Fat Mike - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Real name: Fat Mike's real name is Michael John Burkett. He was born on January 31, 1967 in Newton, Massachusetts.
- 2. Music career: Fat Mike is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the punk rock band NOFX. The band was formed in 1983 and has released over a dozen studio albums, establishing themselves as one of the most influential punk bands of all time.
- 3. Label founder: In addition to his work with NOFX, Fat Mike is also the founder of the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords. The label was started in 1990 and has since signed and released music from numerous punk and alternative bands.
- 4. Songwriting: Fat Mike is known for his witty and often controversial lyrics, tackling subjects such as politics, religion, and personal struggles. His songwriting has been praised for its honesty and unapologetic nature.
- 5. Veganism: Fat Mike is a vocal advocate for veganism and animal rights. He has been a vegan for many years and often uses his platform to promote the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
- 6. Personal struggles: Fat Mike has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health issues. He has been sober since 2007 and has spoken candidly about his experiences in recovery.
- 7. Side projects: In addition to his work with NOFX, Fat Mike has been involved in several side projects over the years, including the bands Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Cokie the Clown.
- 8. Controversies: Fat Mike has been known to court controversy with his outspoken and sometimes provocative statements. He has been criticized for his use of offensive language and controversial behavior on stage.
- 9. Family life: Fat Mike has two children from his previous marriage to Erin Burkett, who is also involved in the music industry. He is currently in a relationship with Soma Snakeoil, a performance artist and musician.
- 10. Philanthropy: Fat Mike is involved in various charitable causes, including animal rights, LGBTQ rights, and drug addiction recovery. He has organized benefit concerts and fundraisers to support these causes, using his platform to make a positive impact in the world.