From T.Rex to Blue Öyster Cult, Mike Watt spent much of his youth inspired by the punk rock phenomenon. Born in Virginia, Watt and family moved to San Pedro, California while he was still a young boy. Upon moving there, he met Daniel Boon, later known as guitarist/vocalist for the punk-rock trio Minutemen. Young Daniel Boon was limited to the rock experience of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The two of them together picked up bass and guitar as a new profound hobby. Ultimately leading to a career path.

Coming 1980, a new era of punk rock took place in San Pedro, California. Merging together bassist Watt, guitarist Boon and George Hurley as drummer; Minutemen had officially made their debut to the public. Releasing four albums and eight EP’s before the bands devastating halt. Their songs became notoriously unconventional for the typical punk rock approach to music. Minutemen had prominently short songs-most of them being under a minute. They also began to incorporate other forms of music like Jazz, Funk, and Acid Rock into their musical style. Gaining popularity from albums like What Makes A Man Start Fires?, Double Nickels On The Dime and Buzz or Howl Under The Influence of Heat; the band grew a large following. Along with, a multitude of classic Rock covers. For instance, covers from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Blue Öyster Cult and Steely Dan. In 1985, Boon was involved in a fatal car accident ultimately ending the band’s career. After Boon passed away, Watt had grown into a deep depression. The Minutemen trio went to crumbles and slowly his marriage became to come apart as well.

Moving forward to 2016, Mike Watt decided to release a live version of the hit “Against The 70s” from their first solo album. Featuring in this song are post-Nirvana’s Dave Grohl and post-Pearl Jam Eddie Vedder. This single track comes from Mike Watt’s newest live album releasing in November linked below.