Asian Man to celebrate 15 years with history-spanning lineup

Contributed by runneruprecords. Posted by aubin on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 12:00 PM (EST)

Next year, Asian Man Records will celebrate their 15th anniversary. In honour of this, label founder Mike Park is aiming to reunite every band that ever released on the label for a festival set to take place June 16th, 17th and 18th at the Parside and the Bottom of the Hill clubs in San Francisco, CA. While this is an ambitious goal and has not yet been confirmed, some of the possible bands would include: The Broadways, MU330, Chris Murray, Alkaline Trio, Slapstick, Tuesday, The Honor System, The Chinkees, Less Than Jake, Nicotine, Slow Gherkin, The Lawrence Arms, Ee, Dan Potthast, Colossal, Polysics, Just A Fire, Mike Park, Duvall, Toys That Kill, Bagheera, Link 80, Good For Cows, Short Round, Big D And The Kids Table, Screeching Weasel, Coquettish, Satori, Pama International, The Bruce Lee Band, Shinobu, Akiakane, The Queers, No Torso, Buck-O-Nine, Bomb the Music Industry!, Lemuria, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Kepi Ghoulie, Wardogs, O Pioneers!!!, For.the.Win., Classics of Love, Smoking Popes, Knowledge, Let's Go Bowling, Five Iron Frenzy and Sundowner.

Maybe we should start a pool?

Bands in this story

Mike Park

The Broadways

Asian Man Records (132 comments)

Please login or register to post comments.What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

thepopeofchili-town (November 19, 2010)

If he pulls all of these reunions off, This >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> any other Fest.

kylewagoner (November 19, 2010)

Alkaline Trio if Alkaline Trio AND Toys That Kill are playing, I have to totally agree.

misterspike (November 22, 2010)

An LTJ/B. Lee Band set would make this ultra-sucessful IMO. Clearly I don't know the business end of it, but after so
much time I'd hope it could be resolved if only for such a great event.

internet (November 19, 2010)

To see Slapstick, The Honor System, The Broadways alone would be worth the trip.

dannydeadhack (November 19, 2010)

I heard Matt Stamps gave up guitar and is like a lawyer or something now, so that might prove difficult for another Slapstick reunion… but I bet all the other guys would be down.

jawbreakersuckssucks (November 19, 2010)

I just had a conversation last night about how Slapstick would never reunite! I may have to eat my shoe.

whatnowiguess (November 20, 2010)

I'm a friend of Rob's. Matt still plays guitar. Just cause he got a career doesn't mean he gave it up.

hey_ska (November 19, 2010)

So happy they put Five Iron Frenzy on here. Still one of my favorite ska bands.

welcome_to_1984 (November 19, 2010)

I would go if it was just them. I've got three tattoos linked to them and I love 'em to death.

johnnyz77 (November 19, 2010)

what's your fav. FIF cd? upbeats and beatdowns is my fav.

kidpomona (November 19, 2010)

That's an easy one, Five Iron Frenzy 2: Electric Boogaloo. I can listen to that album all day.

johnnyz77 (November 19, 2010)

thanks for mentioning that. i have to find the cd in collection. that is the only 1 i dont have on the ol ipod.

thesidekicksuicide (November 19, 2010)

Yeah, Electric Boogaloo is far and away my favorite. The final show live album is pretty awesome too though.

AndrewH13 (November 19, 2010)

Quantity!

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

I'm not a huge fan, but I like 'Our Newest Album Ever!'. I don't know if that choice is unusual or not. They're a fun band, but I honestly do NOT understand why they have such a huge, rabid following, unless it's related to Christianity. O_o

kidpomona (November 19, 2010)

I'm sure that's part of it, Christian bands usually have big followings...I still think that it's mainly because they were a fun band with awesome songs though.

johnnyz77 (November 19, 2010)

yeah i dig them because they write some great songs, were great live and don't take themselves to serious.

i don't mind the christian message though and they dont shove it down your throat.

hey_ska (November 19, 2010)

Upbeats is my favorite, "Old west" is such a great opener.

thesidekicksuicide (November 19, 2010)

If Mike Park can get Five Iron Frenzy to reunite, it would be HUGE. There are a ton of people (like me) that count FIF as one of their favorite bands but never got a chance to see them live.

