Chicago Punk Lifer Joe Mizzi's Inspiring Comeback: From Common Rider to Thriving with The Bollweevils, The Mizzerables, and The Iron Spiders (feat Members of 88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against)
Chicago Punk Lifer Joe Mizzi's Inspiring Comeback: From Common Rider to Thriving with The Bollweevils, The Mizzerables, and The Iron Spiders
New EP From The Mizzerables ("Smiley") Coming Soon
The Iron Spiders (feat Members of 88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against) Announce October Shows
The Bollweevils, The Mizzerables, The Iron Spiders Playing The Fest 22 October 25-27
Chicago-based punk rock lifer Joe Mizzi has had a transformative few years, marked by significant personal and professional milestones. Known through his early stint in Common Rider (with Op Ivy's Jesse Michaels) and his current projects, the beloved Chicago punk outfit The Bollweevils, punk trio The Mizzerables and punk supergroup The Iron Spiders (which features members of 88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against etc), Mizzi has now emerged stronger than ever in the music scene.
In a recent update, Mizzi shared, “A few years ago, I was only filling in for The Bollweevils, and The Mizzerables were scaling back as (bassist) Korey moved to Michigan to start a family. To bridge the gap, I started The Iron Spiders.”
Fast forward to today, Mizzi is pumped to be playing bass full-time for The Bollweevils. The Mizzerables are gearing up to release a long-awaited new EP titled 'Smiley', and The Iron Spiders are gaining momentum, reflecting a period of unprecedented activity and growth in Mizzi’s music career.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mizzi has navigated significant personal challenges. He discovered a genetic disorder related to cystic fibrosis, which led to a demanding surgery and a journey through IVF with his wife. “Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, we now have a child on the way,” he shared.
This personal journey has not only been about overcoming physical challenges but also about addressing mental health. “I’ve been working through physical and mental health challenges and am now in the best shape of my life—both physically and mentally. Quitting drinking has been a significant part of that transformation.”
With this newfound strength and clarity, Mizzi is in a better place than ever before, and this positive change is reflected in his music and performances. “I’m more active and in tune with myself than I have been in years and I think that’s reflected in the music and the performances,” he concluded.
The next few months will be busy ones for The Mizzerables, The Bollweevils and The Iron Spiders, as all three bands will be performing at The Fest 22, the weekend of October 25-27 in Gainesville, FL, while The Iron Spiders have lined up a string of tour dates and soon-to-be-announced festival appearance in October. The Bollweevils are also confirmed to perform at the Red Scare 20th Anniversary show in Chicago, IL on September 13th @ Beat Kitchen. The band appears with other punk heavy hitters on the recent Red Scare Industries compilation '20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming,'("DNR") which marks Mizzi's first recording with the band.
The Mizzerables
Playing The Fest 22 on Saturday, October 26.
The Mizzerables are a punk rock band from Chicago, IL, led by Joe Mizzi, who also plays bass for The Bollweevils and was formerly with Common Rider, alongside Dave Vazzano on drums and Korey on bass.
The Mizzerables’ upcoming EP, 'Smiley,' draws inspiration from Joe’s personal journey over the past few years. The title is a nod to “Smiley,” the nickname for the mirror universe version of O’Brien in 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,' reflecting the dualities and challenges Joe has faced. After discovering he has a cystic fibrosis-related genetic disorder, undergoing surgery, and navigating two years of IVF, Joe and his wife are now expecting their first child. Joe has spent the past few years sorting out his mental and physical health, and these experiences have shaped the songs on 'Smiley.'
As The Mizzerables prepare to release 'Smiley' and perform at FEST 22 in Gainesville, IL, they hope to bring a positive message to anyone struggling and seeking a light at the end of the tunnel.
Check out The Mizzerable's latest video "Crabby Crab" here: https://youtu.be/CJPFz01ELps
The Iron Spiders
Playing The Fest 22 on Friday, October 25 (full band), Saturday, October 26 (acoustic) and Sunday, October 27 (full band)
Emerging from the heart of Chicago's dynamic punk rock scene, meet The Iron Spiders. This electrifying group boasts members with rich musical legacies, having been part of iconic bands such as 88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against, Common Rider, The Bollweevils, Won't Stay Dead, and Gelheads. Drawing inspiration from 80s hardcore and 90s punk rock, the band delivers a rapid-fire experience filled with passion and energy.
While fans can eagerly anticipate original tracks in 2024, The Iron Spiders currently captivate with covers from trailblazing bands like Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, Descendents, Operation Ivy, Green Day, and Joan Jett. For those with an undying passion for punk rock, The Iron Spiders are a testament to the genre that has inspired countless rebels, dreamers, and fighters. Don't miss out on the next chapter of punk rock's legacy with The Iron Spiders.
Tour Dates:
August 23rd @ Reggies in Chicago, IL w/The Reaganomics and The Linden Method
October 22nd @ Nightshop in Bloomington, IL
October 23rd @ Nashville TBA
October 24th @ Atlanta TBA
October 25th @ 518 Underground in Melbourne, FL
October 27th @ FEST 22 in Gainesville, FL
The Bollweevils
Playing The Fest 22 on Saturday, October 26
The Bollweevils are Chicago royalty that go all the way back to the lawless days of the 1980s punk scene. Influenced by Windy City contemporaries Naked Raygun, The Effigies, and Pegboy, the Weevils also borrow heavily from “melodic hardcore” bands of the West Coast like Descendents and The Adolescents. Led by the inspiring Dr. Daryl Wilson (an actual ER doc) on vocals and in spirit, the four-piece released music with Dr. Strange and Hopeless Records before making the no-brainer decision to join the ranks of Red Scare. Since then, they’ve had quite the resuscitation: been playing a buncha shows, getting invites to big festivals, and blasting out their message of awareness, equality, and resistance.
