The Hangout: Big riffs, bigger crowds and a punk tour worth the noise

I have always had such a soft spot for the punk scene in South Africa because it feels like home in the most beautifully chaotic way. It’s loud, messy and honest, and it does not apologise for any of it. Growing up watching the mighty Fuzigish tear up stages with fearless energy, feeling the grit and poetry of Hog Hoggidy Hog, soaking up the good vibes from Tweak and now CrashCarBurn, you realise quite quickly that punk here is not just a genre. It’s a heartbeat. It’s that sweaty club night where the guitars are sometimes slightly too loud, the amps are humming away and nobody cares because everyone is fully alive in that moment.

What makes it even more special to me is the people. The scene might be small, but it’s fiercely loyal and deeply passionate. You’ll find legends who have been doing this for decades standing shoulder to shoulder with brand new bands still finding their feet, and there is space for all of them. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a Fokofpolisiekar crowd scream every word back at the stage, or seeing younger punk bands carve out their own sound without asking anyone for permission. It’s rebellious, yes, but it’s also welcoming. It’s community. It’s release. In a world that can feel a little heavy at times, punk reminds me that we’re allowed to feel everything loudly and we can feel it together.

I was stoked to catch a bunch of local punk bands before Mean Girls headed off to play Punk Rock Holiday a few years ago, and then it was Fuzigish’s turn. Big Willy rocking beer funnels while the crowd loses their minds is always such a vibe. Whether you’re right in the middle of the mosh or happily singing along on the sidelines, you are guaranteed to leave with ringing ears, sticky shoes and a warm heart.

Now, Gavin Pincus is back on an explosive tour with his new band Worms, and Jay Bones is heading up Behated as well as Fuzigish, as international friends Ignite make their way to our shores in March. I wanted to find out a little more about our visitors and what they are most excited about as they head our way.

Brett Rasmussen from Ignite had plenty to say, and yes, I am absolutely ready to get my braai on with these bands and spin that epic fantasy festival line-up of theirs. 

Things are going great, Brett tells me. We are currently at home in Huntington Beach getting everything ready to head out. We have been looking forward to this run for a long time and we are really excited.

On how it all came together with Malcolm from Fuzigish, Brett explains that they met at Punk Rock Holiday in Slovenia last summer. They only chatted for about ten minutes, but connected immediately and exchanged numbers. Malcolm is the reason this tour is happening. He is also the promoter, and his help has been vital in navigating the logistics of getting the band to South Africa for the first time.

Ignite have been trying to make it out here for around twenty years. Brett says they were inspired when they saw bands like NOFX and Lagwagon head to South Africa years ago. Ignite have played in more than fifty countries, but have never set foot on the African continent. For them, it’s about travelling to places where fans have been waiting a long time for a show. Making this happen feels like a major milestone.

When it comes to free time in South Africa, they are keen to see as much of the country as possible. They have heard so much about the landscape and the culture. After a long flight, some fresh air and sightseeing sound like the perfect way to start a tour. Their first show at Mieliepop Festival is set to be a special one, with the natural setting looking like the perfect backdrop.

As for what they have heard about South Africans, Brett says the crowds have a reputation for being incredibly passionate. They have seen footage of bands playing here and are hoping for huge energy and very loud singalongs.

For new fans wanting to dive into Ignite’s catalogue, Brett suggests starting with Anti-Complicity Anthem from their latest self-titled album, which captures their energy and tackles the importance of not staying silent in the face of systemic problems. Done Digging the Grave, featuring Andrew Neufeld from Comeback Kid, speaks about breaking cycles of conflict. Andrew and Comeback Kid toured South Africa a few years ago and shared great stories, so including that track feels fitting. Bleeding, from the Our Darkest Days era, remains an Ignite classic and a defining song, originally written as a statement against government overreach during the invasion of Iraq.

When asked about his dream festival line-up, Brett places it firmly on a beach in Orange County, California, and kindly confirms that I am officially booked to DJ the afterparty. His line-up would include The Cure, Deftones, AFI, Bad Religion, The Bronx, The Chameleons, Sparta, Pennywise, Sick Of It All and Nothing.

And the food? Brett is keen to try local, authentic dishes and is very much up for a proper braai. If I am leading the way to a great meal, he says he is in. He doesn’t know I’m not a great cook but I’ll bring my tongs and hope for the best. 

I cannot wait to get down to these shows. Be sure to check out Ignite, Fuzigish and Worms on social media for details on shows at Sognage, Mieliepop, Daisy Jones and District.

And while you are at it, do yourself a favour and dive into Shameless, Lefokolodi, Misled, Twenty One Children, Half Price, Wickhead, The Slashdogs, Pestroy and 16 Stitch. Make yourself a little mixed tape, turn the volume up properly loud and get your punk on with both the classics and the new school.