# Chicago Punk Lifer JOE MIZZI’s Inspiring Comeback: From Common Rider to Thriving with The Bollweevils, The Mizzerables, and The Iron Spiders

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/chicago-punk-lifer-joe-mizzis-inspiring-comeback-from-common-rider-to-thriving-with-the-bollweevils-the-mizzerables-and-the-iron-spiders/
- Published: 2024-08-20T14:00:00-05:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

### **Chicago Punk Lifer Joe Mizzi’s Inspiring Comeback: From Common Rider to Thriving with The Bollweevils, The Mizzerables, and The Iron Spiders**

#### **New EP From The Mizzerables (“Smiley”) Coming Soon**

#### **The Iron Spiders (feat Members of 88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against) Announce October Shows**

#### **The Bollweevils, The Mizzerables, The Iron Spiders Playing The Fest 22 October 25-27**

Chicago-based punk rock lifer **Joe Mizzi** has had a transformative few years, 
marked by significant personal and professional milestones. Known through his early
stint in **[Common Rider](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68701.1.3a9921b470a39e9933df4a409ebc01c1)**(
with **Op Ivy’s** Jesse Michaels) and his current projects, the beloved Chicago 
punk outfit **[The Bollweevils](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68702.1.0d181232e98854e9a63661b5b760b131)**,
punk trio **[The Mizzerables](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68703.1.dfbb908189f46d1ea339d491e30efc89)**
and punk supergroup **[The Iron Spiders](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68704.1.83ffc11a0cf7a9cc4d4f56cab546faf6)**(
which features members of **88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against** etc), Mizzi has now
emerged stronger than ever in the music scene.

In a recent update, Mizzi shared, _“A few years ago, I was only filling in for The
Bollweevils, and The Mizzerables were scaling back as (bassist) Korey moved to Michigan
to start a family. To bridge the gap, I started The Iron Spiders.”_

[⌊Joe Mizzi⌉⌊Joe Mizzi⌉[

Fast forward to today, Mizzi is pumped to be playing bass full-time for The Bollweevils.
The Mizzerables are gearing up to release a long-awaited new EP titled ‘Smiley’,
and The Iron Spiders are gaining momentum, reflecting a period of unprecedented 
activity and growth in Mizzi’s music career.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mizzi has navigated significant personal challenges.
He discovered a genetic disorder related to cystic fibrosis, which led to a demanding
surgery and a journey through IVF with his wife. _“Thanks to the wonders of modern
medicine, we now have a child on the way,” he shared._

This personal journey has not only been about overcoming physical challenges but
also about addressing mental health. _“I’ve been working through physical and mental
health challenges and am now in the best shape of my life—both physically and mentally.
Quitting drinking has been a significant part of that transformation.”_

With this newfound strength and clarity, Mizzi is in a better place than ever before,
and this positive change is reflected in his music and performances. _“I’m more 
active and in tune with myself than I have been in years and I think that’s reflected
in the music and the performances,”_ he concluded.

The next few months will be busy ones for The Mizzerables, The Bollweevils, and 
The Iron Spiders, as all three bands will be performing at [**The Fest 22**](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68705.1.e63d6324596e6c1853afee7cde95e2c0),
the weekend of October 25-27 in Gainesville, FL, while The Iron Spiders have lined
up a string of tour dates and soon-to-be-announced festival appearance in October.
The Bollweevils are also confirmed to perform at the Red Scare 20th Anniversary 
show in Chicago, IL on September 13th @ Beat Kitchen. The band appears with other
punk heavy hitters on the recent Red Scare Industries compilation [**’20 Years of Dreaming and Scheming,’**](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68706.1.84897db3b6b768ffe69605cb996dbee6)(“
DNR”) which marks Mizzi’s first recording with the band.

---

#### **The Mizzerables**

_Playing The Fest 22 on Saturday, October 26._

[⌊The Mizzerables⌉⌊The Mizzerables⌉[

The Mizzerables are a punk rock band from Chicago, IL, led by Joe Mizzi, who also
plays bass for The Bollweevils and was formerly with Common Rider, alongside Dave
Vazzano on drums and Korey on bass.

