NOFX guitarist Eric Melvin served legal papers to bandmate Michael “Fat Mike” Burkett on October 7, 2024. The lawsuit accuses Burkett of financial wrongdoing and came just hours after the band played their farewell show. Drummer Erik “Smelly” Sandin shared details about the lawsuit during a January 16 event at the Punk Rock Museum, where he and two other members appeared without Melvin.
“At 8:00 AM on Monday morning, after the final NOFX show ever, Eric Melvin’s lawyers served Fat Mike legal papers accusing him of financial malfeasance,” Sandin told the crowd. “Just 10 hours earlier, we finished playing the last show of our 42-year career.”
NOFX formed in 1983 and released 15 studio albums over their long run. Guitarist Aaron “El Hefe” Abeyta joined in 1991, completing the classic lineup that stayed together until the band disbanded.
During his talk, Sandin defended Burkett. “I’ve known Mike for 43 years. I knew him for a year before NOFX. Mike is a complicated person who’s very sweet, but he’s not a thief. I will go on record saying he is not a thief,” Sandin stated.
Communication between Melvin and the other band members has stopped. “Melvin has made it clear that any discussion about this matter must go through his counsel,” Sandin explained to the audience.
Despite the drama, the band released a compilation titled *A-H* in December 2025. They also announced a documentary called *40 Years Of Fuckin’ Up*, set to release in April. Fans can look forward to more updates from the band as they navigate this situation.
