Fat Mike & NOFX: Farewell Tour, New Album & Punk Legacy

05 May, 2025

Is it possible to be a punk rock iconoclast, a businessman, a political activist, and a provocateur, all rolled into one, without sacrificing authenticity? Fat Mike, the enigmatic frontman of NOFX, has spent decades proving that the answer is a resounding yes.

When the NOFX leader and bassist joins our Zoom call, his manager's operating his laptop, and Mike has his bare feet up on the table, right in front of the camera. "I can be whoever I want to be," he declares, a sentiment that seems to be the guiding principle behind his multifaceted career. "And good people will treat me well," he adds, hinting at the complex calculus of his public persona. The band, a cornerstone of the punk rock scene for decades, is preparing to release a new record, a "double album," following up on 2021's Single Album. Mike details its creation, reflecting on the band's 40th anniversary and the bittersweet farewell shows slated for 2023 and beyond. Its been a whirlwind of activity. First, he announced the seminal punk band is dissolving after their next tour, then he revealed the bands new album.

Category	Details
Full Name	Michael John Burkett
Born	January 16, 1967 (Boston, Massachusetts)
Also Known As	Fat Mike, Mike Burkett
Occupation	Musician (Bassist, Vocalist), Record Label Owner, Political Activist
Bands	NOFX, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Record Label	Fat Wreck Chords
Political Activism	Organized Rock Against Bush campaigns
Instrument	Bass Guitar (primarily uses the Danelectro DC Cooper Bass)
Albums Sold	Over eight million records
Retirement	2024 (NOFX)
Reference Website	Fat Wreck Chords Official Website

Fat Mike's influence extends far beyond his musical contributions. Hes the owner of Fat Wreck Chords, a label that has been instrumental in shaping the punk rock landscape for three decades, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Hes also a political activist who organized the Rock Against Bush campaigns, using his platform to advocate for his beliefs. The punk singer and Fat Wreck Chords president talks about his latest album, Single Album, and how he came out of the closet with his kink proclivities and sexuality. He also shares his memories of San Francisco's BDSM scene and his plans for a punk museum in Las Vegas. His musical influences and achievements within the genre he loves are a testament to his unique impact. Earlier this fall, NOFX bandleader Fat Mike Burkett revealed his plans to disband the veteran California punk rock act in 2023. That’s three decades of defining the sound of West. Plus t\u00f4t cette ann\u00e9e, le leader de nofx, fat mike burkett, a r\u00e9v\u00e9l\u00e9 sur les r\u00e9seaux sociaux que son groupe punk embl\u00e9matique allait se s\u00e9parer l\u2019ann\u00e9e prochaine apr\u00e8s une derni\u00e8re tourn\u00e9e. Quelques semaines plus tard, il a pr\u00e9cis\u00e9 que la tourn\u00e9e d\u2019adieux allait se prolonger jusqu\u2019en 2024. Ajoutant que, pour f\u00eater les 40 ans duview article.

A visual transformation is also apparent. Recent photos of Mike show how far hes come in just a few months since NOFXs livestream concert in September 2020, further showcasing his willingness to adapt and evolve. Mike prominently uses the Danelectro DC Cooper bass, which first appeared on NOFX's 1997 album So Long and Thanks for All the Shoes. This bass remains his primary instrument for both recording and live performances. He also shares his memories of San Francisco's BDSM scene and his plans for a punk museum in Las Vegas. Discover his musical influences, achievements, and views on the genre he loves. Its been a busy couple of months for Fat Mike Burkett of NOFX.

The release of Single Album via Fat Wreck Chords on February marked another milestone. Fat Wreck Chords, the record label started by NOFX frontman/bassist Fat Mike, has a long history of promoting independent music. The band is releasing a new record. The final tour, which was initially scheduled for 2023, has been extended through 2024, a testament to the band's enduring popularity and Mike's commitment to giving fans a proper farewell. He also reveals his plans for the future and his views on Green Day.

When asked about the economics of punk, Mike acknowledges the inherent risks: "We don't have a problem with bands and labels who make serious cash from their work; after all, pursuing punk music professionally is at best a risky business." It's a raw and honest assessment of the industry. Fat Mike sat down with us before NOFXs final New York performance on July 14 at Brooklyn Paramount to talk about the Punk Rock Museum, the NOFX final tour, and some of the punk rock greats.

His impact resonates throughout the punk rock scene, from the original handwritten lyrics of "The Cause" by NOFX up for bidding, a tangible piece of musical history, to the memories of the Dirt Session 2009 in Duisburg. Fat Mike (* 16.Januar 1967 [1] in Boston, Massachusetts; Fat Mike, pseudonimo di Michael John Burkett (Newton, 16 gennaio 1967), un cantante e bassista statunitense. il cantante e bassista del gruppo musicale punk NOFX ed il bassista della cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.

His persona is as carefully constructed as his music. Welcome to Fat Mikes Pizza Always Fresh. All of our pizzas are made fresh to order with handfuls of toppings.

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