The Midwest played a key role role in the development of American ska. Bands like Mustard Plug, MU330, Suicide Machines, Slapstick and Blue Meanies pushed and pulled on the genre's boundaries, with little concern for what a ska band was supposed to look or sound like. The band that influenced every single one of these groups was Detroit's first ska band: Gangster Fun. 

Formed in 1986, the group got huge locally within months. And not long after that, they developed a sizable following throughout the Midwest. Their impact elsewhere was minimal. And as they were slowing down, other Midwest ska bands gained traction. 

On this episode, we speak to lead singer John Bunkley. We talk about the group's history, legacy and penchant for crazy ska covers that includes songs by Duran Duran, Nirvana, KISS and Billy Ray Cyrus. We talk about how Detroit shows were a bit more chaotic than anywhere else in the country, and he spills the beans on which now famous musicians used to skank at Gangster Fun shows. Hint: It's Insane Clown Posse, Kid Rock and Jack White. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.

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