Ep531: Erik "Smelly" Sandin of NOFX

Ep531: Erik "Smelly" Sandin of NOFX

Author: The Vinyl Guide January 12, 2026 Duration: 41:32

Erik "Smelly" Sandin discusses NOFX life after touring, new music, sobriety through the NOFX hurricane, the Las Vegas incident controversy, the upcoming NOFX Retrospective at the Punk Rock Museum and more.

Topics Include:

  • NOFX didn't break up, just stopped touring, still recording new music together
  • Band recorded 6-7 new songs three months ago in the studio
  • Mike constantly writes new material, has lots of unreleased songs ready
  • January 16-18 NOFX retrospective exhibit opening at Las Vegas Punk Rock Museum
  • Smelly will give personal tours but doesn't know what artifacts they'll display
  • Never kept any memorabilia from 42 years, always gave everything away immediately
  • Shocked that original PMRC records now sell for $5,000+ on collector market
  • Band relationships remain same, they talk regularly but need space between tours
  • Currently playing drums with Randy from Pennywise, Cameron Webb
  • Fills in with the Vandals when Josh Freese tours with other bands
  • Recorded drums on Vandals' Christmas album 30 years ago, including transgender song
  • Early drug experimentation began with acid at 16, escalated quickly into addiction
  • Became homeless junkie living on streets for years during darkest period
  • Got clean in 1992, has maintained sobriety for over 30 years now
  • Joined NOFX through classified ad, instant chemistry with Mike during first jam
  • Band went through multiple lineup changes before finding the classic NOFX formula
  • Fascinated by ancient mysteries like underground Turkish cities, pre-Incan megalithic structures
  • Favorite museum artifact: Joe Strummer's original "London Calling" lyrics with water stains
  • His museum tour focuses on how punk rock saved his life story

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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