AceShowbiz - Eric Melvin, guitarist of the punk band NOFX, has publicly denied rumors that he sued his bandmate Fat Mike. This statement was made ahead of the SXSW premiere of the band’s new documentary, 40 Years of Fuckin’ Up, where Melvin clarified there was never any lawsuit filed against Fat Mike or the band.

The controversy initially surfaced in January when drummer Erik "Smelly" Sandin discussed Melvin’s absence from a Punk Rock Museum panel in Las Vegas. During this event, Sandin read a statement alleging that Melvin’s attorneys served legal papers to Fat Mike the morning after NOFX played their final concert in October 2024. These papers were said to accuse Fat Mike of "legal financial malfeasance."

Despite the allegations, Sandin insisted, "He is not a thief," emphasizing his belief that Fat Mike was not involved in any wrongdoing. The band’s longtime manager, Kent Jamieson, later commented that although Melvin had grievances, no formal lawsuit had been filed.

Now at SXSW in Austin, Texas, where 40 Years of Fuckin’ Up is being showcased, Eric Melvin addressed the rumors personally on social media. He wrote, "Things have been said about me that aren’t true, and I’ve been quiet long enough. I never sued Fat Mike, NOFX, or served anyone in the band legal papers - not at 8am, not ever."

Melvin explained that what was actually sent was a letter requesting financial documents he had sought for years, along with a demand to cease certain behaviors. He stressed that this was not a lawsuit, nor a demand for millions of dollars, and that terms like "thief" or "illegal" were never part of the communication. He cited his rights as a member of the band and their LLC, describing the matter as private.

To put an end to circulating rumors, Melvin expressed his continued dedication and affection for his bandmates. "I love being in NOFX. I love my band mates. I am so proud of what we’ve built together over decades," he affirmed.

The documentary 40 Years of Fuckin’ Up, directed by James Buddy Day and produced by Fat Mike, chronicles NOFX’s evolution from rebellious teenage punks to one of the most successful independent punk bands in history. All four band members—Fat Mike, Melvin, El Hefe, and Smelly—serve as executive producers on the film.

Sneak-peek screenings of the documentary are scheduled for March 15 and 16 at Brushy Street Commons in Austin, with a wider theatrical release planned for April in select venues worldwide. The film will also include unreleased NOFX music available exclusively to attendees.

NOFX played their final live show in San Pedro, California, in October 2024, ending a remarkable 41-year career. Originating in Los Angeles in 1983, the band became a cornerstone of punk rock, independently releasing over a dozen studio albums through Fat Mike’s label, Fat Wreck Chords.