NOFX: The Hepatitis Bathtub and Other Stories

This was less of a band biography and more like four separate autobiographies. Very manic-depressive, this book fluctuates between soaring ups and rock bottom downs. In the audiobook version, each band member narrates their own chapters with Tommy Chong and Jello Biafra taking over for Dave Casillas and Steve Kidwiler respectively.

In true NOFX fashion, we're treated to bookended chapters about drinking pee. Also true to form is a brutal honesty that NOFX fans have come to expect. Truthfully, these stories are tame compared to some of the content herein. Each of the four main band members (Mike, Smelly, Melvin, and Hefe) are given a chance to explain their upbringing and what brought them to the band. Dave and Mike give brief descriptions of their journey to and from NOFX with not much about their time afterwards. Released in 2016, though, the reader won't get a glimpse into the 2018 Vegas controversy nor the 2023-2024 final tour.

I'm not a huge NOFX fan. I own a few of their albums. I've seen them live a couple times. I don't really follow them. I'm only vaguely aware of their personalities and stories outside of Mike's constant craving of the spotlight. Having said that, I was absolutely blown away at the storytelling. I won't give anything away, but I want to say how awestruck I was reading Erik Sandin's chapters. This guy has gone through it. His highs and lows really show what it means to be human. While the other band members have lived 100 lifetimes each and claim to appreciate life the older they get, Erik has them outdone and has absolutely grown and learned from his mistakes. What a beautiful story to tell. He could've had his own autobiography and it would have been a 5/5 on its own.