Pennywise Hate Punk

08/20/02 6:00pm

by Keith Carman (CHARTattack)

Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge is disgusted with punk.

In its current state, the term "punk rock" has become about as meaningless and devoid of description as "alternative." It wouldn't scare a 12-year-old. In fact, that's probably the scene's biggest demographic.

Together since 1988 and having just released their seventh album, Land Of The Free? (Epitaph), Dragge and crew remember a time when punk rock couldn't be bought at the outlet mall.

"When your mom takes you to the store to buy your hair dye and then dyes it for you, you're not getting the true meaning of punk," states Dragge. "When your dad grabs your head and beats it against the wall for a haircut your friend gave you with a pair of scissors and a razor and you get the true meaning of punk rock."

Part of the Second Big Wave of Punk that kicked off the careers of acts such as NOFX, a revived Bad Religion, All and so on, Pennywise have seen the punk scene come full circle. From a small but thriving community in Southern California to widespread panic (and ultimate dilution) instigating massive festivals such as the Warped Tour and Snow Jam, Dragge feels that punk rock has been blown so out of proportion, it's lost its true essence: shock.

"It's good that people are opening their minds and letting (punk) be accepted, but now there's nothing to rebel against. Everyone's becoming part of the herd, the norm. What's next? You've got Marilyn Manson — he didn't shock anybody. He was more of a circus animal making a fool of himself. Our world has become so violent and crazy, what's shocking? The state of music and entertainment is flatlined."

Flatlined?

"Fuck, yeah! Nowadays, you have a lot of bands claiming to be punk rock that are really more mainstream than punk. They're on major labels. I'm not knocking it — they can do what makes them happy, but punk rock was rebellious, dangerous. Everyone hated you. You were a fucking outcast. Nowadays, it's OK. The danger and rebellion element are totally taken away."

While it's all fine and dandy to bitch and moan about the state of things, Dragge is the first to admit that actions speak louder than words, which is why with Land Of The Free? the band has ensured that they back up what they say with beefy songs filled with positive messages and jabs to get people off their jaded asses.

"We try to stick to our guns and make things happen the way we want. People are getting hungry. They want to know what punk was really about, so they're going back to the older bands. Somehow we're considered one of those, although I think the real punk bands are back in the early '80s. But if we have the means to get people thinking and acting, then we'll do it."

Applauded not only for writing conscious, angry material provoking positive change, the band are also praised for the album as it sounds undeniably Pennywise while being fresh enough to escape feeling like a rehash of previous work, something they've been attacked for in the past.

"It is a tough line," confesses Dragge. "It's something I tell bands writing their second album: Good luck, 'cause you don't want them saying it's not Pennywise, but you don't want them saying they bought that album last year. We experiment, but if it's too different, we axe it. For this album, we were working on one song and asked a fan what he thought of it. He's like, 'It kinda sounds like Limp Bizkit.' Gone! For so many reasons! We have a continuity to maintain with a few fresh ideas, 'cause as I've said before you don't want to put on your favourite band's record and find out they're not your favourite band anymore. Somehow we've managed all these years."

Similarly, touching on the subject of being a prime influence on the current punk scene, Dragge reveals a touch of shock at realizing just how important his music has become. In fact, in true punk rock fashion, he's quicker to point out the other great bands. The ones that he still thinks are the true greats.

"You know, I don't think about it, but when it's brought up it blows my mind. I remember kids like Unwritten Law coming up to us wanting to play and now they're a huge band. As I said, the first punk movement to me was bands like Black Flag and the Circle Jerks. Totally out of hand. New York was more fashion oriented aside from The Ramones and the Stooges. When I think back, we're nothing! It's all about Minor Threat, Black Flag... I could go on for hours. That's what it's about to me. As far as us being influential, it's not a reality to me. It's an honour to be recognized, but respect should go to earlier bands. The Misfits? I'm not worthy!"