It's Fat Mike's Birthday and You Are Invited

Jan 15

*Image of* ***Fat Mike*** *Hoping to see you at his birthday bash at* ***the Punk Rock Museum*** *in Las Vegas this weekend—all photos* *©dickslaughter.com*

The 16th of January is Fat Mike’s birthday, and he’s having a weekend-long bash at the Punk Rock Museum starting tonight (Friday the 15th of January), and ISM (In Spite Magazine) was asked to send a correspondent to cover this once, maybe twice, in a lifetime celebration of what is, to some, one of the most important bands in the annals of punk rock and a not-to-be-missed event. We have a couple of members of the ISM family who feel that way.

*So-called* ***NOFX*** *fans Kim and Paul (center) at* ***PRB****. Kim's NOFX tattoo is somewhat visible.*

First up is Kim Moenich, the woman with the NOFX tattoo. I actually met her at the final NOFX shows in San Pedro, where she was posted at the center of the rail. All three days, all day, never left. I talked her into writing a superfan tale from the rail, and since then she has covered countless shows for ISM and become one of my favorite writer-photographers. Kim actually tried to change an overseas trip when she realized it conflicted with the NOFX exhibit. Whatever, a real fan would fly back from Borneo early, in my opinion.

*The* ***NOFX*** *flag is flying at half-mast in honor of real fans who can’t make it to the* ***Punk Rock Museum*** *for Fat Mike’s birthday.*

Then there is Paul Holstein, our beloved record reviewer and our man in the Motor City. Paul claims NOFX is his favorite band. He has followed the band since the beginning and been to countless shows and has covered them for ISM in Detroit and three nights in a row at Riot Fest. But is his love waning? He ranked the NOFX release A to H 34th on his Top 50 Punk Releases of 2025. An honor to be included, sure, but 34th? Ouch. He can’t make it either, because in case you did not know, everyone at ISM is a volunteer with a real job, and Paul said he really wants to go but needs to keep his and can’t take the time off. A lame excuse if you ask me.

*Image of* ***Fat Mike*** *in shock at the news that neither Kim nor Paul will be attending his birthday party at* ***the Punk Rock Museum***

Then there is the editor’s third choice. I am Dick. I was chosen not for my knowledge of, or lifelong devotion to, the band, but purely for my proximity. I will be in California at the time and can get a ride to the museum. I will be the first to admit I sort of missed the NOFX boat. I am the definition of a Johnny-come-lately fan. I was aware of them, sure, and even shot them a few times when I worked for the OC Weekly back in the stone age, but I never really appreciated their talents until I was assigned to cover the final shows for ISM.

*Image of* ***Fat Mike*** *displaying his disgust for anyone not coming to his birthday bash at the* ***Punk Rock Museum.***

Over that weekend, I found myself really enjoying the smart-ass banter and, more importantly, noticing just how much love was in the air on those nights coming from both sides of the rail. And how gosh darn catchy a lot of their songs are. I even bought a T-shirt for 10 dollars that I felt the band had made just for me. So I very much look forward to learning about the band and maybe picking up a record at the shop inside the museum. But the best part of taking this assignment is busting the balls of my colleagues and not so quietly relishing their jealousy, because.

This set of events is a superfan’s dream.

Think of it, Kim, all the shit the band has collected, along with never-before-seen photos from their 116-year career and all the guys all hanging out and giving tours.

(Editor’s note: we believe Dick is counting in punk years, which are roughly three to one in human years, so we left it as is.)

*I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: what is up with* ***Melvin’s*** *belly button? Someone please ask during the roundtable.*

HOLY SHIT, Paul. Rare flyers from Fatty’s personal collection.

I assume that Fatty is Fat Mike, though I suppose it could be another fat guy who collects flyers. I really don’t know. It is what it says in the press release.

***El Hefe*** *will be around for the ladies to gawk at.*

Guided tours led by Smelly throughout the weekend, including one tour with Fat Mike and El Hefe and another with the legendary NOFX crew Kent “Man A Ger,” Rugly, and Jay Walker. I am not entirely sure who these guys are, but I am willing to bet Kim and Paul know. There will also be more special guests they are keeping secret.

For super duper stalkers, there is a not-to-be-missed roundtable discussion with band members and crew where you can ask them personal questions, and they will most assuredly try to embarrass each other. There is also exclusive merchandise, including limited edition T-shirts and a special TPRM ODs release, a quarter album of never-heard-before NOFX demos. What is the other 75 percent of the album, you ask? I guess you have to go to find out. or order it from the museum store online.