AndrewH13 (November 19, 2010)

I'm so glad to see people puttin up the love for FIF. Got to see them on their farewell tour, most fun I've ever had at a show.

milesqtoast (November 19, 2010)

I was just listening to them today for the first time in months. upbeats is a classic.

welcome_to_1984 (November 20, 2010)

The Christian aspect has something in for me for sure, but yeah they always put on a great show, never shoved Christianity down people's throats (the way it should be), and I thought they were really talented. I used lyrics from "Every New Day" in my wedding vows and sent my then girlfriend money to go see the farewell show in AZ because I was in basic training. They do have a huge following, and would get quite a bit of folks to show up just for them I reckon.

Skibz777 (November 20, 2010)

What I was getting at was - and I'm not meaning to sound disrespectful because I think they're a reasonably fun band with catchy hooks - that FIF really don't sound that different from the other 90% of ska-punk bands from the mid-1990s...there's not much at all distinguishing them from their contemporaries, you know, like genre influences, unique instrumentation, a gimmick, etc.

Maybe I'm just missing the point and fun music is fun music, but Christianity is the only reason why I can understand their huge following...particularly since they were the only Christian ska band who were good songwriters and a legitimate band, and not just another phoned-in, dime-a-dozen bandwagon jumper.

welcome_to_1984 (November 21, 2010)

No I get you, I do think a large portion of their continuing popularity has to do with Christianity. But I'd put them a lot higher than 90 percent of mid-90s ska bands. I think they did branch-out soundwise more than most of those bands. I think there is still a decent amount of people that enjoy a good ska band that has stuck with the sound. RBF, Streetlight, LTJ, even MMB. I'd say they are probably on par with Mustard Plug , right below the aforementioned bands. Although not as popular as RBF I think they are more musically diverse, and I'd like to think that a lot of punks respect them for staying true to their beliefs and sound and doing the things Christians should, i.e. feeding the homeless in their hometown.
All in all, you make a valid point, and it does warm the heart to think the a band like FIF has a place in the 'Org and gets lumped in a news brief with other seminal punk bands on a great label.

banal242 (November 19, 2010)

I'll go if they get Knowledge.

drunkwithpower (November 19, 2010)

lol

tittus (November 19, 2010)

I'd love to catch Slapstick.

rosshostage (November 19, 2010)

Asian Man samplers were one of my main introductions to independent, D.I.Y. punk and ska. Their catalog, in my opinion, rivals any other label in terms of launching some of the most important bands in underground music. I would go just for MU330, Slow Gherkin and The Blue Meanies (how're they not on the list!). At this point, I'm adding these dates to my calendar...I just hope I can make it happen.

dannydeadhack (November 19, 2010)

Misfits of Ska vol. II changed my life, it was the first "ska/punk" CD I've ever owned… it got me into so many bands. That in conjunction with the Punk O Rama comps and Fat Comps… but Misfits of Ska vol. II was first.

wafflezombie (November 19, 2010)

I celebrate Asian Man's entire catalog. Seriously, I own at least 70% of their output. And my picture is on the Mailorder for the Masses comp. I need to go to this so badly. The original Mailorder sampler got me into so many bands and punk/ska in general.

dannydeadhack (November 19, 2010)

My picture is on it as well :)

I say we should automatically get free tickets since we took the time to contribute!

nedsammy (November 19, 2010)

getting Knowledge back together would be hard :(

Slow Gherkin, Coquettish, Let's Go Bowling, Slapstick? I'm there.

Oh wait, I live in England. Life is hard.
Well, I hope he doens't end up gigging alone at the bottom of the hill.

ericaisawesome (November 19, 2010)

I went to the 11th Asian Manniversary and it was one of the best weekends in my life. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book came out, I was in San Francisco with amigos, and I saw the Lawrence Arms twice. Oh, and Mike Park made people hot dogs, bought a keg, and gave out tons of free records. BEST

d-funk (November 19, 2010)

I was there for that too...It was amazing!

teaessare (November 19, 2010)

i'd fly there in a second if Tuesday reunited.

jawbreakersuckssucks (November 19, 2010)

Ha! I still have that cassette in my van.

facetofacereunion08 (November 19, 2010)

this would be incredible! no mention of skankin pickle?

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

Even if Lynette were here, it still wouldn't happen in a million years.

Dante3000 (rich) (November 19, 2010)

I know everyone is making Knowledge jokes (HAR-HAR!) but I'd say Screeching Weasel is probably less likely.

drunkwithpower (November 19, 2010)

They played like three times last year, I don't think it would be that hard

drunkwithpower (November 19, 2010)

Oh wait nevermind I forgot that they hate each other

notfeelingcreative (November 19, 2010)

He's referring to the actual Screeching Weasel, not Ben Foster's band of merry music makers.

banal242 (November 19, 2010)

Sorry you didn't make it in time to make a Knowledge joke, Dante. The traffic from above the fray must be brutal.

