All Star Ska: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts drummer Michael McDermott talks about his ska supergroup The Kilograms

All Star Ska: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts drummer Michael McDermott talks about his ska supergroup The Kilograms

Author: Aaron Carnes February 5, 2025 Duration: 56:13

We need more ska supergroups! Mutiny and Rude Girl Revue are both amazing. But today we reveal that Joan Jett the Blackhearts drummer Michael McDermott is in the ska group The Kilograms, which formed in 2023, along with Mighty Mighty Bosstones bassist Joe Gittleman, THEE Sammy Kay, Craig Gorsline and J Duckworth. After a handful of releases, on April 4, they release their debut LP, Beliefs and Thieves

We had a delightful conversation with Michael about the Kilograms, Joan Jett and his string of ska and punk bands he’s drummed in since the ’90s: The Bouncing Souls, Murphy’s Law, Skinnerbox, Stubborn All Stars, Mephiskapheles, and apparently, he played percussion for The Slackers one time. 

Plus, we learn which stage one of the biggest shows McDermott ever played was: WWE SmackDown!

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.

Donating for LA fires:

California Fire Foundation

Pasadena Humane

Mutual Aid LA

Support The Music Community - Fire Loss + Resource Tab



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There's a persistent idea that ska music is just a punchline, a relic of checkerboard Vans and goofy horn sections. In Defense of Ska dismantles that notion with genuine passion and deep knowledge. Hosted by Aaron Carnes, who literally wrote the book on the subject, and musician Adam Davis, this podcast goes far beyond nostalgia. Each conversation, whether with scene veterans or curious outsiders, digs into the genre's rich history, its surprising cultural footprint, and the vibrant community that keeps it alive. You'll hear personal stories that trace ska's influence in unexpected places and passionate arguments for its artistic merit. It’s not about blindly championing every upstroke; it’s about thoughtful, often funny, and always dedicated discussions that give the music the serious consideration it rarely gets. Tune in for a refreshing reevaluation that might just change your mind about what ska has been and what it continues to be. This is a defense built on facts, stories, and undeniable love for the sound.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

In Defense of Ska
Podcast Episodes
In Defense of Ska Ep 180: Frank Turner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:12
This week on In Defense of Ska, Frank Turner joins in to discuss growing up with UK skacore, finding a balance between his punkier and folkier tendencies, and his new album Undefeated. Listen now.The English artist joins…
In Defense of Ska Ep 178: Lollypop Lorry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:32
This week on In Defense of Ska, Russian trad ska band Lollypop Lorry discuss covering Keith & Ken, collaborating with Inspector, and the Russian ska scene. Listen to the full chat.Formed in 2008, Lollypop Lorry are a Rus…
In Defense of Ska Ep 176: Matamoska [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:17
It's no secret that Los Angeles has a thriving, vibrant Latino ska scene. Frankly, it's one of the best pockets of ska music in the country. This week on In Defense of Ska, the hosts chat with one of the bands that helpe…
In Defense of Ska Ep 175: Dr. Ring Ding [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:29
Dr. Ring Ding joins In Defense of Ska to chat about the origins of the European ska scene, his own journey of falling in love with the genre, and the German ska bands he looks up to. Listen now.Initially popularized by t…
In Defense of Ska Ep 174: Nate Albert (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:46
So, there's this pretty cool ska band called The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Perhaps you've heard of them? On this episode of In Defense of Ska, original Mighty Mighty Bosstones guitarist Nate Albert chats about the band's…