(Alternative Tentacle Records)
“Oh ya well he’s a running political party in Burnaby!” – Friend
Ok, well I know DOA, but I didn’t know that der buddy.
Whenever I pitched a DOA song, my cohost on No Apologies Necessary would chime “He’s actually running a political party in Burnaby!”
My cohost is accustomed to making polysci statements in jest. But I think we could both agree that this is actually a pretty impressive feat for a punk music kid to progress to. From screaming into a mic their frustrations of the world, to growing up a wee bit, then making change through actual political moves. I mean I doubt that most punk kids are dreaming of growing up and following suit – but it’s pretty amazing.
DOA is a punk band from Vancouver, BC. What started out as a band called The Skulls, fizzled out and evolved into DOA (Dead On Arrival). The original members Joe Keithley (Joey “Shithead”) on guitar and vocals, Randy Rampage on bass and vocals, and Chuck Biscuits on drums. They debuted with the single ‘Disco Sucks’ in 1978, a bold statement against disco culture, and setting a stage for politically charge music. Their 1981 album ‘Hardcore ’81’ has been credited with defining hardcore punk and influencing bands like Green Day, Nirvana, and The Offspring.
(Sudden Death Records)
The band advocates for anti-racism, environmentalism, freedom of speech, and women’s rights. Their slogan “Talk – Action = 0” sums up their ethos perfectly. Don’t just talk about change, take action. Here DOA takes action through meaningful music. Over the years dozens of members have come and gone through DOA. But this isn’t seen as turnover, but more evolution through change. This further embodies scrappy punk ethos. No polished formula and no corporate packaging.
DOA’s “final” show was held at the Commodore Ballroom December 1, 1990. This concert featured crazy performance, including a chainsaw used during “Lumberjack City.” The show ended with multiple encores, which just shows the band’s dedicated energy and loyalty towards their fans. In fact, due to overwhelming demand they would schedule a second farewell show on December 13, 1990 (a notable day in this writer’s life!)
The band later came back for remembrance performances. Taking part in Fight Back Festival at The Rickshaw Theatre in 2018. This event had two stages with ten bands and street performers, promoting grassroots democracy and activism. Joe Keithley would talk about the need to fight back against racism, sexism, and greed. Values that have held true within the band since the very beginning and continuing on long after. They would also perform again at The Rickshaw Theatre in 2021 for a 40th anniversary of ‘Hardcore ’81’. This was a sold out show that featured local bands like Bishop Green, The Spitfires, and GRRLcircus.
2018 also marked the year that frontman Joe Keithley transitioned into politics! He joined the Burnaby Green Party and was even elected to Burnaby City Council in that year’s municipal election. In 2022 Keithley would be re-elected to the council again maintaining his position as the sole Green representative on the council.
(City of Burnaby)
Now with everything we’ve learned so far about DOA this transition seems so fitting. These values held true throughout the bands career and now Keithley would further make change with action at the source. While some people chuckle at this career choice – I think it is an incredible advocate to the power of music and the drive to create a better world with the tools you have.
For more about DOA click the links below:
Find their music on Spotify.
Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT
Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca