Welcome To The Carnival Of Schadenfreude
Well, well, well.
Having spent the past 4 1/2 months in Hyannis (only rubes call it “Hyannis Port”) with limited Internet access I haven’t been getting the full picture of what’s transpired behind my resting back. But man does not live by clamming, parasailing and lovemaking on the beach in the soft glow of the moonlight alone, and business beckons. Oh, how it beckons!
A quick perusal of the WWW turns up the interesting fact that M. Vapid, late of Screeching Weasel, has been scampering around granting interviews to naive zinesters implying that he quit the band out of shame and embarrassment over the SXSW incident. Now, believe it or not, gang, I happened to be there in Austin in what passed for a green room after we were escorted off stage by a kind and gentle bouncer, and I can tell you this: the drummer (come on, do you need his name? Like you even remember it!) was sitting around slapping his thighs, drum-like; the guitarist was saying it was the worst show he’d ever played because he broke a couple of strings and his guitar strap kept falling off; the bassist was shuffling around silently like Rain Man with 5 minutes to go until Wapner; and Sir Vapid III was wringing his hands, mumbling, “Where’s my messenger bag? Has anybody seen my messenger bag? I can’t find my messenger bag! Oh where, oh where could my messenger bag be?” The events that had just occurred on stage were not of the slightest concern to these purportedly sensitive and easily mortified gents. In case you miss my meaning, they couldn’t have fucking cared less.
Now, as I am as honest and trustworthy as the day is long, I will admit that the following morning, I found Vapid, along with the drummer and guitarist, in their hotel room, flustered and ashen-faced. In short, gang, they were scared. And that scared me, because while controversy is nothing new in the choppy waters of my career, bitter experience has shown me that when the crew starts panicking you’d better start lowering the lifeboats. They’d watched the label employees flip their lids the night before, and they’d looked on the Internet and had seen which way the wind was blowing. And it was no gentle breeze that was caressing your narrator’s beautiful brunette mane; it was a fetid stench cloud pouring down pure bile on yours truly. But as rattled as they were, they insisted they were going to stay the course. I even called the bassist from the airport and he assured me it was no big deal. “I’m 100% on board,” he said.
Vapid was mostly silent during our morning meeting, but before we adjourned, he piped up to declare, “I think it’s wrong to hit people.” Apparently he thinks it’s gloriously right to kick people 15 or 20 times in the kidneys when they’re already down and being hit by two other guys, or at least he did when a fan attacked me back in 1995, but I suppose “that’s different,” as people always seem to say when they’re caught talking brazenly hypocritical shit, and in any case, true to his word, every other time I got involved in a physical confrontation over the years, Vapid took off in the other direction so quick he left skid marks; I’ve only ever seen him move faster when offered a free meal. Still, I mused to myself, this was awfully funny talk coming from a guy who less than three months earlier had solemnly informed me, upon learning that you can’t actually successfully sue a guy for talking smack about you on the Internet, that he’d decided instead to kick the ever loving shit out of the guy in question, his former label owner. But I feel it’s bad form and bad business to discuss this sort of thing in front of guys who are on salary, so I held my tongue.
“Well,” you might be saying to yourself, “Maybe he was in shock! Maybe all this alleged shame and embarrassment just hadn’t yet sunk in after a mere 10 hours.” But in order for that theory to hold any water, you’d have to ignore the inconvenient fact that old Vapid then spent the next day and a half giving me pep talks about how we all make mistakes and how this was all going to blow over soon and how we needed to get right back up on the horse and how, above all, we must not under any circumstances cave into the pressure from the Internet crowd and cancel the upcoming east coast shows. He really seemed to have bounced back!
Unfortunately, by this point our manager, who was also our tour manager, had resigned, explicitly refusing to work the gigs that were coming up in three weeks; the booking agent had bailed; threats of violence were piling up; the other guys in the band had gone completely AWOL; and the label was pissed – the owner had already grown enraged with me days before Austin because he’d suddenly decided that a song on the new album was poking fun at him personally, in spite of having received a demo of the song and five others, complete with lyrics, and having signed us for a $30,000 advance (with 20K more to be paid once the first advance recoups) based on that demo. Things were looking bleak. It was clear we needed time so I canceled the east coast shows, but I kept the Chicago weekend and the west coast shows on the calendar. I advised Vapid to stop discussing the issue with the hired hands and to give me a call instead so we could start righting the ship without the spare parts sticking their noses in. And then he went AWOL himself. Nothing like snatching away the dollar signs to get old Vapid to mutiny. He was off the boat and dog-paddling away to the nearest oasis before I’d even finished the sentence.
Even so, seeing as how the whole band had assured me they had my back and were ready to forge ahead just as soon as things cooled down, you can imagine my surprise when these bold rascals broke three days of radio silence to e-mail a copy of their press release to me and my interim manager, the inimitable and indefatigable Owen Murphy, who you know as my co-host on Weasel Radio.
Well! I’m not afraid to admit that I was beside myself! Not only were they suddenly feigning shame and embarrassment over my “actions,” but their real beef, as they alluded to in the release and made crystal clear to me privately, had to do with my conduct on stage the entire evening! You know, the stuff I’ve been doing for 25 years? The “fuck you and the horse you rode in” on act? The one that Screeching Weasel fans love to love and all the other humorless twats love to hate? Oh, they were very upset! They told me in no uncertain terms that while they wanted to stay in the band, things were going to have to change, and harumph this and well-I-never that. They’d apparently decided over the course of their three-day drum circle to dress up in daddy’s clothes and start throwing their weight around.
“You trashed the label on stage!” they moaned.
“I warned them beforehand I was going to be doing my act,” I replied, “and that it was likely to result in hurt feelings, to which Chad Williams, head honcho at Fat, responded ‘I’d expect nothing less’.”
“But… but you insulted our manager and really hurt his feelings!” they sputtered.
“Our manager who encouraged me to shit-talk SXSW and blame the whole thing on him and the label in an interview I did earlier that week?” I asked. “Our manager who was sitting on the stage holding his sides in laughter while I ‘fired’ him and ‘re-hired’ him for the crowd’s amusement? Pish posh!”
Alas, they wouldn’t be deterred, and obviously I can’t have the clowns running the circus. So, having confirmed that all four of the craven worms had indeed signed the treacherous press release, I fired them unceremoniously and on the spot. “And do me the courtesy of mentioning that fact in your press release!” was my parting shot.
As you well know, fans, they did no such thing, and in fact once the press release was out and they’d been hailed as heroes for “quitting,” not one of them could muster up the testicular fortitude to mention that they’d actually been fired, much less that subsequent to their termination the slow-witted percussionist had spent several days and numerous e-mails trying to get everybody’s jobs back for them, much to the chagrin of poor Owen, who couldn’t seem to make them understand what the words “You’re fucking fired, dumb-ass” mean. Said drummer even e-mailed me to explain that now that the press release was out we were all “on a level playing field.” “Owen!” I said, “how does this idiot not understand that he’s not on the playing field at all? He’s on the bus home!”
And when the light bulb finally clicked on over Vapid’s pointy head and he realized that the goose had no more golden eggs up her business for him, did he nut up like a modern day John Wayne and take his lumps? Of course he didn’t. Come on. Leopards don’t change their spots and Danny Vapid doesn’t suddenly grow a set of gonads. No, fans, what he did, was he started giving interviews claiming to have been embarrassed over my actions at that very moment in time when he was actually pleading with me not to cancel any shows and to get back on the proverbial horse. And if he thought that little display wasn’t going to get me out of my hammock out on Cape Cod and into my Z28 back to Wisconsin, well, he was even more delusional than the time he put on a button down shirt and a skinny tie and said to the mirror, “Brother, you look good.”
Now, the reason I mention all this is because my much-needed vacation has caused many of you fans to ask whether I’ve gone into hiding, or if I’ve become hopelessly demoralized; most of you have assumed that the band split up. Normally I’d say you should’ve known better, but given the circumstances I can’t really blame you. After all, the rest of the band deliberately led the press to believe that they’d resigned, and the headlines read “Screeching Weasel quits on lead singer.”
But back in reality, I’d already replaced Vapid and the drummer, chosen from a steady stream of applicants who, to a man, noted that the chumps who “quit” were a bunch of sorry, suck-ass motherfuckers and that the ensuing display of cannibalistic fury from the torch and pitchfork crowd was a whole lot of bullshit. I wasn’t able to get a full band together to commit to the May anniversary shows by the deadline we’d set, and if I may break character for a moment, I sincerely apologize for that, although the show had been decimated by that point anyway thanks to all the gutless turds in the 85% or so of the support bands who dropped off the bill – quite a few of them choosing to grandstand by announcing it on Facebook rather than canceling with me or my management. Punk rock musicians are nothing if not cowards. I guess if you’re into seeing a band that can’t make a move without checking to see what the crowd thinks about it first those candy-asses will be right up your alley, but they’re persona non fucking grata over here at Weasel Manor, I can assure you.
And to break character again, my apology from last March was absolutely sincere, and I stand by it. I also apologized privately to my bandmates, booking agent, management and label, but almost all of them were too morally superior to me to accept my apology. Still, I stand by it. I fucked up, and if I had to do it over, I would’ve dealt with the situation in Austin in the same spirit as I did the previous 60 minutes – with humor, style and a thick dollop of good old-fashioned panache.
To those who are too good to accept my apology – I’m glad to know you’re all saints. Me, I’m still a miserable sinner but then Screeching Weasel fans don’t expect me to be perfect; they expect me to be human and honest, and the latter’s a hell of a lot more than they’re ever going to get from you holier-than-thou creeps.
To those who got all puffed up with pseudo sanctimony and threatened violence to me and my family, ho fucking hum.
To those bands who dropped off Weaselfest without bothering to inform me, and especially those who admitted that throwing me under the bus had nothing to do with what happened and everything to do with personal grudges, you’re weak sisters who will only take your shots when you have a crowd to stand behind. Guys, we all know that if the wind had blown in the other direction you’d still be hanging onto my coattails and offering to go get my coffee for me. But hey, at least you’ve scored a few brownie points with the gullible yahoos who think you’re principled for taking a stand against a guy who’d already been left for dead by that point. What a noble, courageous bunch you are!
Now the important stuff: To all the friends and family who stood by me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I owe special thanks to Jenny Choi and Joe King, both of whom passionately defended me at a time when doing so was pretty much the kiss of death. I know you two took a whole lot of shit from the chattering punk classes for that, and your loyalty and courage means more to me than I can say.
