D.O.A.

Canada’s legendary Punk Kings, who helped spread punk rock counterculture around the world, approach a momentous milestone. For nearly 25 years D.O.A. has been happily slashing away at all manner of philosophical enemies. They’ve traveled the globe almost continuously since they formed in 1978; they released their first snarling piece of vinyl, the “Disco Sucks” EP in June of that year. That slab of plastic opened the door to international prominence, riots, rip-off record companies and three generations of fans. In 1981, D.O.A. made the term “hardcore” their own and pushed it into the common vernacular with their legendary album “Hardcore 81” and subsequent tours. Consequently, D.O.A. has been cited as a major influence for tons of bands ranging from The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Green Day to Rancid to The Offspring. D.O.A.’s sound and philosophy has been held together by Canada’s Godfather of punk Joey “Shithead” Keithley’s songwriting, singing and guitar playing. In 2003, Shithead’s first book “I Shithead,a life in punk” came out on Arsenal Pulp Press. It is a definitive and raunchy look at punk and the spread of counter culture throughout western society. D.O.A. has travelled a long, tough road that has taken them around the world and the raw energy continues. The band has never been more active, having recently released their second DVD, D.O.A.’s “Greatest Shits” and a split album with metal legend Thor entitled “Are U Ready”. Recently Mayor Larry Campbell of Vancouver declared December 21st to be “D.O.A. Day” in Vancouver.The band has also been featured in punk and political books published around the world.