Bind.

 

Keeping the “FU”

Ken Chinn

 

By Dustin Blumhagen, The
Gateway (University of Alberta)

EDMONTON (CUP)—Trying to
track down legendary punk frontman
Mr. Chi Pig was a difficult process.

I finally found the singer of seminal
punk band SNFU down at Pub 340 in
downtown Vancouver. After several
failed attempts, a waitress called me”
back from the bar’s phone and passed
it off.

“I’m not an easy guy to geta
hold of,” says Pig, born Ken Chinn.
After a couple of weeks of emails and
phone calls, I’m well aware of how
elusive he can be.

Punk is often dismissed as the
product of a rebellious teenage phase,
but the 47 year old is as full of vitriol

“as ever. It seems strange to talk to a
man who has been involved with such
an important band for longer than I
have been alive. In the early ‘80s,
SNFU brought their brand of melodic
hardcore to the forefront of the punk
scene, alongside acts like Youth
Brigade and 7 Seconds. Emerging at
a time when punk was a legitimate
movement in society, the band lived
their reputation to the fullest. Their
moniker allegedly means “Society’s
No Fucking Use.”

Through numerous lineup

in SNFU

changes, they re-emerged in the ‘90s on
Epitaph Records to a new skate-punk
fanbase. In recent years, with an ever-
shuffling lineup, the band has continued
to soldier on, celebrating their 25"
anniversary and never looking back.
Throughout their colourful history, the
single stable element was their wild
frontman. ;

Now, as the band gears up for a
tour of greatest hits to celebrate a DVD
release, the true behind-the-scenes
story comes to light. Open Your Mouth
and Say... Mr. Chi Pig chronicles
Edmonton’s most popular punk band
and the life of their infamous singer.
When asked about the experience of
making the documentary, Pig responds
with typical punk attitude.

“T lived it. It’s my life on that
fucking film when you see that fucking
thing. You ever looked in a mirror?
How strange is that?”

Their Edmonton show will feature
a screening of the film that delves
into heavy topics like addiction and
schizophrenia, followed by the band’s
performance. One may assume that
strong feelings of nostalgia will arise
when returning to your former home,
but Pig plays it cool.

“Tt doesn’t matter. Location doesn’t
matter, just the fact that I get to play
music. What more could you ask for?
I’m looking forward to seeing my
family and friends in Edmonton. I hope
that a lot of people come out to see
us and I hope they enjoy the film. It’s
really special,” he says.

After an exchange that includes
advice regarding the merits of not
smoking a joint before doing an
interview, we talk about the possibility
of new SNFU music. Anyone familiar
with the band’s tumultuous history will
not be surprised to learn that it’s up in
the air.

“We’re going through some
transitions right now, so that remains to
be seen. We will take it from there.”

However, he notes, “I have a solo
7” record coming out.”

Forgetting for a moment that I’m
talking to someone relaxing in a pub,

I confess that I’m nervous talking to a
music legend.

“A person is a fucking person!” he
yells.

Then he hangs up on me.

 

 

_Acold fire burns deep inside

: Filling my belly with the unfathomable desire

Lips poised like poison, waiting for
_ The kill
Hair of a silken whip lay patiently still
er greatest weapon, hidden under hooded lids.
/ Walking slowly, like stepping ¢ on n glass