The Mizzerables’ upcoming EP, ‘Smiley,’ draws inspiration from Joe’s personal journey
over the past few years. The title is a nod to “Smiley,” the nickname for the mirror
universe version of O’Brien in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,’ reflecting the dualities
and challenges Joe has faced. After discovering he has a cystic fibrosis-related
genetic disorder, undergoing surgery, and navigating two years of IVF, Joe and his
wife are now expecting their first child. Joe has spent the past few years sorting
out his mental and physical health, and these experiences have shaped the songs 
on ‘Smiley.’

As The Mizzerables prepare to release ‘Smiley’ and perform at FEST 22 in Gainesville,
IL, they hope to bring a positive message to anyone struggling and seeking a light
at the end of the tunnel.

**Check out The Mizzerable’s latest video “Crabby Crab” here**: [**https://youtu.be/CJPFz01ELps**](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68708.1.cc4573e483686e1d37208857eab693d2)

**Social Media:**
[Facebook](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68709.1.14cd56411768e433b11c479265794e53)
| [Instagram](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68710.1.605fa9cc7b975c392694c6ea0b3754cd)

---

#### **The Iron Spiders**

_Playing The Fest 22 on Friday, October 25 (full band), Saturday, October 26 (acoustic)
and Sunday, October 27 (full band)_

[⌊The Iron Spiders⌉⌊The Iron Spiders⌉[

Emerging from the heart of Chicago’s dynamic punk rock scene, meet The Iron Spiders.
This electrifying group boasts members with rich musical legacies, having been part
of iconic bands such as 88 Fingers Louie, Rise Against, Common Rider, The Bollweevils,
Won’t Stay Dead, and Gelheads. Drawing inspiration from 80s hardcore and 90s punk
rock, the band delivers a rapid-fire experience filled with passion and energy.

While fans can eagerly anticipate original tracks in 2024, The Iron Spiders currently
captivate with covers from trailblazing bands like Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Circle
Jerks, Descendents, Operation Ivy, Green Day, and Joan Jett. For those with an undying
passion for punk rock, The Iron Spiders are a testament to the genre that has inspired
countless rebels, dreamers, and fighters. Don’t miss out on the next chapter of 
punk rock’s legacy with The Iron Spiders.

**Tour Dates:**

 * August 23rd @ Reggies in Chicago, IL w/The Reaganomics and The Linden Method
 * October 22nd @ Nightshop in Bloomington, IL
 * October 23rd @ Nashville TBA
 * October 24th @ Atlanta TBA
 * October 25th @ 518 Underground in Melbourne, FL
 * October 27th @ FEST 22 in Gainesville, FL

**Social Media:**
[Facebook](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68712.1.58c5e9242b827d419910b68041488b19)
| [Instagram](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68713.1.593a28689210dfcf7a2c54472ad941e0)

---

#### **The Bollweevils**

_Playing The Fest 22 on Saturday, October 26_

[⌊The Bollweevils⌉⌊The Bollweevils⌉[

The Bollweevils are Chicago royalty that go all the way back to the lawless days
of the 1980s punk scene. Influenced by Windy City contemporaries Naked Raygun, The
Effigies, and Pegboy, the Weevils also borrow heavily from “melodic hardcore” bands
of the West Coast like Descendents and The Adolescents.

Led by the inspiring Dr. Daryl Wilson (an actual ER doc) on vocals and in spirit,
the four-piece released music with Dr. Strange and Hopeless Records before making
the no-brainer decision to join the ranks of Red Scare.

Since then, they’ve had quite the resuscitation: been playing a buncha shows, getting
invites to big festivals, and blasting out their message of awareness, equality,
and resistance.

**Social Media:**
[Facebook](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68714.1.e122fd44ceedd956f9c3690a1dae1f6a)
| [Instagram](https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/6813?id=26717841.68715.1.4e73524214afb22cbd68fb45c7b286a3)

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