And to you fans who had my back when things looked grim, I’m well aware that I owe my career to you, and I don’t give a shit who threatens what – if you think I’m not going to be front and center to shake your hands and thank you on October 29th, you’re out of your tree. No label, no management, no booking agent – no problem. They can’t do a damn thing about the fact that you’re still fans, and I can assure you it drives them fucking bananas!
Oh yeah – for those who aren’t aware, Screeching Weasel is playing Reggie’s in Chicago on October 29th. Tickets are still available HERE. But this isn’t just a Screeching Weasel show – it’s my Independence Day and this fully extended middle finger is my flag. I’ve been silent for almost five months but now I’ve taken over this Carnival Of Schadenfreude; it’s barreling down the tracks even as I type and I can hardly to wait to take the stage again. Did you think I’d ignore all of the unmitigated bullshit that went down after Austin? Hell no you didn’t, you’re Screeching Weasel fans – you knew better. I’m embracing the chaos, and I’m giving it noogies and then I’m twisting it up into a delightful balloon dachshund for your amusement. The documentary crew will be there to record the whole spectacle so I need every true blue fan there with bells on to let all the hypocritical, sanctimonious pricks know exactly what we think of them.
So to reiterate, the band never split up for a second; I merely pink-slipped the dead weight and methodically replaced them with the meanest, leanest lineup of stand-up mofos I could find, every last one of them as disgusted as I am with this ludicrous show of puritanical finger-wagging over the past few months. The boys have been replaced by men. The ex-Weasels didn’t give a damn about what went down on stage at SXSW until the Internet told them they ought to. Then, after not giving a shit for two days, they suddenly grew a conscience. Rest assured, fans, no such weak-minded milksops are in the current lineup.
Think of it this way – I’m taking back the reins from the classless, spineless, frightened children who dragged Screeching Weasel’s name through the mud with their dishonest, ass-covering press release; and all the cheap shot cowards who kicked me while I was down are getting a horseshoe straight up the ass!
And of course the Queers will be there. You couldn’t have kept Joe and company away with a riot squad and a tank full of tear gas. We’re gonna tear the roof off that place! If ever there was a Screeching Weasel show to see, this is the one, brothers and sisters. I’m back in town, and I’m tanned, rested and ready. Now somebody go get me my fucking microphone and let’s get this thing going!
Fucking Excellent!
August 12, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Now that’s what I’m talking about…,
August 12, 2011 at 2:18 pm
First fuck yeah. Second thank the powers that may be you are still yourself. Integrity. I recall seeing the methadones and watching them enjoy kicking fans in the face to keep them off stage. And finally I hope to see you in October.
August 12, 2011 at 2:46 pm
ooohh yeah!!!! welcome back!!
August 12, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Thank you Ben. We’ve missed you.
August 12, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Well said Ben, well said! See you in Chicago. -Nate Fierro
August 12, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Reading this is a fine way to start my day! Glad to have you back!
August 12, 2011 at 3:22 pm
my ticket was paid for within the hour that tickets had been available. can’t wait for the show! my band contacted reggie’s to see if you wanted any support apart from the queers playing. said they’d ask you, and joe. feel free to give us a listen, and hate on us or throw us a “you’re not the worst”
see ya on the 29th sir
August 12, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Ben, we’ve all fucking missed you. Owen as manager is a great idea. The guy’s a nut, but he clearly knows the business.
Joe King sounds like a true blue friend. Whenever I think of you I think of him and whenever I think of him I think of you. That’s wonderful to have a friend like that. [Why the hell don't you guys cut a record together?!]
Screeching Weasel and The Queers have more than amazingly catchy hooks, biting sarcasm and a wall of sound: the lineup has changed on nearly every record. Guess what? With the constants (you and Joe) it sounds amazing. Who gives a shit who’s playing the guitar if the music is written and produced by the geniuses to begin with?
I would LOVE to go to the show on the 29th. It’s a day after my 23rd birthday. Home with the kids and no money for a road trip prevents me from being there, but if there’s any video footage I’ll definitely be watching and hope to hear all about in from your blog and WEASEL RADIO. I have missed Weasel Radio terribly. What a tease to bring it back for a couple of months after a hiatus of several years and take it away. I’ve always appreciated you and Owen throwing those shows together for little to no profit or gain other than for your fans. Bring back the Weasel Radio!
Your writing style never ceases to amaze me. Ben, you’re fucking hilarious. I’d love to meet you at a show someday. Play in Atlanta and I’ll be there.
Fuck the drama, this ain’t high school any more!
“you dopes are all the same
and that’s why i’m so ashamed
to be a part of what might be
called the punk rock community
you take things way too seriously
or else you take them too lightly
post messages on AOL but don’t you dare fuck with BEN WEASEL”
August 12, 2011 at 4:28 pm
P.S. Fat Mike’s holier-than-thou attitude certainly is ironic considering how a majority of his most recent releases have been focused on mocking Christianity and other religions.
August 12, 2011 at 4:44 pm
I was happy to read that your text! I knew that Screeching Weasel would not finish this time! greetings from Brazil!
August 12, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Fantastic…in every way!
August 12, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Hey Ben, great to hear from you again.We need you more than ever.
August 12, 2011 at 5:39 pm
So what you are saying is this is not a good show for my 7 year old to attend ?
August 12, 2011 at 5:43 pm
we are talking about punk rock here right ? Where did I see the ” Punk rock dos and don’ts Handbook ” last printed. Hmmmm? Let me see ?
So the rule is : Purposely Obnoxious lead singer must not do obnoixious predictable things to predictable fan base. Didn’t this same situation happen to Ben 20 years ago in Elmhurst and then again at a place on Grand Ave in chicago 15 years ago ? I am just impressed that you still make money doing this. And again you will prevail. Kudos !
I however as much as I’d like to attend will not be paying 23 bucks plus a service fee to see you guys play. Sorry. Wish I could. Have always enjoyed what you do.
August 12, 2011 at 6:00 pm
When are you announcing the line-up?
August 12, 2011 at 6:04 pm
This made my day. I fucking love you Ben.
August 12, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Thanks for posting this. I’m hoping somehow you can make us all an audio transcripted reading of this, cuz i would surely want one. Fuck the haters!
August 12, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Coming over from England for the gig at Reggies. Was really looking forward to it anyway but after reading that I’m even more bang up for it!
The Internet has been a great invention but fuck me – there’s a lot of whining cunts on there who type a lot of shit from behind the safety of their keyboards.
Please play ‘I don’t give a fuck’ !!!
August 12, 2011 at 6:34 pm
It is about time…well played, fella! Can’t wait for October!
August 12, 2011 at 7:06 pm
ah i’d give anything to be there! glad you’re back!!
August 12, 2011 at 11:32 pm
You still owe us a show here in San Antone. I swear i’m gonna be like the kid from better off dead who only asks for his two dollars. Is that too much to ask?
August 12, 2011 at 11:51 pm
You’re still a piece of shit
August 13, 2011 at 12:06 am
Who stole me Lucky Charms?!??
August 31, 2011 at 11:20 am
Still waiting for the band to do a show in Costa Rica!
Have fun October 29th, wish i could be there!
August 13, 2011 at 12:41 am
So glad to read this! It put a whole new perspective on the situation. I had my ticket for October 29th, but sadly, it’s 17+ and I’m 16. I didn’t realize it until I had my ticket already. Thank you for writing some of the greatest songs ever.
August 13, 2011 at 12:43 am
This reads like an excellent wrestling promo. Awesome job Ben! My only hope is that at Reggie’s The Queers play “Danny Vapid” with a slightly altered chorus. Welcome back!
August 13, 2011 at 1:02 am
Billy, I think if you come to the show with someone over 21 you’ll be good but I’m not 100% sure. Call the club and ask.
August 13, 2011 at 1:03 am
Will do! I’ll call them up tomorrow. Wouldn’t miss this show for anything.
August 13, 2011 at 2:21 am
Billy, if they say you’ll have trouble getting in just let me know.
August 13, 2011 at 1:11 pm
They said that it’s fine, so I’ll be there!
August 13, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Welcome back!
August 13, 2011 at 2:17 am
So glad to have you back, Ben! I never doubted it for a moment and had your back the entire time. A few of my friends even were notified of their shit-list status due to their comments on the situation. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to the show as I have a 7 week old daughter at home to take care of and I live on the other side of the country. But rest assured, if you make it back to the pacific northwest, we will give this coast the ol’ what for.
August 13, 2011 at 2:22 am
That’s the fuck I’m talking about! How fucking punk rock of them to change with the breeze. I support the actions of that night 110%!!!!! I wish I could make it to Chicago, hope to see some video of it online!!! I will be hanging with my newborn daughter rocking a custom SW denim vest made just for her. Glad you’re back Ben and the SW crew!
August 13, 2011 at 3:04 am
We all make mistakes, props for manning up. In the long run, things turn out for the best and at least now you know who your true friends/fans are. I’m sure the show will rip
August 13, 2011 at 3:16 am
Glad to hear from you. You have our support here in Montreal!
August 13, 2011 at 3:58 am
Hey I wanna play bass in your band. Im 24 and I fucking love it man. Fuck that bitch. no need to apologise. and fuck those twats that pussy footed around and cried all over the perverbial beer known as the internet. get me on a fucking stage with u and Ill be right there with you. hit me up nogchompa182@hotmail.com
August 13, 2011 at 4:06 am
Fuck Austin and their fucking hipsters.
San Antonio loves you more and we know how to have fun!
August 13, 2011 at 4:47 am
Hey Ben -
Always love you and SW. And always Joe Queer. And I will always love Fat Mike, NOFX, and Fat Wreck. I laugh at the idiots who criticize you and your amazing music.
Thanks for your post.
Dick
August 13, 2011 at 5:19 am
Wish I could be there, Ben. I’ve been living overseas for the past few years and I don’t think I’ll be able to make it back. I’ll definitely be there in spirit. Been a fan of yours since I was 14 (17 years now). Welcome back, dude.
August 13, 2011 at 5:20 am
Ben you are a rambling mess, even for a Catholic.
August 13, 2011 at 5:24 am
Hey Ben Weasel,
Thank you for coming out and telling us how you feel. Thank you for showing you are the lead singer that doesn’t take shit! Thank you for making Screeching Weasel the band that I can NOT go without a day without listening to a song or an album. I wish you honestly and with all my heart you all the best. If I can save up my cash I will help out Billy as this is a show that shouldn’t be missed! I’m glad Joe always had your back as he is one of the few who would ever back down from saying what he wants and fuck anyone who thinks else way. I hope that Screeching Weasel comes back and tours, puts out more amazing albums and everything. OH AND P.S FUCK FAT MIKE!!! That piece of shit rips more bands off than any other label. I hope he rots in whatever shit he dies in!
