Circle Jerks drummer Joey Castillo reveals the story behind the new “Revenge of Nervous Breakdown” record, the importance of Raymond Pettibon cover art and what’s next for the Keith Morris-fronted juggernaut.
Preorder Circle Jerks “Revenge of Nervous Breakdown” single here – or here in the UK
Topics Include:
- Joey returns from tour and adjusts to life back home.
- Tour life, family logistics, and dogs that act up when he’s away.
- How a Circle Jerks Black Flag single came together.
- Fans kept asking for Black Flag songs; Keith said no pressure.
- Road-testing Depression, Revenge and Nervous Breakdown at European festivals.
- Why Joey calls Keith Morris the blueprint for every Black Flag singer.
- Everything Went Black versions became Joey’s template for the songs.
- The first Black Flag EP and Keith’s staccato vocal delivery.
- Recording live, in set order, at Tim Armstrong’s studio.
- Keith rejects the first take: “That doesn’t sound like us.”
- Pillow out of the kick drum; the second take nails it.
- The closing block where these songs send crowds bananas.
- Other contenders discussed: Gimme Gimme Gimme and Louie Louie.
- Discovering Nervous Breakdown via older friends and Rodney on the ROQ.
- Growing up in Gardena, where skating and punk went hand in hand.
- South Bay bands like Redd Kross, Descendents and Nip Drivers.
- A neighbour’s red sparkle kit and an instant connection.
- Self-taught by playing along to records, no formal lessons.
- A friend’s tip lands him the Wasted Youth gig as a teen.
- Fixing bad habits, practice pads, and Neil Peart’s mid-career reinvention.
- Learning by watching Lucky Lehrer, Chuck Biscuits, Bill Stevenson and Spit Stix.
- Replacing Chuck Biscuits and Dave Grohl: respect what’s already there.
- Why Chuck Biscuits remains his favourite drummer to watch.
- Still feeling like a kid behind the kit at 60.
- Dream gigs: Bon Scott-era AC/DC, Iggy Pop, and Cheap Trick.
- A short reunion stretches into 2027, plus the Repo Man shows.
- Keith’s legendary stage raps, curfews, and when the band nudges him.
- Six or so new songs demoed; only killer tracks will see release.
- Raymond Pettibon’s cover art and his lifelong bond with Keith.
- What’s next: Doom Regulator, a Bronx Halloween show, maybe Australia.
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