Lots of folks are excited about this weekend’s SNL skit that featured cast member Fred Armisen leading a fictional ’80s hardcore band Crisis of Conformity, now middle-aged performing at Armisen’s daughter’s wedding. More than just a funny gag, the group—which also featured Dave Grohl in an awful greying ponytail wig—hit all the right cues when it comes to this semi-forgotten punk rock sub-genre. From the Reagan fascism references to Armisen’s Darby Crash-meets-Herny Rollins stage postures, and the song, “Fist Fight In A Parking Lot” that could have easily come off your old Black Flag cassette tapes.
Off course, Armisen has genuine punk rock credentials, starting his entertainment career in the Chicago math-rock band Trenchmouth. And Armisen got into a serious discussion of punk rock in an URB feature last spring. Here’s some of our favorite clips of Armisen waving his punk flag high.
Armisen (with Dave Grolh, Ashton Kutcher and Bill Hader) doing Crisis of Conformity
Trenchmouth “i Friction!” live @ Emo’s 1992 (Armisen on drums)
Armisen Guide to SXSW 1998 (with Steve Albini, The Mekons, Janeane Garofalo and more)
TRENCHMOUTH!!