August 13, 2011 at 8:18 am
Dammit for having a suckass job that keeps me on call. That show’s on my birthday. Glad to hear SW’s still going.
August 13, 2011 at 8:35 am
Jackass.
August 13, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Well said. I think that just sold another ticket for the 29th.
August 13, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Hahaha… man this is some good news! Congrats to you for carrying on in the spirit of sizing up a situation and then knocking it flat on it’s ass!
I wish you all the best in trudging forward against these chuckleheads and having Joe King as the cut man in your corner can only mean some serious ass is about to get torn off. Wished I could make the trek to Chi-town, but that’s one hell of a heave ho from Bakersfield, Ca.
Anyhow, welcome back… Now go handle your business dude!
August 13, 2011 at 6:13 pm
This just made my day. I’ve been speading Weasel Love every time I heard some “punx” guy calling you a misogynist or a woman-beater. By the way, you owe me a show in Greensboro, NC. I was more stoked for that than The Fest.
August 13, 2011 at 8:58 pm
fucking misogynistic piece of shit.
August 13, 2011 at 11:24 pm
I think you need to read what misogyny means. Quit judging people. Equality means you talk shit you get shit. You punch like a man you get punched like a man. Carlin said that if women want equality then they need to up the quota of suicides. Men lead in that category. I suggest you kill yourself to help the cause. If I had money or a job I’d go to that show but I don’t so I’ll have to watch it whenever video gets put up.
August 15, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Amen. People want to act like we are all equals until the get smacked for being foolish. If you go to a weasel gig and not expect Shit talking and crowd baiting your a chump. If you think your tough enough to storm a stage for a fight you better recognize the risk. Fuck punk rock. Just rock. Respect.
August 16, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I am amazed how people put down your actions when they’ll watch old videos of Henry Rollins or Ian Mackaye defend themselves on stage way. But today it’s not okay? People need to get a pair and put down their fucking flowers. I am glad to hear you had the support to get through all that shit.
August 13, 2011 at 11:35 pm
This seems REALLY petty.
August 14, 2011 at 3:26 am
got my ticket………..this show better own after I got my hotel booked for the weaselfest debacle….and you’re rant…hilarious, cant wait
August 14, 2011 at 3:31 pm
I am a chick and I didn’t look at what happened as all that shocking. It is a punk show for fuck sake after all right? As someone who goes to punk shows in Chicago all the time I have to say that I get really sick of the way it is expected for us to all subscribe to the same way of thinking. The cowards try to bully you into having the same opinion as they do too and it gets old. My god can someone think for themselves at some point? Eh, guess not. Either way my husband and I think Screeching Weasel is the best and your new album is right on target. Friday Night Nation is so damned right on the money.
August 14, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Dude, don’t you get it? You punched a woman in the face. A woman. You are a man, aren’t you? Do you not realize that you can kill someone by punching them in the head? What if your mother or sister died because they were throwing ice at someone and they decided to punch them in the head? You woould have no problem with that as long as the guy who punched then assured you they were being annoying, right?
This whole post is a joke. You’re trying to make fun of someone who quit your band because you’re a disgusting piece of shit. That to you is lame, not punching two women, one of whom booked your over the hill band in the first place. But you put all your energy into trying to shame a guy who had nothing to do with your meathead behavior. To top it off, you go back to 1995 in order to show he hits people too. Gee, I’d hate to consider a man has changed over the past 16 years. Clearly you haven’t.
August 14, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Ha! My mother hasn’t thrown ice at a punk singer in years!
Point: Me
August 15, 2011 at 1:07 pm
You know what the saddest part about this post is? This whole crappy swan song boils down to this fact: you have a “man” who is proud to say that he fired a bunch of people he’s known forever because they had a problem with him punching two women. And that these people who were fired are “lame.”
Get the fuck out of here. You’re disgusting.
August 14, 2011 at 7:34 pm
You know what the saddest part of your comment is?
Your foul language, that’s what, Mr. Potty Mouth.
August 15, 2011 at 1:10 pm
what are you, 12? It’s always been obvious that your band sucks, it’s just recently becoming obvious how much of a piece of shit you are. You’re a fucking insane, egomaniacal asshole who clearly deludes himself. You can’t fire a band after they quit, they left you because you suck and as we can all see, no one who actually knows you wants to be around you. Ever.
August 20, 2011 at 3:16 am
I’m glad you’re able to get past how much you think my band sucks to come and spend time with me. It’s been so lonely!
August 20, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I lost count somewhere, but I think that’s another point for Ben.
August 29, 2011 at 5:01 pm
you just wrote a novel about how you fired your band after they quit on you, and only breifly touched on the fact that you fucked up and assaulted a woman on stage. i’d like to hear less about you re-forming your shitty band and more about how you are in therapy trying to become a person who doesn’t punch people. grow up, shithead.
August 14, 2011 at 7:48 pm
But it was my therapist who suggested I post this blog!
August 15, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Screeching Weasel was, is and ever shall be a weak lame mewling pap-punk. You suck
August 14, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Great post!!…looking forward to seeing what happens for SW in the future….I admire your integrity, in a punk scene where everyone is a bunch of wavering/gossiping pussy…but I wouldnt expect anything less from you. Thanks Ben!
August 14, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Hey man, this is crazy. This post should be your reflection on how your actions have negatively impacted not only your life, but the lives of countless others. It should definitely not be about how you were “just being who you are” and that “other people get in fights too.” You do not have any right to put your hands on anyone, especially not just because “that’s who you are” or because you happen to be standing behind a microphone. Get a grip. If that’s “who you are” don’t you think its time for a change? You’re supposed to be a 43 year old adult.
I have to say, the most disturbing aspect of this post is your latent bragging about how much money you have and that you’re just spending your days having sex on vacation while you cruise around in your Z28, rather than spending any amount of time thinking about how the issue of domestic violence and misogyny is much bigger than yourself.
In fact, within this post about how you’re supposed to be moving on from your misogynistic behavior, you objectify whoever it is you’re “making sweet love to in the moonlight” in the first paragraph.
August 14, 2011 at 9:21 pm
I ought to put you on display and sell tickets.
August 15, 2011 at 1:13 pm
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Amen!
August 14, 2011 at 10:44 pm
I grew up with SW since the early ’90s. I collected every album and single on vinyl up through Emo. I went to every show I could. Started my own high school band because I wanted to emulate that sound and attitude. Almost got the weasel tattoo!
Very disappointed (but sadly not surprised) to see that your actions and now your reflections are embarrassingly pathetic. This plan to redeem yourself is so flimsy and transparent. You’re a sad sack, desperately clinging to relevancy. I traded in all my SW records. I’m putting all of this behind me…
Carnival of Schadenfreude? Sorry, try Masquerade of Denial.
August 14, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Thanks for the money, chump. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
August 15, 2011 at 1:14 pm
You’ve lost your Mojo, Ben.
August 14, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Who needs mojo when you’ve got stunningly good looks and a wealth of talent?
August 15, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Wait, were you referring to Mojo, the Western Lowland Gorilla that I adopted from the circus rescue? Because he certainly is not lost. In fact, he is sitting next to me and smoking a cigar as I type!
August 15, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I’m glad your Gorilla is safe.
Also, one thing I always wanted to ask you, what’s your favorite album by the Dickies?
August 18, 2011 at 1:51 pm
People have now been hiding in their bedrooms, sending insults via the internet, and listening to safe watered-down “punk” aimed at becoming the next big thing for so damn long they forget about or aren’t aware of the confrontational, no bullshit approach that real people with a real punk rock upbringing can have. Most of the name-callers are naive kids with no idea of what you stand for, where you’ve been, and what you’ve done. And seeing them all riled up and having their safe little worlds threatened by someone who challenges their ill-informed notions about how we should conduct ourselves makes me laugh.
I’ve been following your bands, reading your rants, and digging your style for 20 years, Ben, and I stand by you now. Maybe one day I’ll even get to see you play live. Come to Japan!
August 15, 2011 at 2:22 am
You hit a woman. You tried to hit another woman. You are an asshole and this little damnation of every else doesn’t change the fact that you are a woman beating piece of shit. Fuck you. Fuck your band. Fuck everybody that can compartmentalize this situation and glance over what you did. It’s not that you were abandoned and turned into a pariah, it’s about the fact that you HIT A WOMAN! Rot in hell and feel miserable about yourself forever.
August 15, 2011 at 3:00 am
I want to put your brain in a jar and study it.
August 15, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Yes!!! Fuck the whiney PC crowd! Ben Weasel the asshole is back in full force!! And I seriously mean this with all respect!
August 15, 2011 at 3:03 am
I didn’t know what the big deal was in the first case. I mean, c’mon — all the shit I’ve seen at shows at places like the Fireside back in the 90′s would make this “incident” look like child’s play. Just another example of people ganging up for no reason except that they’re full of shit. Wish you get Johnny Personality back in the band…heck, last I heard from Joey V was that he was playing bass — maybe they should both dig into the trenches with you.
August 15, 2011 at 3:39 am
Hey Ben, fuck right off for minimizing what you did. You hit a woman. You bullied a woman.
August 15, 2011 at 4:06 am
No, YOU fuck right off for minimizing what YOU did. YOU hit a woman. YOU bullied a woman.
TIMES INFINITY.
August 15, 2011 at 1:20 pm
God bless America!
August 15, 2011 at 10:05 am
I strongly suspect the majority of people out there who listen to the band could have cared less about the hoopla surrounding a couple minutes turned ugly at some corporate-sponsored music festival.
I’ve spent something like 20 odd years off/on being entertained and informed by the music and writing of Ben Weasel, and I’ve never felt the need to shout from the mountaintops my approval or disapproval of the actions, choices, or content of his being and his work.
A punk rock band and its creator are not my entire life, nor are they the reason for my existence or agony — they simply add some much-appreciated color, sound, and a distinct point-of-view to my world, which is an awfully big place that incorporates all sorts of things much bigger than punk rock message boards on the internet and short bursts of badly recorded YouTube videos.
All that said, the vocal hook on “Baby Talk” is fucking killer and makes me happy as a baby gumming on his mother’s teat when I hear it. So glad to have you back. I hope you had a wonderful summer vacation.
August 15, 2011 at 1:38 pm
You better bring that act to Denver. I will be there front and center!
August 15, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Ben is not a schmuck! I don’t know what happened between him and that ” poor girl” but every punk I know owns or has seen G.G. Allen’s Hated. Right? Everybody loves G.G.? Right? how many times have we watched G.G. punch at least 2 “poor girls” in the fucking face! And how many of you hypocrites would give up your left nut to see G.G. again?
