It's May 16th! Revisiting Ep. 51: Joey Cape discusses Lagwagon's "May 16"

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 16 May 2025

⏱️ 76 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

It’s May 16th, so it’s only fitting to revisit Episode 51 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, featuring Joey Cape of Lagwagon. Originally released on May 16th, 2021, this fan-favorite episode dives deep into the creation of the band’s beloved anthem “May 16.” Joey shares the real-life events that inspired the song, and reflects on the emotional headspace he was in when recording it—raw feelings that still come through every time the track plays. With “May 16” now celebrated by fans around the world as an unofficial holiday, this episode offers a powerful look at the song’s personal origins and lasting legacy. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by DistroKit.
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0:22.0	online, in person, and on the go.
0:24.7	Shopify is made for entrepreneurs like you.
0:27.2	Sign up for your $1 a month trial
0:29.2	at Shopify.com slash setup.
0:44.6	Yeah. Hey friends.
0:50.6	Today's guest is my buddy, Joey Cape, lead vocalist for the Santa Barbara California punk rock band, Lagwagon.
0:55.2	Joey and I decided to break down the Lagwagon classic May 16th, taken from their 1998 Fat Records release, let's talk about feelings. Joey described the pain behind the
1:00.5	inspiration for the song, and how, at the time, he felt it was just another album track. He was
1:05.8	very upfront in acknowledging the huge ripple effect that the video game Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2
1:10.3	had on the song,
1:11.6	and crediting the game for May 16th being one of the most well-known songs in the Lagwagon
1:15.6	Arsenal, as well as its lasting impact. I asked him if he ever feels awkward just being
1:20.6	the singer and having to stand there holding only a microphone when his band breaks into
1:24.2	dueling lead guitar solos for minutes at a time, and we certainly share to laugh at his answer.
1:29.2	And, Joey was very humble in stating that while he may be the person
1:32.5	who comes up with all the lyrics and chord arrangements on a certain tune,
1:35.8	it's not until the rest of the band puts their fingerprints on it,
	...

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