Dante3000 (rich) (November 19, 2010)

Knowing members of Link 80, I'm probably just a bit more sensitive to it than many other subjects.

Cos (November 19, 2010)

Did Nick leave the band on good terms?

killtaker (November 19, 2010)

I'm a Screeching Weasel and the Riverdales fan but I wonder if anyone ever sat Ben Weasel down and said "Is it really possible that EVERY record label you worked with is ripping you off?"

If I were a label I would think twice about working with that dude...the money can't possibly justify the headaches.

jonanonymous (November 19, 2010)

Well they just did a tour, and sold the place out! And if I'm not mistaken, they just put out a new album as well!

killtaker (November 20, 2010)

I don't know what that has to do with Ben pulling his catalog from Asian Man.

cbsrocksteady (November 19, 2010)

i dont find any of the knowledge jokes funny considering the circumstances. link 80 saved my life and nick was a blessing to the world.

gang_green (November 20, 2010)

nicks mom was danielle steel...for some reason thats funny to me

paulsilence (November 19, 2010)

Ee is a tremendously underrated band. Ramadan and For 100 We Try Harder are classic albums.

I would love to be at this fest, regardless if they're able to get every single band every released on the label to perform.

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

I would have never listened to Ee if I hadn't bought that "25 records for $25" deal Asian Man had a few years back. So glad I did, because "For 100 We Try Harder" is a great record!

Cox_Attack (November 19, 2010)

Agree. Ee is fantastic. So overlooked.

dannydeadhack (November 19, 2010)

Holy shit! I turn 25 on the 17th! If I could see BTMI and most of my favorite bands ever, play a show on my 25th birthday, it would be the best birthday present ever. Especially if BTMI played "25"… is there also a planetary alignment that weekend?

iamnormie (November 19, 2010)

This should be in Chicago since most of the prominent bands are from there.

And then I wouldn't have to try and find a way to get to CA.

thesidekicksuicide (November 19, 2010)

Ha, definitely. We midwestern people only have Riot Fest.

dX927 (November 19, 2010)

Knowledge with Rome

notfeelingcreative (November 19, 2010)

8.5/10

paulsilence (November 19, 2010)

Link 80 with Traina?

anarchypants (November 19, 2010)

Some of the possible bands include: href='/bands/thebroadways'>

SkolarX (November 19, 2010)

i somehow doubt Knowledge will be playing. and where is Softball on that list?

SkolarX (November 19, 2010)

or Korea Girl

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

^Seconded, for both.

xfallenx (November 19, 2010)

guys, Rudiments!!!

Cox_Attack (November 19, 2010)

I think one of the guys in the Rudiments died unfortunately, but yeah I'd love to see that band.

notfeelingcreative (November 19, 2010)

I'd like to see Potshot in the states.

Cos (November 19, 2010)

Got to see them once in SF awhile back. They were pretty good. The singer put on this extra-thick accent and talked like Mr. Miyagi for some reason.

StraightToHell82 (November 19, 2010)

I predict the following will play:
Chris Murray, The Chinkees, Dan Potthast, Mike Park, Toys That Kill, The Queers, Buck-O-Nine, Bomb The Music Industry!, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Lemuria, For.The.Win., Classics Of Love, Sundowner, The Lawrence Arms.

That is all.

banal242 (November 19, 2010)

MU330 will play.

SkolarX (November 19, 2010)

i would assume AK3 will be playing as well

fresnoska (November 19, 2010)

Yeah, Alkaline Trio would play for sure. I still see Mike at their bay area shows, working merch, etc.

SonnySix (November 19, 2010)

Whoa!

lngsht (November 19, 2010)

I double dare you Mike Park

porphyriax (November 19, 2010)

Wasn't Blink182 'Buddha' realeased on Asian Man?

notfeelingcreative (November 19, 2010)

No that was relased on Kung Fu records. I wait, I get it, Asian Man, Kung Fu....fucking racist....

maverick (scott) (November 19, 2010)

MU330 and Slow Gherkin are already confirmed. I'm hoping for Tuesday, Slapstick and Colossal, personally!