I say ” fuck em” Ben I will be there to fuckin rock the next time you play Denver
August 15, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Man oh man, Ben, you know I love you, but I have one complaint about how you’re handling this fiasco:
Stop it with the apologies. I’ve been around enough drunken idiots to know that a punch in the head is oftentimes the best policy. Time to dig in your heels. Our little scene’s been cluttered with a bunch of nancies since you left Chicago. We need you back.
August 15, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Trying to make this about your “edgy” personality or about band dynamics really shows that you’re not repentant in the least. You hit a woman and there are very real consequences to your actions. No one owes you anything right now and acting like everyone should accept your apology only proves that you have zero percent understanding of what you did wrong.
You’re a misogynist and a danger to women. Everyone would be better off if you went back on vacation and stayed off the stage and internet.
August 15, 2011 at 5:06 pm
I don’t understand. What did I do wrong?
August 17, 2011 at 6:52 pm
you punched a women in the face
August 25, 2011 at 6:00 am
I don’t get it.
August 26, 2011 at 9:47 pm
fuck you ben
August 15, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Ben, you are not important and you never have been. The fact that you puff up your chest and so desperately try to play the macho man just shows how utterly out of touch you are. I know you don’t want to hear it, but Vapid was the last bit of credibility SW had. Not because he’s particularly talented or vital to the band but because without him SW is the post-Danzig (and even post-Graves) Misfits and you are Jerry Only. Just another front man who is simply too self obsessed and greedy to realize that he’s washed up and the band has become a novelty. SW has become a joke because your inferiority complex insists that you must assert your control, resulting in constant break ups and reunions. Guess what, nobody gives a shit anymore, you have totally ruined the magnitude of what a SW reunion SHOULD mean. So go ahead and talk about your fancy cars and vacation spots as if it will salvage a single ounce of respect people have for you. It doesn’t. The truth is most people stopped respecting you years ago. Anyone who had any doubts about your character lost them when you threw that punch.
Lost in your endless and insincere diatribe is the fact that you jumped off stage to beat up a woman. And now you paint yourself as the victim? This is a perfect example of why so many people hate you and have for years. You’re a fucking head case and anyone who has ever dealt with you knows it. You are not the victim here. Never have been and never will be. You are the villain, you are just too fucking thick and too self involved to realize it. You have always been scum and everyone in the punk community knows it. But now you have put your idiocy and mental problems on display for the entire world.
And you think that all those bands cancelled because they felt pressure to do so from the fans? More likely than not they all cancelled on your washed up ass BECAUSE YOU HIT A WOMAN. Even the lowest of the low know what a fucked up thing that is. The scariest thing about this whole things is seeing what a loose cannon you are. If you flip out and try to beat some girl in a crowd that you’ve only had to put up with for an hour, what would you do to a wife or girlfriend who pushed your buttons? Obviously you didn’t think twice about hitting a woman in this case so who’s to say you would restrain yourself in other cases? You expect everyone to accept your half assed apology and move on but this isn’t some minor issue that is easily explained away or dismissed. What you did says more about your character and what kind of person you are than your thick head could ever allow you to realize. And this hate filled “rebuttal” only makes you look worse.
For those who have followed SW and your career, all your actions have done is confirm what we have known for years.
August 15, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Jealous of my Z28, eh? Understandable – it’s pretty bad-ass.
August 17, 2011 at 6:55 pm
I was the one who video taped the SXSW incident and posted it on youtube. I wanted everyone to see what really happened that night. Everyone is talking about the punches but nobody is talking about the shit that was being thrown at Ben and the beer that was being spit on him.
Ben, hope the video cleared things up.
August 16, 2011 at 12:36 am
Well this carnival is certainly more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
A girl, is a girl, is a girl… whatever. I personally dont condone what happened and would hope to exercise better restraint myself in the same situation but then again, Im human and have done things i never thought possible of myself at varying times in life.
I believe the man is genuinely sorry and if some of you folks dont, then go waste your time arguing the validity of fist fights on Jerry Springer’s upstanding talent show! Bottom line is this… if a person is going to go out of their way to act like a frigging idiot then they are going to be rewarded as an idiot! Right, wrong or whatever, shit can happen purely at random but percentage wise, shit happenings go through the roof when you ask for it.
August 16, 2011 at 1:27 am
I still went to that Weaselfest weekend Queers show. I still think seeing the Queers is amazing everytime, and even though I have only seen Screeching Weasel 5 or 6 times, I still think they put out some of the best records ever and enjoy seeing them too!! If you like RAMONES and aren’t one of those I grew out of that punks or I can’t afford it posers you will be at Reggies Oc.29th After the Screeching Weasel set head over to the bar side next door and see my band Kobanes play Halfway To Sanity from start to finish for a one time exclusive show.
August 16, 2011 at 2:00 am
The amount of deflection in this post is ridiculous. Even worse in the comments section. What are you trying to prove here, dude? That you can ignore anything you want to as long as children still think you’re cool? Who are you kidding, anyway? You didn’t take a vacation. No one wants to be associated with you. Everyone bailed, remember? Tour over. People are reading your post now to laugh at you and you pretend you don’t care; but here is a rambling cry-baby essay about how it isn’t fair people don’t like you. What happened?
August 16, 2011 at 4:29 am
“What are you trying to prove here, dude?”
I’m trying to prove my theory that a Western Lowlands gorilla can eat fifty eggs in an hour, but Mojo is refusing to cooperate!
“Who are you kidding, anyway?”
Not Mojo, that’s for sure!
“What happened?”
Nothing yet, but then again you keep asking questions! How’s a fella supposed to get a gorilla to eat fifty eggs in an hour with all these interruptions?
August 17, 2011 at 6:59 pm
I’m pretty sure Paul Newman could eat 50 eggs in an hour
August 19, 2011 at 3:43 am
I met you after the show in Austin in June 2010 (or 09?) anyways, the one at Emos, im from Mexico we chatted a bit, i always said and posted it in several places, that i tought what happened was a mistake, but they made too much fuzz about it! cool youre back.
Punks like chaos,they say that, and when chaos breaks up, they get scared
August 16, 2011 at 5:16 am
It really sucks that you and Vapid couldn’t patch things up and continue working together. The two of you make a great team. Screeching Weasel is the best punk band to ever have come out of Chicago and the music speaks for itself. I’m totally psyched for the show at Reggie’s! Weasel AND The Queers fucking A! see ya there…
August 16, 2011 at 6:08 am
Its a new era in my posting evolution! I took a break from posting online for a bit and now come back to you with a fresh new name based on my favorite television wood worker woody woodpecker. Its a perfect fit! I am retiring the Weasel name not because I think people will be fooled into thinking I am somebody else, but simply for a nice change of pace and also I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be Weasel-like. A select few of you will recall my very first messageboard name!
You can look forward to my time tested brand of creative witticism, lightning fast repartee, glimpses into my projects hither and thither, helpful hints with regard to various areas of my expertise and many other wonderful aspects of my posting utility belt.
Conversely, I will be leaving behind some things I used to do. I don’t feel like endless bickering anymore, or being mean to anybody, or creeping anybody out, or hurting anybody’s feelings. I have absolutely done all of those in the past to varying degrees and apologize to anybody I might have made uncomfortable or weirded out. It was definitely not my intention. Years ago when I joined punk rock my perception of online communities was that of “CRAZY JOKEY TIME!!!” with little room for much else. Couple that with, well, being years younger than I am today with a younger sense of what is funny or not and what is appropriate or not. I am a different person in some regards years later. Definitely more sensitive to other people and definitely more mindful of what I say. I believe that is called “being a human being that gets older”. The overall climate with punk rock has also grown up some since I joined.
I won’t spend any more time defending myself publicly with punk rock because that is a bad place to do so. Below is a quick cliff’s notes on my positions regarding key topics that may concern you.
- I have no idea who made that ad with my haters’ email address in it. There is no way for me to know at this point as I have explored every avenue available to me. It was a shitty thing that somebody did, but I do not know who that person was. If you made it, you should let Fat Wreck know.
- I have seen the private MMR board a few times over the years. I barely remember anything I saw on there and once I found out that it was a super private personal place I lost what little interest I had in it because that kind of stuff is none of my business. I didn’t hack into it or anything like that. I discussed this with one of the moderators of that board and they ended the discussion. I have not seen it in months and do not have any way to see it now.
- If I have offended you or made you feel bad or uncomfortable in the past because of something I posted, I do apologize. Skins come in many thicknesses and I should not assume that because mine is thicker that everybody is on the same wavelength as me in terms of joking around or arguing.
If anybody has any further questions regarding these or any other issues you are more than welcome to PM me and I will do my best to satisfy your concerns.
Punk Rock has a lot of angles. Its a wonderful place full of lots of friends, fun, jokes, interesting tales, news, pictures and movies, business opportunities and perspectives that one normally doesn’t encounter in such a rich and varied way. It also has a darker side, full of what seems to be true toxicity and a desire to sour and tear down. Its hard to tell who is just goofing off with no regard for anything and who is using punk rock as a misguided outlet to try and deal with their own personal shortcomings or problems or mental illness. Some of the bitterness, hatred and anonymous bile on here is pretty gross. I think everybody agrees that there are cases of all of that around here. Its not up to me to decide what is what when it comes to the nasty things that are tossed around on this board so I won’t try to.
I’ve certainly been guilty of being a jerk on here at times and make no claims otherwise. I’m going to do my best to not take part in that darker side from now on. It serves no real purpose for me and I get nothing out of it. I just got to thinking about what I would be doing in a real flesh and blood situation if I encountered some of these negative attitudes and remarks. I sure as hell wouldn’t be adding to it or compounding the situation. I would try to de-escalate the situation and if that failed I would leave. So why do I do the opposite on a messageboard? I never really thought about that before. Now that I have I have decided to stop doing that. I’m sure I’ll slip up here or there and say something that is inappropriate or weird. I still love raunchy humor and uncomfortably funny type things, but not if they are really bothering somebody. I understand that this is easier said than done in this weird context of “Punk Rock” where there are fake accounts and people or groups of people who are looking for any opportunity to sow havoc. But I will try.
If you feel like arguing with me or trying to pick fights or just flat out don’t like me for whatever reason, I highly encourage you to make use of the ignore function. If you think I don’t like you, you are probably wrong. That’s an an unfortunate side effect of being a relentless ball buster. I pretty much like everybody with very few exceptions. If you feel like I am pretending to be something I am not, that is your opinion and you are entitled to it. If you feel the need to try and make me feel bad for personal problems in my life (which I haven’t revealed on the internet at all, no matter what you think they may be) then I hope you have something in your life that makes you feel good, cus hunting for personal pain of others to feed on surely can’t be it.
