NOFX have been pretty elusive with regards to interviews over the past decade or so — particularly from pesky pop culture websites — so we were flattered when the band’s singer, songwriter, bass player and political activist, Fat Mike, agreed to give us just a wee bit of his time.

Last month, NOFX released a religiously-charged EP, “Never Trust a Hippie,” and on April 18th, they’ll release their umpteenth full-length “Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing” on Fat Wreck Chords. We prodded Fat Mike via email and asked him to answer a couple of our dumb questions about religion, yuppies and Dick Cheney.

What was your reaction to hearing Dick Cheney had shot a dude in the face?
I felt bad, but I was really hoping that old dude would die. I like how the lady who owned the ranch said that Cheney peppered the other guy. Peppered? It was a fucking shotgun. That night I went to a nice restaurant and had peppered quail. For real.

Why did it take so long for NOFX to mix their punk with their politics?
If you look at our old records, you will find that we have always had political and socio-political songs. We just started being more politically active when it looked like Bush might win the election in 2000. It’s a good thing he didn’t, or we’d be in big trouble now. Doh.

Religion seems to play a large role on “Never Trust a Hippie,” and seeing how NOFX has had a rabid fan base for over a decade, do you think that NOFX have become a sort of religion to this legion of loyal fans?
I don’t think so. Our loyal fans are drunks and addicts and queers and jerks and assholes. They like NOFX for good music and a good time.

You are famously indulgent – does having a baby on board put a damper on your lifestyle?
When I’m at home, I’m a pretty responsible dad. When I’m on tour, things haven’t changed much.

Can one be both a yuppie and a punk?
Most certainly.

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