The Covid era was a surreal time for all the usual reasons.

However, a slightly less surreal reason is that I never thought the day would come when I’d give up on a bunch of awesome bands from my childhood for becoming establishment hacks.

Punk was not just about music, it was about an attitude of rebellion, of questioning everything, and not accepting the status quo.

— Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer

Rebellion.

Sticking it to the man.

Not conforming.

I mean, The Offspring were one of my favourite bands of all time, and they ended up firing their drummer, Pete Parada, because he refused the jab. Dexter and Noodles were determined to keep ’em separated vaccinated.

Why did they blindly listen to authority?

And what about loyalty?

After all, Pete had been part of the band for 14 years.

The essence of punk is to challenge authority and to create something new, raw, and honest, no matter who it offends.

— John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) of the Sex Pistols

I grew up with punk rock, so it's part of my life.

In my opinion, it's likely the most creative genre of music—perhaps why it defies coherent definition.

Echoing what John Lydon (and many have others) have said, it encompasses far more than music alone.

Enter John Joseph

The Cro-Mags are a hardcore punk band from New York, formed in the early ’80s. They’re widely regarded as pioneers in the punk/thrash scene.

And he’s healthier and fitter than you.

John is over 60, eats locally sourced whole foods, and competes in Ironman races.

How much more punk rock can you get?

He was utterly unhinged!

In this podcast episode with me, John went from clean to overdrive in a matter of minutes, and I loved every moment of it.