The simple fact is that I don’t care what strangers or peripheral people think about me. The people who think I am the biggest jerkoff are people who have never met me and haven’t talked to me outside of a board setting. Of the scores of messageboard people I have met in person, there have been only a handful of people who didn’t go into the meeting with a positive or optimistic attitude. The ones who were sour or weird or pettily grumpy are not worth knowing anyway. This post isn’t for those people. I am writing this out for the people who aren’t sure what to think about me and for my friends who post here. Chances are some of those strangers could end up being friends and I don’t want to spoil that by projecting a negative image of myself that is not the real me. I care about my friends and they are the ones I will be focusing on here. I hope to make new friends, meet new people and do awesome things. I don’t care about making enemies or spreading negativity around even if it can be written off as a joke. I don’t need to see what people I don’t care for are posting.
“Punk Rock” is a place where I like to spend time as I work, wait in lines and am bored. I have made some really great, close friends here, gotten amazing business opportunities, learned a ton about every topic under the sun, broadened my horizons and met a ton of sweet guys and gals. It’s a wonderful community of mostly cool people who, more or less, look out for each other and support each other. I’m not going to contribute to the bad aspects of it anymore and I’m not interested in reading the incessant negativity from some posters. I have no use to acknowledge the existence of people who have nothing worthwhile to say.
I am 100% certain this thread will turn into a shit show in a nanosecond full of people who have been salivating for my return so they can descend upon me like vultures (I have lurked and see them licking their chops). Some of you want nothing more than for me to never change so you have somebody to go after. I’m sure this single post won’t change that, and I welcome you to do your worst. I assure you that I will not be reading much of it. I am not going to participate. This post is all that I will contribute to this thread.
August 16, 2011 at 6:38 am
I had to read this twice before I understood what it was. Then I realized that it was a monologue submitted as an audition for Ben Weasel Too.
See, I briefly considered hiring a doppelgänger who would’ve been able to tour with the old, fired members of SW. They could play it safe for all the old finger-wagging biddies and I’d still turn a healthy profit from the comfort of my winter home just outside Milan. Unfortunately, despite receiving literally hundreds of auditions such as this one, none of them were able to even come close to duplicating my wit and charm.
Sometimes being utterly unique is almost as much of a curse as being remarkably good looking and ridiculously talented.
August 17, 2011 at 7:04 pm
I generally refrain from engaging in such dialogue, but I do feel quite passionately about this one considering I live in Austin and am an avid follower of SW and punk music in general.
First of all I’m not advocating fighting, but I am advocating common sense. The most hypocritical and narrow minded individuals seem to come out and bestow their naive judgements on things they most certainly know nothing about.
I wasn’t at the show, but honestly an altercation broke out and it was eventually resolved. After all, punk can be a dangerous place, but the attitudes surrounding the incident never full represented the three dynamic truths to any story: your side, my side, and the truth.
The whiny and callous individuals who incessantly want to focus their anger at the singer of a punk band are the same individuals who cry about racism, sexism, whatever’ism and never do anything. You sit in your suburban existence and waste your idle time promoting your own close minded agendas. 30,000 children died in Somalia during the past three months. Now, I certainly understand that this is a travisty, but instead of belittling a trivial issue, why not go out and fucking do something. No, unfortunatly this sort of debate is restricted to conversations had over beers, coffee, or an organic sandwichs where you are afforded the luxury of your spoiled Western existance. Please, before you crucify me, understand that I am a product of this system as well, I understand it and strive to be a decent individual within my sphere of influence.
I thought punk was not about ritualization, but maybe personal freedom that essentially starts with your mind. Evidently people are apt to jump ship when their personal interests are at stake.
I personally witnessed an Infantry officer I served with punch a girl at a bar after our first tour in Afghanistan. Was he an abusive husband or a man who didn’t work tirelessly on behalf of his men and their families…NO
Was he at fault for hitting her…yes
Was she acting beligerant towards him and our group…yes
Did he make a mistake…yes
Did I hide him in my room away from the cops…YES!!!
We all make mistakes, it’s a part of human nature. The fact that this incident made any sort of traction within the music community just goes to show how people glorify useless sensationalism.
These people are generally too boring, or lack any creativity, to formulate an original thought. If they just open their ears and listen for a moment they may, just maybe, grasp the idea that not all is as it seems. Life in general is not some black and white dichotomy.
Also, one must realize the events of a “punk show” and the inherent risks associated with such an endeavor. Once again I’m not promoting naive behavior, but for fucks sake can anyone just acknowledge that this was not a fucking bake sale with your favorite cookies.
I understand that most of the proverbial “haters” don’t have to worry about the scarry and daunting aspects of life such as bills, payments, and the like. It’s fine to live a degenerates life style and hold such opinions when your twenty, but then something called life happens and you realize that there is a whole other world out there where this shit is the last thing on people’s minds.
Mind you, I’m not jaded, I’m not saying you have to lose your identity, wear your cell phone on your hip and trash the hipsters for putting out redundant music.
No, you can choose to evolve and see the world as it really is, a complex, and dynamic place, where it can be as fulfilling or tragic as you deem it to be, as long as you have the fortitude to stand by your convictions and maintain OBJECTIVITY it’s not so bad.
FYI: Feel free to critize my remarks, but if you want to preach to me about military service the following is for you my shallow fashion conscious hipsters…haha that was a joke by the way….
The average U.S. citizen has no idea of the complexity of operating in a foreign country or being “at war.” This is not to say that this is out of spite or malice, it’s just the reality of the situation. I understand that many people have seen Platoon, Black Hawk Down, and watch the news regularly. This alone does not qualify you to formulate an accurate, truthful or unbiased opinion of the military, how it functions, or the true nature of operations in Afghanistan. This is akin to your girlfriend/boyfriend attempting to rationalize your relationship because he/she took Intro to Psychology; it’s just kind of juvenile.
By the way the new album is fucking great…let the children have their milk. I’ll stick with whiskey and cigarettes…
August 16, 2011 at 9:22 am
I’ll never stop listening to SW or the Riverdales but this is ridiculous. Why can’t you just be happy for being able to make a living from playing music? Why do you have to put on a show and cause drama with every person you work with? I do not think you’re a womanizer or anything, I understand you just made a mistake, but you seem to handle things in a shitty way. Good for you for already putting together a new band, I’m already waiting to see what these new guys are gonna do to get fired.
August 16, 2011 at 6:27 pm
“Why can’t you just be happy for being able to make a living from playing music?”
Because I have a lot to give, whether it’s to the Great Ape Rescue here in Wisconsin, the Meals on Wheels program I started for sex offenders on house arrest, or my newest venture, “Wigs for Pigs,” which I’ll be unveiling this Halloween.
So why can’t I just be happy earning a living by playing music? You might as well ask why Martin Luther King, Jr. couldn’t just be happy preaching without running around causing all that drama about civil rights. Hey, why couldn’t FDR be happy just being President without sending troops over to Germany to kick the shit out of the Nazis? Why couldn’t the Wright Brothers just be happy walking instead of “putting on a show” by inventing flying machines?
Because we are all great men who are called to more then just a job, that’s why. We feel a responsibility to mankind. So sorry to have offended you by trying to make a difference in the world.
August 17, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Are you comparing yourself to Martin Luther King Jr. and the Wright Brothers? What have you done? Except punch a girl in the face.
August 25, 2011 at 6:07 am
Martin Luther King, Jr. regularly punched racist girls in the face. The Wright Bros. once beat the crap out of Amelia Earhart.
Try studying some history, smart guy.
August 26, 2011 at 9:46 pm
I find it truly amusing the repetitive chanting of “you hit a WOMAN”. GASP! Women are clearly poor delicate flowers that require our protection. This pernicious attitude does more to degrade women than any dumbass bar fight ever could.
Personally, I think it was stupid and unnecessary to hit someone over some heckling. BUT, that silly person did not get hit *because* she was a woman (i.e. misogyny) she got hit because she was acting like an ASSHOLE. If it had been a man, everyone would have giggled then forgotten about it ten minutes later.
But thankfully, women everywhere have a rabid gang of internet superheroes that will boldly risk life and limb to post messages on forums and facebook decrying this reprehensible occurrence. Beats the hell out of actually doing something relevant, n’est-ce pas?
So don’t worry ladies, you obviously can’t take care of yourselves but the internet has your back.
August 16, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Well played sir, well played
August 16, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I just think it’s funny that you punched a girl. You’re still my hero.
August 17, 2011 at 12:15 am
I guess my previous comment praising “girl punching” got modded out, so I’ll just restate that you’re still my hero.
August 17, 2011 at 3:36 am
Dude, you hit a Woman in the face and then tried to hit another Woman. Why are you acting like that isn’t a big deal. Have you seen the video? That was a serious punch. You won’t be remembered for your music. You’ll just be remembered as the guy that punched a Woman in the face at SXSW. You weren’t on vacation, you were hiding because you were ashamed because it was caught on video and posted to YouTube that night. Hahah. And hanging out in Cape Cod is the least punk rock thing you can do.
To show people that you really are sorry, you should let that woman (the one you punched in face) get a running start and kick you in the nuts as hard as she can. And post it on Youtube. Haha that would be hilarious.
August 17, 2011 at 4:50 am
“Have you seen the video?”
Of course I’ve seen it – I’m getting paid a quarter per view. Look for the IMAX release in time for the holidays.
August 17, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Hell fucking yeah! Never doubt you will come back as the Ben Weasel we know.
Fan from China..
August 17, 2011 at 6:10 am
It’s awesome to hear you’re going to be playing shows again. Can’t wait to see you guys play, that is if you ever come back to LA again…..if you do I will be there to support.
August 17, 2011 at 8:13 pm
I can’t say that I agree with your actions punching that woman. I will say I am happy to see Screeching Weasel continue. Vapid’s new album is a rough commercialized attempt at a money grab. It’s unfortunate that the band had to re-structure like it did, but it happened. Everything does.
I’m just curious when your antics will come back to Twitter?
August 17, 2011 at 9:54 pm
this may have been the most exciting read ever! thanks Ben!
August 18, 2011 at 2:28 am
Although I really have little to no opinion about Ben Weasel or Screeching Weasel beyond the scope of this debate, after reading through this comment party I do have the following observations.
First, for those who feel as though Ben Weasel is a prime example of everything that is played-out and shitty in the ‘punk’ scene, remember that Ben Weasel should best be ignored and allowed to drift into aged-punk-rocker obscurity as is the fate of all such people. There is so much good music and interesting controversy coming out all the time that the world-at-large won’t give a damn about this (or Screeching Weasel) in 5-10 years time.
