Posted on February 26, 2010 - by Taron Cochrane

True North, Strong & Free! No.3

Taron Cochrane

Random Thoughts straight from a Friendly Canadian’s Punk Rock Journal.

Growing up, I had this Uncle whom everybody loved.  He was the life of the party 24/7.  There was always a smile on his face and he was always a great conversationalist.  I firmly believe that the best quality he possessed was giving people crazy nicknames.  They were always spot-on and funny as hell.  Although, for some reason, he called me “Stumpy”…and to this day I have absolutely no idea why.  Thinking about my random (and honestly, somewhat confusing) nickname brought to my mind, punk rock and its’ legendary monikers.

Many of them you probably already know and maybe even with some of them you know the small back-story behind their origin.  Either way, if the cards are played right they are permanently engraved in time along with said individual’s musical accomplishments.  Case in point, you have punk rockers such as Joe Strummer, Johnny Rotten, Joey Ramone, Sid Vicious and Canada’s punk-rock king, Joey “Shithead” Keithley.  Yes, he named himself, Joey Shithead.  Not the wittiest name in the group but in Canada he has gained so much respect he may as well be the Prime Minister.

Joey “Shithead” Keithley is the front-man and longest standing member in Canada’s most notorious punk band, D.O.A.  A band who garnered much of their success in 1978 (a year following the token year punk broke, 1977) and who have even been given the title of the originators of “hardcore”.  Much of this believed to be from the release of their influential album, “Hardcore ‘84”.  Throughout the years, D.O.A have always stayed true to their roots and beliefs while maintaining their distinct punk rock sound.  This rings true in their slogan, “Talk-Action=0”.

The vocals of Mr. Shithead are gruff and snotty and not necessarily the most harmonic but rest assured they are very distinct.  To this day, I have never heard another singer with remotely the same sound.  Much like the vocals of the Dead Kennedys key member, Jello Biafra…they stand out in a crowd and they refuse to be silent.

Their songs are quick and to the point.  No twenty minute guitar solos and no gimmicks.  Just the way punk was meant to be.  Here’s our opinion and here’s what we have to say, take it or leave it.  This attitude has not only gained D.O.A notoriety amongst their fans and critics alike but it has also helped them maintain a 30 plus year career that has included supporting many important causes and beliefs along the way.

Throughout their career, D.O.A have toured the world relentlessly and have also found the time to release an immense number of albums, 7”s and EPs.  Not to mention the odd live album and greatest hits compilation, thrown in for good measure.  An extensive list that would exhaust me to mention one by one, but worth the time to look into, I guarantee you.

So you are probably scratching your head at this point, asking yourself, “What makes this band any different from other legendary punk band?”  Well my friend, I’m glad you asked …let me explain.  You see, when bands like the Ramones were filling stadiums overseas (and sadly small clubs at home) D.O.A. were travelling to absolutely anywhere and anyone to spread their word of the way they saw the world.  Unlike the Ramones (who don’t get me wrong were amazing!) D.O.A weren’t in it for just the music….they were in it for the message.  They didn’t stick to the routine of songs about lost love, drug abuse and living in the gutters.  They sung about the blatant wrongs of the government, social injustice and corrupt cops.  The latter subject matter can be found on their track, ‘The Enemy’ from 1980’s “Something Better Change”.  Let’s not forget the occasional well-versed song about two of the most important factors in Canadian life: hockey & beer.

The journey D.O.A started they still haven’t finished and that to me is quite the feat.  This especially rings true in a genre of music where it is a rare occurrence to hit the 30-year mark in your career with no signs of stopping.  The paths they have paved for the younger generation are long and easy to navigate.  D.O.A played music with heart and soul and with ease.  No fancy production or professional writers…just real life and a passion.  I only hope that one day I can fight for my beliefs and the rights of my fellow man with as much conviction as this band has.

Taking his personal experiences, road travels and knowledge of the music industry, front man Joey “Shithead” Keithley slowly became a one-man wrecking crew.  Voted one of the most influential people in British Columbia, Canada, Keithley is also the owner and founder of Sudden Death Records.  A family man with a strong passion towards activism and the environment, he was also a contender for leader of the Green Party of British Columbia in 1996 & 2001.  If you are interested, many of his punk rock tales can be found in his autobiography, “I, Shithead”.

D.O.A have become a solid imprint on the Canadian punk rock scene and have single-handedly built a legacy that bears repeating.  Please go out, hunt & scavenge for as much music as you can from this timeless Canadian treasure.  Your ears and mind will thank-you, I assure you.

Until next time…stay free,
Taron.