Music

Shithead runs for Parliament

by Jeremy Mersereau

Canadian punk icon and activist Joe “Shithead” Keithley has announced he’s seeking the Green Party nomination in the upcoming B.C. provincial by-election. If successful, Shithead would be running for MLA for the Coquitlam-Burke Mountain riding in the metro Vancouver area.

Having led mega-influential hardcore punk band D.O.A since their formation in 1978, Keithley has also championed innumerable worthy causes as diverse as women’s rights, environmental protection, and First Nation rights over the years. Clearly, this song was a lie. “Can we really trust any politician who flip-flops on the critical ‘giving a shit’ issue?” – John Baird very soon, probably. Aside from his dedication to progressive causes, Keithley is certainly uniquely suited to politics, having played in a long-running band for more than three decades. I mean, have you ever had to run interference between an angry bassist and drummer who are both convinced it’s their turn to ride shotgun/use the communal pee bottle?

“My top priorities are: lowering costs for students, helping seniors, tax cuts and incentives for small businesses and promoting “green” technology. I would also work hard to protect our environment and we all know the Greens are the only party actually committed to that,” Keithley said at campaign kick-off event. “It’s really about giving power back to the people. The Green Party is the only party where the votes will not be party whipped. I will put the people’s wishes first. Grassroots democracy is what I am all about” he continued.

In 2013, Keithley ran an unsuccessful campaign to become the provincial NDP nominee in the same riding. Was it because of a Communication Breakdown between his message and party members that he joined the Loser’s Club? Here’s hoping Joey Shithead gets his shot to Smash The State this time around. OK, I’m done.