Second, what is clear is the fact that such a morally reprehensible event has resulted in a wide-spread internet advertisement and re-ignited interest for Screeching Weasel and Ben Weasel the like of which neither the group nor the individual have been able to bring about solely based on musical excellence or originality since the early to mid-nineties.
Furthermore, in a rather twisted fashion, it appears that Ben Weasel is attempting to turn his behavior and juiced publicity into some sort of nose-in-the-air cash-grab–relying on smart-assed punk dont-give-a-fuckery to ‘show the haters’. If people still follow him and support his music then let them also be party to that blatant reality.
As they say, no publicity is bad publicity. I hadn’t thought of Screeching Weasel’s tired old sound for years until I read about the Woman-Beating Incident. One could imagine that if Ben Weasel was smart enough, he might have actually planned all of this. It is clear that he is adequately morally suspect, it’s just the intelligence factor that remains in question.
R.
August 18, 2011 at 7:25 pm
People were saying that no one would give a damn about me in 5-10 years 5-10 years ago! Too bad for them, the allure of being party to my blatant reality is too strong to ignore!
August 20, 2011 at 2:16 pm
dear the rest of my gender,
you’re not allowed to act like an asshole just because you have a vagina. comedian bill hicks actually had a really brilliant bit about this when a drunk woman heckled him on stage. having a vagina is not a free pass to behave, basically, like an obnoxious frat boy trying to start a fight. gender equality means don’t pick a fight with someone you don’t want to fight you back.
hitting someone, regardless of gender, is never the mature response – but how is throwing stuff and spitting at a performer a reasonable course of action? don’t act like this woman was quietly knitting an “I heart Ben Weasel” toaster cozy off in the corner, minding her own business, when the big scary man suckerpunched her. actions have consequences. how about maybe don’t be a dick in the first place and some dick won’t punch you in the face?
love,
some girl
p.s. I agree with everyone who said if he’d hit a dude this would have disappeared within a day. stop giving my gender the authority to act like assholes by pretending it’s only wrong because it was a woman. she was acting like a dick. he freaked out. period. you guys go listen to enya and chill the fuck out.
August 18, 2011 at 7:54 pm
To Ben Weasel,
Happy to hear you are “lovemaking on the beach in the soft glow of the moonlight.” Either that actually happened and you are making a dick out of yourself by bragging (something along the lines of “I hit women but I make up for it with the amazing gift of my screaming weasel” I assume) or that didn’t happen and you are publicly fantasizing.
The err, paraphrase, of your former bandmate establishes a beautiful precedent: I simply cannot believe that anything you claim to have been said was said at all in any form unless I see some pretty definitive evidence supplied to me by a third party source. You should hurry to arrange this, since I presume that in a short matter of years no party will be willing to have dealings with you at all, regardless of your beach lovemaking…aspirations.
I am not going to waste my time trying to dissect what transpired offstage between you and your former bandmates (it is veritable “he said, she said” and one camp said everything they had to say then got away from Ben Weasel and the other camp is still spitting invented garbage rhetoric). I will say that the fact that they threw the press release together (and therefore, by extension, resolved to quit your band at the time of it’s writing) makes me think that it is more accurate to say that they quit as opposed to got fired. Also, it sounds like your former bandmates behave like total children…of course these individuals are mere children next to Ben Weasel! It probably might maybe possible be because you completely invented every piece of “dialogue” and interaction. I dare you to try to prove me wrong on this one. Your abhorrent excuse for a factual quotation makes it very difficult for me to want to entertain a single thing you say about the behavior of others.
I would also like to point out that in your lengthy diatribe against the way your former bandmates allegedly acted the fact that the physical assault you committed unprovoked against two women is what started the backlash against you (because there has undeniably been intense backlash). You claim that your apology is sincere but short of that (likely, actually closer to certainly, false) declarative statement you say nothing to make me think that you see any reason to regret your downright vile actions. You even admit that you “break character” when you reference your “sincere” apology…that apology is sincere coming from the character you play via method acting, and since that person doesn’t actually exist, we are left with the true, unapologetic, Ben Weasel. The way you gloss over the violence you purport…I’t's very Dionysian, you really know how to spin your story. I’ll pull a Ben Weasel and broadcast what I like to imagine you said as the truth: “see, don’t think of it as me hitting a woman. Think of it as me simply moving my hand from one place to another. A simple movement of my hand through space caused EVERYONE THAT PRETENDED TO BE GOOD AND REAL AND ABLE TO THINK POSITIVELY ABOUT ME SUDDENLY COMPLETELY CRUCIFIED ME. BUY MY MUSIC WORSHIP ME UP THE PUNKS (ONLY BOYS CAN BE PUNKS) RAP ISN’T REAL MUSIC”
This brings me to another point. Ben Weasel, I sense some strong, strong misogynist trends that you are weaselly enough to avoid outright discussing bubbling up from within you. To go back to your beach lovemaking teenage deviantart softcore succession of clauses, you seem like the kind of man that sees women as things to consume. And by seem, I mean that every thing I have ever heard or read from you regarding a woman expresses that mentality. Even grammatically, women are a nonentity to you. You do not make a single reference to the sex in your entire paragraph; even your description of lovemaking is 100% one sided, as if the person on the receiving end of you is a nonentity, the actions you commit and your gratification are the totality of sexual interaction. Thoughts worthy of a pig, to put it gently. Your comment that would-be supporting (Ben-speak for conscientious objectors, which is slang for people with any empathy at all)(“balls to ya, commenter,” you might try to say, “I wrote a song called ‘The True Heart of Love’! it’s all about empathy!” wrong, if you had any empathy at all you would empathize with my ears which are bleeding as a result of having to listen to what I assume is the remnants of your third grade poetry)…where was I? Your comment that the would-be supporting bands are “weak sisters” is blatant misogynist rhetoric; this is not hipster hollier-than-thou isms (although I am sure that you and possibly others will decry it as such), it is a literal fact that this expresses decidedly misogynist ideals, and I belabor this point to this extent because I will not allow you to squirm your way out of this with gorilla training references or any other kind of self glorifying “arguments” that you try to employ.
I also like how you address… someone (the other bands? your readers? cut down on grammatical ambiguity, Ben, PLEASE) as “guys,” because either 1. you believe that only men should be allowed to read. Or, 2. you don’t see the latent misogyny in assuming that everyone that encounters your words wants to be identified as a male (admittedly a purely grammatical oversight that the general population is legitimately ignorant of and as such is an excusable misstep; in your case it is emblematic of the way your mind works).
I mentioned your song “The True Heart of Love.” In it, you squawk “to love someone, you’ve got to love yourself.” This is how I read that statement through the lens of your personality and actions: “I, Ben Weasel, am the only person worthy of being loved and I am unable to love anyone else other than myself. If I want to experience the emotion of love it has to be directed towards my own being. However, I have not yet recognized that this is the way my mind works and will deny accusations of narcissism and I should probably do some time in a mental hospital before I snap and kick someone’s face in.”
The time you don’t spend deriding your former bandmates or downplaying your depravity you spend basically asking your fans to continue to worship you. You dress it up and phrase it a lot of different ways, but it all boils down to a veiled attempt at asking people to fulfill your psychological need for public approval. Interestingly enough, you accuse your formed bandmates of pandering to popular opinion. This works against you in a lot of ways. Firstly, you admit that popular opinion is against you; while popular opinion can be frustratingly misguided, in this situation it very effectively highlights that you refuse to consider your actions even though basically everyone else can see that you were wrong. Secondly, it exemplifies your shortage of analysis capabilities: obviously you have not realized that your former bandmates have something else to answer to besides popular opnion: morality. You, on the other hand, have nothing to answer to besides public approval, which you desperately, desperately seek, and this fact completely solidifies and justifies anyone suspicion that you are one misled, full of yourself, violent, misogynistic, fucker. You have taken your need for public approval and appropriated it to your bandmates, this is a well documented psychological defense mechanism called “psychological projection,” look it up on Wikipedia.
While psychiatric treatment (something that you need; being a heavily involved psychiatric patient myself I do not mean this derisively, you simply do need to be receiving some kind of help) can not make you less of an asshole, or suddenly correct your value system, it can help you deconstruct your need for public approval and violent tendencies. This is something I sincerely believe you should look into, particularly if you want to be seen in a good light.
I wish I could be done with this already… I am going to make this short: you call someone (again, I can’t really figure out exactly who) “classless.” Do you realize how derisive a term that actually is? Do you realize that while it is derisive towards literally every possible social class, it is particularly so towards workers, the victims of the capitalist system. Those are people that anyone who claims to have anything to do with punk SHOULD have sympathy for: they are the real victims of “the man.” Ben Weasel, you display a downright irresponsible consideration of what it means to be a person in a capitalist system (read: it is dehumanizing, real punks understand this). I know from your practices that you are, in mindset, a capitalist. You are interested in making capital, not music, not relations, not memories. You want to afford a fancier coffin for yourself. You are emblematic of the “rich white kid” “punk” “scene” that has been blossoming recently, and just like every other medium for that “scene,” you are filth.
What you did is wrong. The way you are behaving currently is wrong. You are being a pig jackass. You need to more carefully examine your behavior and issue a legitimately sincere apology AND THEN do ANYTHING AT ALL to act on your sincere regret if you want to have any chance at having any standing in any circle ever again. You have no idea what punk actually means.
Blink-182 claims you as a formative influence. I would like to know how you can live with yourself knowing that.
Ben, fuck you. Fuck U2. Fuck the would-be corporate lounge-”punk” bullshit you spew out. Long live the Max Levine Ensemble. Be afraid of Virginia Woolf.
“Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger.” -A selection from the James Joyce short story, “Araby.”
August 19, 2011 at 2:28 am
I never would have guessed that you’re a mental patient if you hadn’t mentioned it.
August 20, 2011 at 2:18 pm
“I think I would know Nora’s fart anywhere. I think I could pick hers out in a roomful of farting women.” – James Joyce, “Collected Letters”
August 20, 2011 at 4:35 pm
It should be an honor and a privilege to get slugged in the face by the singer for the Shotdowns
August 19, 2011 at 3:46 am
This is the best news in a long time! Glad to know my kids will be able to still see the Greatest on stage one day!
August 19, 2011 at 12:48 pm
But seriously Ben, which dickies album is your favourite?
This incident is way blown out of proportions. The gal deserved a punch. easy as that. End of story.
Now go into the studio and make another “anthem for a new..style” record. Best SW record ever!
August 19, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Brrr, sure is moral grandstand in these replies.