-Scott

Cox_Attack (November 19, 2010)

This! Plus Blue Meanies. Man Asian Man was home to such amazing bands.

d0bb1ns (November 19, 2010)

I'd fly out to CA if I can see Colossal live. That band is amazing. Make it happen, Mike!!

veep (November 19, 2010)

This, so fucking much.

Cox_Attack (November 19, 2010)

I would kill to see Slow Gherkin, Tuesday, Polysics, Ee, and Mu330 on one show I'd go nuts.

kidpomona (November 19, 2010)

The correct term is buck wild, sir. I totally agree though! I'd be one happy son of a bitch.

Tyler92 (November 19, 2010)

I do believe a change of pants is in order.

grantino (November 19, 2010)

If Tuesday, Slapstick, The Honor System, and The Broadways reunite for this, I promise I will be there no matter what I have going on. So if anyone wants to carpool from Montana...

veep (November 19, 2010)

I was planning on visiting friends/fam in the Bay Area next summer anyway..

Frig. Yes.

johngentile (john g.) (November 19, 2010)

Classics of Love with btmi! would be awesome.

Oh, wait, I already saw it... IN A VIDEO ARCADE!!!!

Muwhahahahha

4th_wayvor (November 23, 2010)

nickel city??

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

Everyone (including me) wants to see the bigger bands (Lawrence Arms, Alkaline Trio, Less Than Jake (bury the hatchet, guys), Blue Meanies), but the reunions are what have me salivating - The Broadways, Ee, The Honor System, Tuesday, Link80, Slapstick, Short Round, and Ten in the fucking Swear Jar. "Accordian Solo!" is one of my absolute favorite AMR releases.

Cos (November 19, 2010)

I know LTJ pulled their albums from Asian Man, but do they really have beef with Mike Park?

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

Allegedly Less Than Jake felt as if they were not properly compensated for sales on Pezcore or the first Bruce Lee Band record (which was basically Mike Park with LTJ as the backing band). Don't quote me on that though.

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

d_boons_ghost (November 19, 2010)

When did Link 80 break up? I thought they were still around, just not doing anything. Shit, that sucks.

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

I don't think they ever formally broke up, they've just been on "hiatus" for nearly a decade. It's about time they came back...I thought they were great with Ryan Noble.

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

Agreed. It took me awhile to accept Link80 without Nick Traina singing, but "The Struggle Continues" is a really great album.

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

For awhile most of the band members were in Desa, but I'm not even sure if they are still together or not.

myhandleonpunknews (November 19, 2010)

No, I imagine most people want to see the smaller bands. Why the fuck would anybody travel to California to see bands that tour large portions of the world just about every single year?

hubitcherkokov (November 19, 2010)

For the same reason that lots of people already travel insane distances to see the aforementioned bands despite their expansive touring schedules would be my guess.

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

I never, ever thought I'd see Slow Gherkin live, let alone in the same show with MU330. I'm lightheaded. I'm dizzy. I'm...it...I don't even...this....I....

Nothing short of death will keep me from seeing these shows.

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

Socko? Johnny Socko? If we could have a recreation of the 1998 MU330/Blue Meanies/Alkaline Trio/Johnny Socko tour, I'll actually be happy for once! :D

myhandleonpunknews (November 19, 2010)

I'll bet 1 million dollars that Link 80 definitely reunites for this. I can't see why they wouldn't.

XAdamDX (November 19, 2010)

Is it illegal for me to accept this bet, and then personally keep it from happening? I could really use a million dollars :)

punknewscommenter (November 19, 2010)

Oing thai. Nee Pa.

largemarge (November 19, 2010)

fuckin adam, if you stop this we can't be friends anymore. or i might just bear blast ya!

Mustacheman (January 18, 2011)

UH what does "bear blast" mean?

jeffernator (November 19, 2010)

Pennywise beating up an emo band got more comments than this proposed festival thus Pennywise beating up an emo band would be a bigger event.

Pennywise
emo band
cage
?
profit

Sognar (November 19, 2010)

Fletchers abig dude, so the emo band also has to have a giant member OR more members. So we get our moneys worth.

welcome_to_1984 (November 20, 2010)

Haha, you said "have a giant member."

jakegreen (November 19, 2010)

the .org just ejaculated. i hope this happens.

cuffer (November 19, 2010)

Mail Order Children?

Yeah i know it's easily the most obscure Asian Man Release, but those guys were dope.

