A punk rock institution is hitting the road with a bold new identity. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, the supergroup known for their high-energy punk covers since 1995, will tour in 2025 as Spike and the Gimme Gimmes.
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The rebrand spotlights longtime vocalist Spike Slawson, who will lead the band, while co-founder Fat Mike steps away from the upcoming tour.
New Name, Same Punk Spirit
The name change reflects Slawson's central role in the band's evolution. Fat Mike, the NOFX frontman and Fat Wreck Chords founder, endorsed the shift in a playful Instagram video.
"Spike and the Gimme Gimmes. 'Cause it always has been Spike and the Gimme Gimmes," he said with a grin. He jokingly added, "I'm not in the band anymore. I mean, I made that rule."
The rebrand aligns with Slawson taking the helm for the group's next chapter.
Spike and the Gimme Gimmes will kick off their "Wet Hot American Summer" tour in July 2025, with over 24 U.S. concerts planned, according to Syracuse.com. Fans can expect the band's signature blend of irreverent humor and blistering punk renditions of classic songs.
Formed in 1995, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes built a cult following by transforming hits from artists like Billy Joel, John Denver, and Neil Diamond into fast-paced punk anthems. Their debut album reimagined '60s and '70s classics, while later releases tackled musicals, R&B, country, and pop with a mischievous edge. Their versatility and comedic flair have kept audiences hooked for three decades. In 2024, they released a live album, Blow It...at Madison's Quinceañera, under their original name.
Mixed Fan Reactions
Not all fans are embracing the name change. "Gotta change my tattoo now," one quipped online. Another groaned, "Oh great, now I have to rearrange and rename all the records in the shop."
The shift has sparked lively debate among the band's dedicated fan base.
Whether Spike and the Gimme Gimmes will release new music under the new moniker remains unclear. For now, the focus is on the 2025 tour, where Slawson and the band aim to deliver their trademark chaos and charm.
As the punk supergroup evolves, their legacy of reinventing pop with a rebellious twist endures.
