Fat Mike, whose real name is Michael John Burkett, was born on January 31, 1967, in Newton, Massachusetts. At a young age, he displayed a passion for music and began playing the bass guitar. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where he joined a band called False Alarm as a bassist. The group gained a following in the local punk rock scene, but unfortunately, they disbanded in 1983.
After False Alarm broke up, Fat Mike continued to pursue his music career. He founded the punk rock band NOFX in Los Angeles, where he served as the lead vocalist and bassist. The band quickly gained a cult following in the underground punk scene with their fast-paced, humorous, and politically charged songs.
In addition to NOFX, Fat Mike also played bass with other notable bands such as Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Against Me! His versatile bass playing and distinctive singing style contributed to the success of these bands.
Fat Mike is known for his activism and involvement in various social causes. In 2004, he founded the Rock Against Bush tour, a music event aimed at mobilizing young people to vote against George W. Bush in the presidential elections. The tour featured performances by punk and alternative rock bands and helped raise awareness about political issues among the youth.
He has also been featured in documentaries such as Sounds Like a Revolution (2010) and The Other F Word (2011), where he shared his views on music, politics, and the punk rock scene. Fat Mike is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, animal welfare, and anti-authoritarianism.
Fat Mike has been married twice in his life. He first married Erin Burkett, with whom he has a daughter named Darla. The couple divorced in 2010 after several years of marriage. In January 2016, Fat Mike tied the knot with Soma Snakeoil, a performance artist and writer.
Despite his busy schedule as a musician and activist, Fat Mike remains dedicated to his family and often spends quality time with his loved ones. He continues to tour and record with NOFX, bringing their energetic live shows to fans around the world.
Overall, Fat Mike's journey from a young punk rocker in Massachusetts to a renowned musician and activist is a testament to his passion for music, his relentless pursuit of social change, and his unwavering commitment to his principles.