Awhile back at the Osees show, I ran into Tommy Meehan. Tommy’s band Squid Pisser was main support for Dwyer and his band of merry thieves that night and I said hi to him at the merch table after their set.
related: Osees At The Teragram- A Rose By Any Other Name
We caught up briefly and I found the short chat so intriguing that I asked Tommy Meehan out on a date… and he accepted. We were to meet at the museum, or rather, the Gwar exhibit at Beyond The Streets Gallery in Los Angeles. Tommy walked me through every Gwar artifact at the installation that is running through November 2nd, 2025 where the label owner, scene impresario, band leader, innovative guitarist, animator, satirist and historian revealed his life long obsession with Gwar- I instantly fell in love with the fact that this man is in the midst of all his dreams coming true. It’s intoxicating to be around and Tommy Meehan is an easy guy to like and root for. This was our conversation:
Background on Tommy Meehan
Tommy Meehan is one of the most quietly influential figures in the Southern California punk and hardcore underground—a guitarist, songwriter, label owner, and archivist of the scene’s past and future. Some of the bands he’s been in: Squid Pisser, The Manx, Deaf Club, Cancer Christ and more.
What you might not know and that you’ll see in this interview, is that Tommy has also worked on animation and film and scored the music for the aforementioned media. While he’s not a household name, his fingerprints are everywhere: on records, on stages, and in the DNA of countless bands carrying the torch for aggressive, emotionally honest music.
related: Music Video Premiere- The Manx “Before She Was A Moth”
Meehan’s identity is deeply rooted in the geography and culture of California. Born and raised in Novato, Northern California, he grew up surrounded by a rich lineage of punk, skate culture, and DIY independence. The Bay’s history—from Dead Kennedys to Gilman Street—shaped his early worldview and gave him a taste for rebellion with purpose and it was also where Tommy was first ejaculated on by Gwar.
Later, he spent significant time in Orange County and the Inland Empire, regions legendary for their intense hardcore scenes and blue-collar grit. This blend of Bay Area political punk and SoCal aggression forged not just his sound, but his entire attitude toward music and community. Meehan isn’t just from California—he’s a product of every basement, backyard, and VFW hall from the Bay to the IE.
related: Threeoneg Radiaton- Deaf Club at The Echo
He wasn’t content to just play guitar—he immersed himself in every corner of the culture. His obsessive love of vinyl, live shows, and raw authenticity shaped his path early on. He took inspiration from the ferocity and theatrics of bands like Gwar, the intensity of early Revelation Records releases, and the melodic bite of classic skate punk. Over time, his playing style evolved into a blend of sharp precision, dynamic riffing, and an instinct for building songs that hit a nerve.
related: Hell Is A Laughing Matter- The Manx at The Hi Hat
As a guitarist, Meehan’s versatility allowed him to move effortlessly between hardcore, punk, rock, and even touches of post-punk and now, harsh noise. He became known for writing guitar parts that were innovative and unpredictable—balancing aggression with nuance. In the studio and on stage, his tone was always tight, thick, and unmistakably him.
Tommy Meehan also co-founded Sweat Band Records, a label dedicated first and foremost to releasing Meehan’s music since nobody else wanted to and also, preserving underground releases, pressing high-quality vinyl, and giving a platform to bands that the mainstream music industry ignored. Sweat Band Records quickly gained credibility for its authenticity, artist-friendly approach, and dedication to the physical format. In an era where streaming dominates, Meehan ensured that punk and hardcore stayed tangible—and could have somewhere to push the boundaries into the next “thing”.
related: Music Video Premiere- Cancer Christ “Do You Want To Go To Heaven?”
Beyond running a label, he became deeply involved in recording, producing, and mentoring younger musicians. His understanding of song structure and scene history made him a go-to collaborator. He built connections across the West Coast and beyond, bridging generations of punk kids, lifers, and new blood.
What truly sets Meehan apart is his longevity. While many artists burn out or soften with age, he doubled down—expanding his catalog, playing in multiple bands, and staying active in the live circuit. From dive bars to festival stages, he brought the same energy and care to every performance. I predict Tommy Meehan’s career and influence could culminate into the kind of cult legend status of Justin Pearson, MF Doom or even someone like Mike Patton- master craft with high integrity and high output while never losing connection with your audience.
Today, Tommy Meehan stands as both historian and innovator and without being there for his whole story, he seems like an artist in his prime, right now. He protects the legacy of the scene while pushing it forward. Whether he’s on guitar, behind the board, or pressing vinyl in the warehouse, his mission has never changed: keep underground music real, loud, and alive.
In a world of trends, Tommy Meehan never chased clout—he’s into preserving history and building culture. Now clout is chasing him but he still ain’t runnin’.
Update: As of Oct 20th, 2025- Tommy Meehan has NOT called for a 2nd date.
Words and Interview: Danny Baraz
Video: Jessica Moncrief and Taylor Wong
Video Editor: Janky Smooth Central Command
Photos: Taylor Wong
