Film Review: 'NOFX – 40 Years Of Fuckin’ Up'

"NOFX? Man, 'No Talent' is the name of that band." Howard Stern (1996).

From the outset of NOFX's (probable) final documentary, 40 Years Of Fuckin' Up, "Fat Mike" Burkett (bass/vocals), Eric Melvin (guitar), Eric
"Smelly" Sandin (drums) and Aaron "El Hefe" Abeyata (guitarist) wholeheartedly agree with this damming statement from the renowned radio host Howard Stern. In fact, the feature begins with this very quote (also utilised in the quartet's phenomenal So Long and Thanks for All the Shoes album); but it wasn't the "talent" that captured the world's attention when it comes to these wonderfully wretched Californian punks. 

It was their method, their madness, their misconceptions and so much more.

However, most importantly, it was arguably their music and character that made them magnificent.

The documentary revolves around NOFX's farewell tour, which ran from 2023 and concluded in October 2024. An enormous departing voyage that, even when announced, band members were unaware of these plans to the full extent. What follows is a tremendous and treacherous journey into Fat Mike, Melvin, Smelly and El Hefe's past lives and experiences with NOFX. It is personal, profound, insightful, inspiring, and all in all, incredible.

Chemical abuse and dependence are undeniably a focal point of the film. The MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and obscene amount of alcohol ingestion is above imposing – bordering on disturbing – each member discusses these issues with a delicate empowerment of having defeated these demons.

Except for Michael John Burkett, who, with a recent diabetes diagnosis (which he jokes about whether it is Type 1 or Type 2), seems to be on a wild ride of highs and intoxication, even into his 50s.

"What's more important, my health or my mental health?" he conveys in a rather intense interview, staring with almost unearthly eyes when discussing his need for either cocaine, Valium, or vodka, or all three, just to perform. 

Without unveiling too many spoilers, drama unfolds spectacularly, and it is graphic and even grotesque.

Nevertheless, as the punk devotees around Planet Earth know, this story does conclude with a "happy ending" (which means a lot more for Fat Mike considering his BDSM fetishes and cross-dressing passion – these virtues are included, in both hilarious anecdotes and rather compelling psychological explanations). Truthfully though, NOFX's supporters are more-than-likely going to become misty-eyed and choked up with how heartfelt and dramatic this tale is.

There are significant lies that become exposed during this documentary, friendships are broken (Melvin and Mike are still apparently very disconnected), awkwardness (especially in the lead-up to the final three shows in California), stories about previous members, lack of hygiene, catastrophic magazine features (Rolling Stone), rehab, global travels, fiscal failures and successes, the punk rock epidemic hitting the mainstream and NOFX avoiding the "corporate" side of the music business majestically.

This isn't just a biographical film; it is an enlightenment.

The guest appearances are truly exceptional also: The Vandals, Pennywise, Laura Jane Grace, The Offspring, Will Wheaton, Deryck Whibley, Goldfinger, Rise Against, M Shadows, Bad Religion, The DOC, Strung Out, Descendents, Fishbone and many more provide beautiful commentary, causing viewers to gasp in amazement.

It is really a remarkable narrative odyssey of one of the most pivotal acts in punk rock.

In summation, if there are any main messages to understand about NOFX's 40 Years Of Fuckin' Up, it comes down to three simple yet immeasurably significant principles:

1. NOFX were always about "fun" first.
2. NOFX undertook a DIY ethic their entire career, and it worked.
3. NOFX would have failed without their fanatical devotees.

The last song they (potentially) ever performed is entitled 'We Did It Our Way'. A punk rock anthem that showcases a chorus as infectious as Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way' with a Foo Fighters make-over, but injected with skateboarding psychosis.

It sounds bizarre, baffling and even unbalanced.

But it is assuredly brilliant.

"NOFX? Man, 'No Talent' is the name of that band."

It wasn't, but there was only one NOFX, and "We March to the Beat of Indifferent Drum" for them, forever.

NOFX – 40 Years Of Fuckin’ Up is screening at Hoyts Norwood on  Friday 25 September. Tickets on sale now at hoyts.com.au.