SNFU Frontman Ken Chinn (Chi Pig) Dead at 57

Ken Chinn (aka Chi Pig), singer for the long-running Canadian punk band SNFU, has died at 57.

Chinn started SNFU in Edmonton in 1981 with Marc and Brent Belke, and the band continued to record and tour (with a continually changing lineup) until just this past year.

Chinn was an incredible force on-stage, and one of the wildest and most engaging punk frontman of all time. From his gravity-defying leaps in the early years of the band to the assortment of stage props he would employ each show (some of which he would light on-fire), seeing SNFU was always a visceral experience and provided the perfect counterpart to the band’s sometimes unusual and relentlessly catchy songs.

Chinn struggled with mental health issues and drug addiction for much of his life, subjects he addressed in the documentary Open Your Mouth And Say… Mr. Chi Pig. Despite his struggles, Chinn remained a creative force for decades, releasing indispensable albums including 1985’s …And No One Else Wanted to Play, and inspiring generations of punk singers to push their voices, bodies, and minds to the limit.

Rest in peace Ken. Check out some classic SNFU cuts below. Play them loud!