Ben, if you keep making great records like the last one, you can come punch my mom, my sister, and my dead grandmother simultaneously. But you’ll need three arms. And watch out for Grandma, she’s Irish.
August 19, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Stop congratulating this guy. He is not playing shows again. He’s trying to play shows again. His tour schedule will be full of basement and garage shows, maybe a county fair, and he will try to pawn it off as a “back to his roots” tour.
Ben Weasel will cry all day about how he was pushed to hit a woman because she was being annoying. Then in the next sentence he will tell you that it’s ok for him to say and do stupid, insensitive things because that’s his “persona.” I don’t know if the children you call fans are familiar with the word hypocrit, but they at least know your name.
August 19, 2011 at 11:51 pm
Not only are they familiar with the word “hypocrite,” they know how to spell it, too!
August 20, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Ben, any English professor will tell you that trying to brush criticism under the carpet and just flat out ignore problems in your argument is a horrible rhetorical strategy; it serves only to further discredit your stance and makes you look, to put it simply for you, really dumb. Your “responses” are emblematic of why this is such.
August 20, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Counterpoint: You’re a babbling mental patient.
August 23, 2011 at 12:53 pm
will The Riverdales ever make music again?
August 20, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Can’t say for sure. I’m trying to teach Mojo to play bass so he can replace Vapid but it’s been an uphill battle; he thinks he’s above it.
August 30, 2011 at 12:11 am
Those of us who still support Ben should recognize the importance and potential good of this situation. We can create a stronger scene WITHOUT such a radical presence that shuts out ideas, some of them potentially brilliant. Lets end the era of shitty bands with big ideas and usher in a new one where the music actually matters. I love Ben for all his music has helped me through. I love Ben for making me want to, above all else, write good songs that make people happy. Why would the finger waggers need Ben? They’ve got mom & dad! THEY are ruining the future of punk rock. Who’s with me? The 29th is OUR independence day as well!
August 21, 2011 at 1:09 am
I am a musician. I like to make music, but I would never want to deal with the constant self promotion and trying to have an image. All of that shit is makes it a job. Ben deserves all the money he’s earned making a living in a cut throat insanely competitive business.
Spitting on someone is Assault. If I was there I would have pushed that girl down for being a bitch, then probably had to kick some dudes ass. Ben should have ditched that show way before the incident, but we all find ourselves in a shitty situation from time to time.
If I spit on anyone I would expect retaliation. Spitting is an act of aggression. Everyone has a breaking point. I haven’t smacked a girl, but she needed to learn a lesson not to spit from someone. Unfortunately that shit-hole bar was so small Ben had to stand in the crowds butt crack. Ben had just called out some dude for throwing crap at him and asked him to be a man to confront him face to face. That’s why when grabbed from behind by the woman on stage he turned with a defensive swing. Who wouldn’t turn in defense when blindly grabbed from behind?
I have already erased all the traitor Methadones albums (that I copied) and tabs on the Weasel Fest losers. All of the wimps that criticize Ben are hilarious. They never bought his music anyway. I have bought all the Ben Weasel music through out there years. Thanks for the sound track of good times!
August 21, 2011 at 3:10 am
Ben, how many of the anti-Ben posts do you think were written by members of Teenage Bottlerocket?
August 22, 2011 at 3:23 am
None – I’m pretty sure they’re illiterate.
August 26, 2011 at 1:19 am
From the mouth of Joe:
Ben Weasel, he’s an asshole
Ben Weasel, he’s a jerk
Ben Weasel, you just hate him
Cause he don’t have to work.
But seriously though, it’s bullshit that chicks think they can hide behind their gender and yet assult people with some belief that they have impunity. I’m not suggesting hitting girls is right, or condoning the incident, but let’s call a spade a spade.
I was going to punk shows back in the 80′s and early 90′s, and like Ben said; back then, if the same thing happened, people would be cheering. A guy I know spit on Ben at a Riverdales show at the Somber Reptile in GA, if memory serves me correctly, and Ben jumped off stage and punched him in the face. But that was okay because it was a guy?
If you spit on a cop, you go to jail for assault with bodily fluids. It’s against the law and considered a form of assault.
This country has turned into such an ultra-pc sensitive shit hole. And I’m pretty much not into the punk scene any more, most my friends call me a hippie cause I got into other kinds of music, but I still have thick skin, a sense of humor, and know the difference between right and wrong. It’s amazing how many people spend so much time and energy criticizing individuals or even groups of people for one reason or another, but never take enough time to honestly and introspectively apply that same level of scrutiny to their own beliefs and actions.
When I was growing up, if you had problems with people, you either let it go or you beat the shit out of each other and then got over it. Now it’s all lawsuits and hurt feelings. Get over it, not everybody gets a blue ribbon, life isn’t fair, all people are not created equal, if you want something you have to earn, and who gives a shit what other people think of you. Seriously, focus on what’s really important, like making yourself a better person instead of blaming everybody else for what’s wrong in the world. How have you made it better yourself?
[/rant]
Keep your chin up Ben. We’re all human.
August 23, 2011 at 12:16 am
@yoyo57 – Who are you to speak for everyone else in regards to what he will be remembered by? When I think of why I am who I am today and what music has taken me on my journey I think of Screeching Weasel. Don’t make a universal statement to include others when that’s your asinine opinion. Also, I have punched a woman in the face before and a lot of people stopped talking about it after a while because I did other cool stuff in my life to supplement that. She had it coming. Women have a way of pushing and pushing you because they KNOW you won’t hit them. Be aware I am a woman myself. I’m glad to know I am safe from you holier than thou “punks” at a Screeching Weasel show. It’s about time we start weeding you out…
August 23, 2011 at 6:45 am
Geeez somebody tell these people to shut the fuck up already! If they hate you so much they should just stay off your shit! Let te rest of us children enjoy the music and go creep around somewhere else you internet tough guys…
August 23, 2011 at 7:59 am
fuck ws worried you were going to top yourself! not…. now you sorted that lot out when are we going to get another new album and can you do a gig in toronto over christmas please as over there to see santa and would be nice to see you live (well you had your hols now time to get back in the saddle) innit. shit what are they worried about come to the uk after the riots what they say you did is nothing… glad your back
August 24, 2011 at 3:43 am
Viva La Weasel Motherfuckers!!!
August 24, 2011 at 6:14 am
I like sandwiches
August 25, 2011 at 11:01 am
@BenWeasel Why don’t you just do a solo tour? It’s obvious the whole “band” thing hasn’t worked out for you. Seems like one guy isn’t a band. Live in the now. This ain’t 1995 there is no such thing as Squeaking Weasel, if it is just one guy. If you do get any other bandmates don’t call it Squeaking Weasel call it “Ben Weasel and his traveling band of jackasses”
August 24, 2011 at 9:13 pm
No thank you, I’d rather continue driving people like you crazy by earning huge piles of money and getting better looking by the day.
August 26, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Also, I’m cutting you off: you’ve posted under enough different names now. You’re one halfwit from Austin, not three.
August 26, 2011 at 9:50 pm
A WOMAN HIT ME!
But that’s ok because women get to have their cake and eat it too.
Any suggestion that woman are shallow, neurotic sperm mongers is considered misogynist but any suggestion that they can hold their own “tough girl” stance when they pick fights is also misogynist?
WTF, OMG, ROFTL
There is a hell of a lot of systemic misogyny in these YOU HIT A WOMAN pile-ons and that is what is scary because these clowns think they are defending women.
Why don’t you just put women in burqas and not let them leave the house?
Hypocritical shit shovelers. I guess horse dung is half the fun.
August 26, 2011 at 9:16 pm
http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqipm3lIL61qlsmlpo1_400.jpg
Made this, Ben. Hope you don’t get offended. I just really enjoy reading over your replies. Clearly, the humor in Screeching Weasel hasn’t gone anywhere.
Keep fucking with the hypocrites.
August 27, 2011 at 5:09 am
Here’s a question: What are you saying in “why’d you have to leave?”, curious is all
August 27, 2011 at 6:19 am
Ben Weasel, the best punk rocker ever.
I love you Ben!
August 27, 2011 at 12:57 pm
One day, his band mates are his best buds and the greatest crew with whom he’s ever had the pleasure of working. The next day, after they reject him publicly, effectively ditching him in a highly humiliating, public, manner, they’re hapless, gutless swine who never had any redeeming qualities in the first place.
One day, playing shows and performing live is nothing less than making a mockery of oneself, which principled Ben will simply not do. The next day, when Ben realizes that it’s either this Screeching Weasel gig or taking orders at the Cheesecake Factory, he’s playing shows left and right, up and down. He’s at SXSW for God’s sake.
One day, Livermore is a prescient, creative, close friend from way back when. The next day, when Ben doesn’t get the royalties he thinks he should have gotten, Livermore is a rip-off artist and a child molester. But then suddenly they make up and Larry’s cool again. But then there’s a tiff on the Internet and Larry’s a child molester again.
There appears to be a trend here. It seems there are no actual principles, just constantly shifting declarations of good and evil, depending on the conflicts and interests of the moment. If you look at things truthfully, Ben is either emotionally unstable, a shameless hypocrite, jaw-droppingly disingenuous, or some potent combination of all three.
Even Ben realizes this. This is why he has taken on this new public personality motif of a self-aware hedonist and faux-narcissist. You see, it is an attempt to act off and down play the ugly reality that Ben sees when he looks in the mirror. The reality of a man in his 40′s who, through complete fault of his own, doesn’t get along people. The reality of a man who is viciously bitter, because he realizes that his destiny in life has become forcing himself to perform 20 year old punk songs for brainless 16 year olds and/or other has-beens, some of whom occasionally cuss at him and throw ice at him. If that was your lot in life, wouldn’t you bitter?
Ah, but you see, kids, it doesn’t bother Ben at all. Ben is above it. He’s just chilling in Massachusetts, driving in his cool Camaro. Going fishing. Being good looking. Nevermind that in 10 seconds of abject stupidity he managed to set the Screeching Weasel brand back 10 years, lose tens of thousands of dollars in revenue, burn important bridges, lose friends, lose admirers, and face criminal battery charges. Cindy’s on methadone, there’s a Pete Brady inside of you, and never mind the nagging truth.
August 27, 2011 at 6:06 pm
One day, he’s an idiotic also-ran with a grudge against Ben Weasel. The next day, he’s an idiotic also-ran who has farted into the Internet.
August 30, 2011 at 12:06 am
Hahaha! If I may be so bold as to “fart into the internet:” Ben, your humorous responses to these psycho-babbling idiots makes this page so much fun! The irony that these folks care enough to sign on and tell you how they don’t care for you, ain’t lost on this guy!
