Backstory:
Formed in 2002 in the grungy backstreets of San Francisco, California, Filthy Aids is a band that emerged from a shared love of punk culture, DIY ethos, and a passion for creating thought-provoking music. The band – comprising Greg ‘Ratboy’ Simmons on vocals, Jim ‘The Shiv’ Shively on guitar, Pat ‘Patty Cakes’ Cadigan on bass, and Danny ‘Double D’ Dillinger on drums – started off playing in garages, house parties, and seedy bars. With their unapologetically raw sound and fiercely independent spirit, they quickly gained a local following, and eventually found their way onto larger stages and into the hearts of punk music lovers across the country.
Filthy Aids are more than just a band; they’re a movement, a voice for those who feel marginalized and unheard. They have always maintained their authenticity, never bending to the whims of the mainstream music industry. Their music is a blend of raw energy, catchy hooks, and lyrics that speak truth to power. The band’s name, Filthy Aids, is a nod to their mission: to aid in dismantling the filth of societal norms and prejudices through their music.
Genre: Punk Rock
Title: “Chains of Conformity”
Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1 (Em-C-G-D):
(Em) Down in the gutters, where we’re (C) born and bred,
(G) Fed on lies, with no hope being (D) fed.
(Em) System’s a prison, we’re just (C) rats in a maze,
(G) Chasing cheese, lost in a (D) daze.
Chorus (Em-G-D-A):
(Em) Break those chains of (G) conformity,
(D) Rise up, let your spirit (A) be free.
(Em) We ain’t part of your (G) vanity,
(D) We’re Filthy Aids, punk’s (A) remedy.
Verse 2 (Em-C-G-D):
(Em) They tell you to comply, to (C) wear a suit and tie,
(G) But we say screw that, it’s (D) better to defy.
(Em) We won’t back down, won’t (C) dim our light,
(G) With every chord, we’ll (D) fight the fight.
Chorus (Em-G-D-A):
(Em) Break those chains of (G) conformity,
(D) Rise up, let your spirit (A) be free.
(Em) We ain’t part of your (G) vanity,
(D) We’re Filthy Aids, punk’s (A) remedy.
Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Cindy ‘Sid’ Johnson, a rebellious teenager from Chicago who discovered Filthy Aids in a local record store. She says, “Filthy Aids isn’t just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. Their music speaks to my soul and gives me the strength to stay true to myself despite societal pressures. They’ve shown me that it’s okay to be different, and that’s why they’ll always be my favorite.”