It wasn’t your typical romcom, but all the elements were there. Four decades of chaotic brotherhood, tragicomic flaws, absurd banter, and the bittersweet weight of a final goodbye.

NOFX was the very first ‘punk’ band I was introduced to at a young age while learning to skateboard with my cousin. Back then, my only access to their music happened by way of loading choppy music videos on a dial-up internet connection, a true test of commitment. I didn’t fully grasp the band’s message at the time, but I was immediately drawn to the band’s raw energy. Watching their new documentary, ‘40 Years of Fuckin’ Up’ nearly 30 years later makes one thing abundantly clear: NOFX remained fiercely true to themselves over a span of forty years by taking every aspect of their career into their own hands until the very end.

When the film was announced as a theater exclusive, I immediately snagged a ticket for a screening at the Alamo Drafthouse in Woodbury, MN. Stepping inside felt less like entering a luxury cinema and more like walking into an intimate punk venue. Mohawks, tattered band tees, and pre-show buzz filled the room. The film hit every emotional note in a way that demanded a second viewing. Recently, as the release expanded to a broader geography, catching a second screening at the Marcus Valley Grand in Appleton, WI proved to be the ultimate test. Even in a quieter regional setting, the film held up effortlessly. The crowd reaction was identical, the jokes landed with the exact same precision, and the heavy moments hit just as hard. The documentary covers all the bases of their self-sustaining career, culminating in the emotional weight of their final show on October 6, 2024, in San Pedro, CA. Unlike a standard date-night film, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll wince through moments of unfiltered reality.

While the theatrical run is entirely exclusive, fans won’t be left empty-handed. On August 28, Fat Wreck Chords is set to release ‘40 Years of Fuckin’ Up: Soundtrack + Score’ across streaming platforms and as a deluxe double LP. Featuring rare demos, a retrospective photo book, an orchestral score composed by Fat Mike, and “We Did It Our Way,” the final song NOFX ever wrote and performed live on the final night in San Pedro. This release serves as the ultimate physical artifact for anyone wanting to relive the chaos of punk’s most unapologetic band.

Words by Kristin Payne