August 31, 2011 at 6:44 pm
If nothing else, this saga is at least good for some damn good literature. So, as long as we can all be assured this is all in good fun and no one’s feelings are getting hurt, I say keep up the good work kids.
August 30, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Ben, Thanks for keeping comments open. This will keep me entertained for ages. A Girl, very nice post.
August 27, 2011 at 11:11 pm
I really hope you releass another book with all these……
August 29, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Screeching Weasel has been my favorite band for as long as I can remember, it’s the band that changed the entire way I listened to music. What I love about you, Ben, is your passion, truth and honesty. I love everything you have ever put out for those same consistent reasons. At times I may not have agreed or even understood some of your points of view, but I never cared, because what I loved about you and your amazing ability to capture an entire feeling and experience into a two minute pop song, was that it was YOU. Not me. And it was raw, emotional, intelligent and the truth, your truth. It was, and still is, so refreshing. When I heard about the whole sxsw thing, my immediate reaction was “oohhh, that sucks”. My heart hurt for you as i assumed what you did was a reaction in the heat of the moment and nothing more. I assume any true fan of yours felt the same way. That’s why its so hard reading this angry, finger-pointing explanation of the way things went down. I understand you feel the need to defend yourself against the www, but why couldn’t you just take the humble, quiet road and write your anger into a new song. I guess I just miss the excitement and mystery of picking up a screeching weasel record and wondering where you are in life and how the record fits into mine. I don’t even have to buy an album anymore (although i still do), all i have to do is look at your website.
August 31, 2011 at 3:28 am
Good point – after all those years of remaining humbly in the background while I let the music do the talking for me, it was unspeakably gauche to start pointing angry fingers on this blog instead of molding that rage into a pithy two-minute song for your enjoyment. I can’t imagine how disappointed you must be. I only hope you’ll accept my apologies and correct me in the future should I stray again.
August 31, 2011 at 9:49 pm
I really wasn’t trying to be a jerk, and i certainly wasn’t trying to correct you. All i was doing was leaving a comment on how i felt, i thought that’s why you set this comment section up. Your music was so much more interesting when you were authentic, now all you seem to do is parody yourself.
September 1, 2011 at 1:02 am
“All i was doing was leaving a comment on how i felt, i thought that’s why you set this comment section up. ”
I did not open the comments so we could all share our feelings.
I’m glad to have cleared that up.
September 9, 2011 at 11:40 am
Wow. I am sorry I didn’t consider all those years were humbly in the background. Maybe having all your opinions in every source of media over the last decade made me forget. And I am really sorry I thought you enjoyed writing songs for other peoples enjoyment, I have no idea where that came from.
But boy, you sure are one angry man! If only you did mould some of that passion into your songs your music might still be mildly interesting. Now you just sound like a washed up, bitter old man trying to be the same asshole he was when he was 20. I guess after all your writing, blogging, twittering, radio shows, etc., you’ve realized what a neat little character you’ve created. You used to be awesome and authentic, now you just parody yourself and are boring and predictable. I get why so many musicians think it’s better to burn out that fade away. Watching you try to hang on, kicking and screaming, tired and annoyed, punching fans 1/2 your age and losing all your friends and bandmates, all via the media, is really sad. Your like Gene Simmons, except serious and not funny. But good on ya for your upcoming sold out show, its a relief to know that 20 year olds and 40-something year olds are still on the same emotional and intellectual wavelength despite their age gap. Curses to all those old idiots who grew up with grace and dignity, what pussies man! Look at me writing this comment, I’m just like you. Thanks for all the good years!
September 2, 2011 at 1:02 am
You sound angry. Try having a Pepsi. When I’m out of sorts, nothing brightens my day like a nice, cold Pepsi.
September 9, 2011 at 11:41 am
Keep up the good work, Ben. Been a Weasel fan for 13 years and it’s not going to change.
-Tuomas from Finland
August 31, 2011 at 1:43 pm
If luck’s on my side, I might be able to make it. However, I’m still stuck down here in Atlanta for the time being, so it’s a long shot.
As for the subject of Weaselgate, I posted a status on facebook not long after the news had broke that said something to the effect of, “What’s the big deal? Ben Weasel punching someone for slighting him is like the sun coming up.”
September 1, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Babe u can hit me anytime you want…Australia says yes, yes YES!!!
Haha seriously…I can’t count the number of times someone, man or woman, has pulled me into line 4being a menace at punk shows, all round the world. Some of us punk sluts can be pretty bratty on the juice, I’ve deserved every bloody punch, kick and slap that I copped…fuck the whingers, bunch of pussies, EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!
September 2, 2011 at 11:55 am
this made my fucking night. can’t wait for october 29th.
September 9, 2011 at 5:46 am
I generally don’t post on the internet and I’m reluctant to step into the fray, but it’s good to see Ben back playing music. What he did was wrong, he knows that, you know that, I know that. But he did his time, taking a beating in the court of public opinion and I’m sure on his wallet. A society should chastise someone who transgresses, but not beat a man down and ruin his livelihood.
Punk rock is a business, it’s not “dangerous” or “chaotic” as others have posted. Those days are looong gone. Ben’s probably not as rich as Fat Mike, but I’m sure he’s not hurting.
Also, I’m assuming the chick at the show knew what she was getting into. If you go a GG Allin show and leave upset cause you’re covered in shit, then shame on you for not doing your homework. Ultimately, she didn’t press charges, didn’t look hurt, and now has something interesting to post to her facebook wall. She was an asshole that night, Ben was even more of an asshole for escalating the situation, but he paid a price. I’ve listened to Ben Weasel for that past 15 years not because he is a great humanitarian or because of his exceptional ability to tolerate stress, but because he can write a great tune. We’ve all made mistakes. Now that he has has formally received my forgiveness, I hope he can get back to doing what he does best.
September 10, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Does this mean we’ll be receiving a visit from you, here in San antonio?
September 13, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Haha, woah. Moses, this is Alberto from the WSV. Weird seeing someone you know on Ben’s blog. Great to see you’re still supporting SW though.
Anyway, Ben, we’d love to see you in San Antonio. I had already bought tickets to the show at the White Rabbit and was so fucking ready for it. Come back and make it up to us already!
September 22, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Since I didn’t see anything about you not playing ever again in Austin, it’d be cool if you’d play a show down here, just not at SXSW. It’d probably piss off everyone.
September 14, 2011 at 5:11 am
england [still] loves the weasels.
cant believe the fuss.
we would love you to come over, the halls
September 14, 2011 at 11:20 am
What still irks to me this day is how the fact that the she-beast Ben punched spit beer and threw ice at him FIRST is constantly ignored. I’d hit anyone who spit beer at me, man, woman or child.
Keep keepin’ on Ben, none of this shit matters.
September 19, 2011 at 3:21 am
Great read. But it still kills me that I didn’t get to see the Philly show. It would’ve been my first SW show and I would’ve absolutely loved seeing tunes from FWM (best poppunk release this year…I’ll give credit where its due though, Safeways Here We Come by Chixdigpoliticalcorrectness is good too but they get points off for obvious reasons). Chicago too far for me, yo. Bring these new guys to the East Coast when you get a chance and me and my friends will gladly get some tickets.
September 20, 2011 at 3:57 am
Well this was one of the most interesting reads I’ve had in a while. The posts here are nothing short of a full blown comedy!! Ben, I’m still backing you. Your songs have brought nothing but enjoyment and dare I say inspiration to my ears and brain for just shy of 21 years. Soon some of your records can legally drink with me and some are older than the dudes who skate for the shop I manage. I’ve made a mistake similar mistake in the past, I regret it till this day and have never made that mistake again. I wasn’t raised like that but unfortunately some of these fifteen year olds haven’t lived long enough to even experience true emotion and how overcome you can be buy it. Now that that I’m rounding the mid 30′s mark all I can say is keep on keeping on. As things happen more and more the longer your walking around breathing air one has to learn to brush the dirt off the shoulders and keep movin along. Ben, keep moving on, I’ll still buy your records and so will the rest of your “fans”. Fuck everyone else!!!!!!——-JA
September 21, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Ben,
Do you remember the column in MRR about you throw shit (ice and wet paper towels I think?) at Tony The Strong and how he reacted? When I heard about this incident that is the first thing that popped into my mind.
October 14, 2011 at 6:55 pm
No, moron, but I remember the MRR column about Tony “throw” ice at me and my band, because I wrote it. I dove on him from the stage and got my head kicked in by about eight of his cohorts. My drummer, meanwhile, did his own swan dive, and when Tony’s girlfriend tried to kick him in the nuts he smashed her one in the face. It was a great night and is immortalized in the classic Queers song “See Ya Later Fuckface.”
October 20, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I attended the SXSW show that caused all of this drama, front row and center. I think it’s kind of cowardly
that all these “men” are crucifying 1 man for hitting a girl who was acting rude and childish in the first place. These probably being the same “men” that refer to women as “bitches.”
I do not think anyone should put their hands on anyone else, no one has the right, whether it being a girl hitting a guy or a guy hitting a girl, don’t do it! But she had a choice, she bought a ticket, attended the show and didn’t like what she was hearing, so instead of acting like an adult and leaving (It’s SXSW, there are tons of other bands to watch) she decided to stay and cause a scene. Most of these people
wouldn’t even have an opinion about the incident if it weren’t for YouTube. Don’t you see, this has happened countless times, and now people are paying attention? Grow up!
Ben, I’m glad the band is playing again and I hope there are more shows to come. As for the people that don’t want the show to go on, stay home don’t ruin it for everyone else, save your money and save face, your going to look like a hypocrite if you go and start acting foolish
October 15, 2011 at 4:46 pm
dude, you should totally have the old hardcore band integrity reunite and play your show! they can whoop some ass and crush some skulls – in the spirit of punk rock and well, integrity. lookin forward to the show
October 17, 2011 at 10:22 pm
I’m still gonna drink whiskey and play weasel covers, that’s for the damn sure. Bummed to hear about the other members, but I don’t blame you for your decision (hell, they asked for it). Sad to see the state punk is in these days, but glad to know that there will always be bastards like you and I to carry it on. Everything is just such a big deal these days, you can’t take a shit without someone else making a stink about it.
October 19, 2011 at 5:54 pm
Nice one Ben,glad to have you back:)
October 20, 2011 at 4:01 pm
I love screeching weasel!! But that last album seriously sucked.
October 21, 2011 at 5:46 am
Amazing show Ben! And it was great to finally meet you after listening to your music my whole life. Looking forward to more new Weasel stuff!
ps The ep was awesome. The Parasite Murders is probably my favorite of the new songs.
October 31, 2011 at 4:42 pm