Ep556: Shapel Lacey - Punk, Comedy & Rising Above

Comedian Shapel Lacey discusses the power of music, inspiration and how a 1981 Black Flag video sparked a lifelong punk obsession that shaped his identity, art, and resilience.

Shapel Lacey tour dates | comedy special | Mad Peaceful band

Topics Include:

• Talks local record stores, Amoeba, old Sunset location
• Discovers deep-cut Swedish hardcore at Eastside Records, Arizona
• Reflects on pre-streaming era, hunting records in person
• Notices rosary on Crash's grave, debates his beliefs
• Traces punk discovery to junior high guitar class
• Friend introduces him to ska punk, then Black Flag
• Watches 1981 Target video of Rollins-era Black Flag
• Rise Above vocals trigger emotional, tearful revelation
• Explains Black Flag filled a void from turbulent childhood
• Contrasts Korn/Deftones' anger with punk's empowering message
• Credits Rollins with teaching self-understanding and personal growth
• Recalls performing onstage with Rollins at Ohio festival
• Anger management counselor used Rollins to redirect his aggression
• Growing up Black, punk, skateboarding in Arizona desert
• Faced criticism from all sides for musical taste
• Explored funk, hip-hop, grunge without genre boundaries
• Connects N.W.A. and Black Flag's shared themes of injustice
• Discusses punk and hip-hop confronting police brutality parallels
• Champions open-mindedness across seemingly opposite music scenes
• Describes local DIY scene at Mesa's Nile basement
• Panhandled for five dollars to attend all-ages shows
• Cheerleading came after punk, called "most punk rock" act
• Discusses tattoos, straight-edge culture, Minor Threat connection
• Shares personal encounters meeting Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye
• Praises Rollins and MacKaye's discipline, historical knowledge, friendship
• Draws parallels between punk and comedy's DIY authenticity
• Talks band Mad Peaceful, growing sold-out comedy success
• Discusses Australia tour interest, interview wrap up

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