I’m a Slut for KnucleHeadz

CommentaryConcert ReviewRebellionRebellion Band Spotlight

Aug 6

*Big Saus* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* at *Punk in Drubic—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

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It’s been a big year for Whittier, California’s favorite sons, The Knuckleheadz. They’ve played countless shows—from DIY benefits to a slot on the last NOFX show. They’ve got an upcoming takeover of the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, and this year, they’re stepping onto the big stage in the Empress Ballroom at Rebellion.

*The* *Knuckleheadz Band* *in Whittier, CA—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

A lot has changed for the boys since I first met them on the train to Rebellion a few years back. These days, they're making waves far beyond the DIY circuit—recently landing in the mainstream spotlight after an impromptu performance at a McDonald’s in South Central Los Angeles. Yeah, you read that right. Burgers, fries, and hardcore punk. and the world was eating it up.

*Randy Showtime* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* *in Whittier, CA—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

It was meant as a bit of a statement, as the band and their Punk Rock Fight Club are very health-conscious. They planned to make a video for their smash-hit single “Fuck McDonald’s,” a piece of sharp social commentary aimed at the evils of the fast food behemoth.

The footage has since been reposted countless times and seen by millions around the world, earning the gentlemen a bit of fame beyond punk circles. Everyone, from housewives in Nebraska to dancing TikTokers in China, has watched and shared it.

*Zack* *Knucklehead of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* *in Whittier, CA—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

But here's the thing:

The Knuckleheadz are much more than a punk band that played McDonald's.

*Vamps* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* *at Punk in Drubic—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

Over the past three years, I’ve conducted a thorough, investigative journalism-style deep dive into the band and the Punk Rock Fight Club. I’ve visited the Knuckleheadz Gym, met with club members and their families, attended more than a few shows, and spent time with the gentlemen involved.

*Fritz Knucklehead* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* at Screem and Shake—Photo *©dickslaughter.com*

While they may seem a bit rough around the edges to those outside the punk community, I can say without question that each and every one of them is a top bloke. Their mission is truly admirable: to create a support system for young adults, helping them stay clear of hard drugs, avoid crime and gangs, and navigate the many challenges that youth in their community face.

*Knucklehead Tom* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* at Rebellion—Photo *©dickslaughter.com*

Their accomplishments are too many to list. Knucklehead Tom, the frontman, is an award-winning MMA fighter, a gym owner, and a devoted father—all while mentoring club members and actively taking kids off the street. The other members of the band are just as impressive—Saus is an accomplished tattoo artist, and within Knuckleheadz, there are black belts, college degrees, and heads of companies.

*Steve Ignorant* *of CRASS and the* *Knuckleheadz Band* *with fans at* *Rebellion* *—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

The Knuckleheadz band is always quick to volunteer or even organize benefit shows, whether it’s for a club member facing health issues—like the "Fuck Cancer with Knuckleheadz" benefit I reported on—or for any worthwhile cause. The lads in black and green are always ready to step up.

*The* *Knuckleheadz Band* *with the Lopez family at the Fuck Cancer benefit in Whittier, CA. Little Cesar (center) is now in training to be a Firefighter—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

Their devotion to their brothers, families, fitness, community, and punk rock is truly inspiring. If you know me, you know I don’t support any band I don’t believe is authentic, and the Knuckleheadz are as real as they come. They’re in it for life.

*PRFC* *members at* *Screem and Shake—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

It’s not just the band—I haven’t met a single club member who isn’t an honest and respectful person. There are literally hundreds of them, from every color and creed, all striving to live honorable lives and support their brothers and community.

*Knucklehead Tom* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* *with his son Nieko in in Whittier, CA —Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

When I mentioned I was going to do a band spotlight on the Knuckleheadz for Rebellion, I was asked, “Don’t you think you’ve put out enough Knuckleheadz news?” My response was simple: “The band and club are growing every day, and there’s no such thing as enough Knuckleheadz news. You’d better hop on the Punk Rock Fight Club train, or get left at the station.”

*Randy Showtime* *and* *Knucklehead Tom* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* at *Screem and Shake—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

They are constantly working with brothers in the gym, training for competitions—many of the members of PRFC are accomplished athletes. They also foster the artistic endeavors of club members by facilitating the forming of club bands and regularly hosting practice sessions and gigs at their clubhouse.

*Go For Broke* *in Whittier, CA—Photo ©dickslaughter.com*

Go For Broke is a hardcore duo that formed through PRFC that has been playing shows across LA and Orange County and gaining notoriety. One of the club’s standout artists and supporters is N8NOFACE, a synth-punk sensation and In Spite Magazine favorite, who has been making major strides. He recently secured a spot on the Cruel World Fest lineup and toured with Limp Bizkit and Corey Feldman.

*PRFC* *members in Whittier, CA—Photo ©dickslaughter.com*

N8 had this to say in our recent interview when I asked about the club: "Yeah, I’m a patch holder. That’s my brother, Knucklehead Tom. Tom and I have been friends for about four or five years. I actually found out about him through the internet. At the time, I was getting clean, and I believe if you follow the right people, it’ll help keep you on the right path."

*Watch for the* *Randy Showtime* *of the* *Knuckleheadz Band* *limited edition In Spite Magazine trading card premiering at this year’s* *Rebellion Festivals—Photo* *©dickslaughter.com*

What I like most about the Knuckleheadz is that, beneath their tough exterior, they have a great sense of humor. They don’t take themselves too seriously and are always willing to laugh at themselves and have fun. They’re great sports. I made a promo reel from their appearance at the Punk in Drublic Festival, and instead of using their music, I set it to the theme song from The Monkees. They thought it was hilarious.