Also it appears highly unlikely that many of these reunions take place but it's an awesome idea and probably will cause me to take my first trip to California. Asian Man has done so much for me, I remember being 14 and ordering Mu330's self titled and Slapstick and getting two free albums and a bunch of free stickers. I was so confused as to how a record label could be so cool.

atrus138 (November 19, 2010)

Looove the Mail Order Children. One of my favorite 7"s of all time. Too bad they didn't release much else.

Wyld_Stallyns_Rule (November 19, 2010)

Slow Gherkin alone would be worth the trip. Still my all time favorite show seeing them at the Foxfire Lounge in MPLS yeears ago. Man, I miss these guys.

largemarge (November 19, 2010)

here is my 2 cents

confirmed so far: mu330, slow gherkin,

what i think will be added: Chris Murray, Alkaline Trio, the chinkees, the lawrence arms, dan p, colossal, mike park, link 80, toys that kill, short round, big d, satori , Shinobu, the queers, buck o nine, btmi, lemuria, smoking popes, ajj, kepi, op!, for.the.win.,classics of love, lets go bowling, FIF, sundowner.

i think these would take more work: broadways, honor system, slapstick, tuesday, less than jake....however mike is still in contact with all of these dudes. and he is a very persuasive man and i think that the people in these bands know that mike really put in a lot of heart to make sure kids heard them. so finger crossed

screeching weasel....LETS FUCKING HOPE NOT!

Mustacheman (November 19, 2010)

How did you find out about the confirmed?! It sounds like you work at Asian Man? Give us the inside scoop!!! Spill the beans!!!

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

Or he just read the front page of the Asian Man website...

Mustacheman (November 19, 2010)

you mean there are other websites BESIDES Punknews?!?! Now your just talking crazy talk!

pricey123 (November 19, 2010)

i wonder if nicotine would play. i doubt it

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

Just confirmed:

THE QUEERS
THE APERS
SHINOBU
THE HOT TODDIES
THE WILD
MONKEY

rosshostage (November 19, 2010)

Ok, as if I wasn't already planning on going...

atrus138 (November 19, 2010)

Where can you find the up to date info?

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

I read it on the Asian Man Facebook page.

Maverick (scott) (November 19, 2010)

I don't really dare about any of those bands but I'm still planning on going for Slow Gheekin alone. TRAPPED LIKE RATS IN MYERS FLAT!

-Scott

Skibz777 (November 19, 2010)

Same here. Between MU330 and Gherkin, I can't tell which one is the icing and which one is the cake. And if Blue Meanies or Johnny Socko show up, I will *run* from Los Angeles.

Mustacheman (November 19, 2010)

Best line up would be... The Broadways, Chris Murray, Alkaline Trio, Slapstick,, The Honor System, The Lawrence Arms, Mike Park, Toys That Kill, The Queers, Buck-O-Nine, Bomb the Music Industry!, Lemuria, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Kepi Ghoulie, Wardogs, O Pioneers!!!, Classics of Love, Smoking Popes, Knowledge, Let's Go Bowling, Five Iron Frenzy and Sundowner.

all the other bands..... eh. my 2 cents.

milesqtoast (November 19, 2010)

coolio. I'd love to see slapstick.

Wyld_Stallyns_Rule (November 19, 2010)

I just went home to Minnesota this last month or so and found my old Skankin' Pickle albums, and I forgot that I had 'Hello, My Name is Erik Yee, And. . .' on vinyl. Fuck, I do feel old. I remember riding my bike to the post office to do mail order for Dill Records.

almostpunkenough (November 19, 2010)

holy crap. i mean, holy fuckin crap.

if Slapstick reunites for this (my name may indicate that i'm a bit of a fan) then i have to make it to this no matter who else is there. so much awesome potential.

CT_hatesyou (November 20, 2010)

dude...best fest ever. its like im 14 and reading the back of Mail Order is Fun! except all those bands are playing together. wooowie zooowie

CT_hatesyou (November 20, 2010)

He should get the Impossibles.

jakegreen (November 20, 2010)

i think it would be near impossible for brendan to do a slapstick and broadways reunion. maybe larry doing a couple songs each but if you read what he has to say he seems like a very busy man. would love this though.

quickattack (November 20, 2010)

Wow.... awesome

VeryEmergency (November 20, 2010)

I'll see you guys at the EE/Colossal show soaking it up with the rest of the Chicago indie-nerds

keithybobeefy (November 23, 2010)

I might have to fly cross country to see this.

sideviewsf (May 16, 2011)

for some good local punk prior to the fest!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130729047001257