Various Artists – Godspeed… A Tribute To Naked Raygun’s Pierre Kezdy

Allegedly the 13-year-old Dave Grohl‘s first concert, Naked Raygun hold an important and much-loved position in the canon of American punk. This tribute album, a benefit for the family of longtime Raygun and Pegboy bass player Pierre Kezdy who died of cancer in 2020, is a tangible expression of the love and esteem the band and its various offshoots have been held in by the music community since their formation in 1980. What’s immediately apparent from the song selection covered by the contributors is how well-crafted and brilliantly joyous the Naked Raygun catalogue is. If nothing else, this album should drive us all back to the originals to enjoy in all their pummelling, uplifting melodic splendour.

When you put all that aside, what you get with this album is what would be a fine selection of melodic punk anthems under any circumstances. What all of these artists have managed is to capture Naked Raygun‘s strength, urgency and melodic power. There are some big names here too – Pegboy, Methadones and Smoking Popes‘ frontman Josh Caterer amongst others but all the contributors add their own nuance to their chosen songs. Standout tracks are the opening duo of Wonder Beer (Hot Water Music) and Soldier’s Requiem (The Usuals), and The Methadones‘ version of Surf Combat. But the whole album is wonderful.

At times majestic and at times poignant, and sometimes both at the same time, this album is a rollicking singalong celebration of a band’s musical life well-lived and a fitting tribute to an infuential musician who contributed hugely to American punk’s lasting legacy. Godspeed… A Tribute to Pierre Kezdy is released digitally and on vinyl on Friday July 28. 100% of profits from record sales will be donated directly to the Kezdy family to honor Pierre’s legacy and inspiration that he gave to the world of punk music. A record and merch signing will be held on Saturday, August 26 at 1pm CT at Rogue’s Corner (109 E Highland Ave, Elgin, IL 60120) with Naked Raygun‘s Jeff Pezzati, Eric Spicer, and Bill Stephens.