs per day and each show consisting of a different setlist to ensure a unique experience for all festival attendees to enjoy.
One of the biggest treats about this year’s lineup was not only the variety of punk sub-genres which included bands such as: Bad Cop Bad Cop, Get Dead!, Pennywise, The Bombpops, Subhumans, and more! Texas-based bands, Pinata Protest (Tex-Mex/ska punk band from San Antonio) and thrashgrass/folk punk Houston heroes, Days N Daze heightened the bar for the rest of the weekend as they geared up on stage for day one.
At the unfortunately last Punk in Drublic fest, I had the pleasure of catching Pinata Protest, Days N Daze, and Jen Pop of San Diego pop/punk band, The Bombpops for a quick interview!
You can find them all on our YouTube page at The Buzz (@945TheBuzz) and view my personal experience at the festival on my Instagram at @albertazemyra.
Catch up with Days N Daze here!