Rikk Agnew – Adolescents to Social Distortion

Richard Francis Agnew, Jr. or as he is more notably known as Rikk Agnew is one of the best punk guitarist in the business. He’s been in more than his fair share of bands over the years, some of note would be: Adolescents, DI, Rikk Agnew Band, and Social Distortion to name a few. He’s also released a few of his own records, one in 82, 90, and 92. He’s been around and involved in the punk world since the early 80’s. Most of the bands that have been around for a while, will know Rikk.

He’s a legend in the certain circles. An overall insanely talented guitarist in general and also brings a static vibe that electrifies the live audience. Before I saw his set, I was fortunate enough to get an interview with him. We were in the back part of the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, California; which is roughly 25 miles from his hometown of Fullerton, Ca. We ended up chatting before the recorder was on; he’s a genuinely nice guy, very attentive and humble. We spoke of art, music, and what he has been up to recently. When he’s not in his band, (Rikk Agnew Band) he’s doing some form of art, weather its production, painting, writing, or doing tracks with fellow musicians. He’s in high demand for lack a better term, always involved in something. Two of the three Agnew brothers were there that night, along with the Mesa Lanes, The Bad Machine, Richie Ramone, and Crash Kills Four, which is the band that has Rikk’s younger brother Alfie is in. I had the pleasure of interviewing both of them; they both love what they do. Rikk’s bassist, Greg Watson wasn’t able to play with them that night, due to health concerns, but we will be sure to get them in the future when he’s back into the swing of things. I’m looking forward to getting a more suitable interview with the whole Agnew band in the future. Stay posted for future articles.