There are a lot of reasons to love Misandao, China’s first and favorite Oi! band. To wit:

1) They’re a bunch of finger-flipping, cough syrup-guzzling, doc martens-and-suspender-wearing Chinese skinheads.

2) See #1.

3) Their ballsy music video, Soul of Chinese Cops (VPN required).

4) They’re named after one of the sweetest pastries known to man.

5) See #1.

But novelty appeal aside, over the past decade, Misandao have proven themselves to be one of China’s most important and influential punk bands – not only through their pioneering of Oi! music and skinhead culture, but because of the vital role they've played in building up the Chinese punk scene. Thanks to years of touring and outrageousness, Misandao have managed to draw the attention of international media (not to mention the fancy of several documentary-makers), while on the home front they continue to organize Beijing’s now-annual Open Air Punk Music Day.

On Friday, July 9, Misandao celebrate their ten-year anniversary with a show at Mao Live House. In anticipation of this night of fist-pumping debauchery, vocalist Lei Jun talked with City Weekend about Misandao’s ten years on the scene, his ideal society, and taking dumps in consulate doorways.

If Beijing skinheads were an animal, what would they be?

Bulldog!

What originally drew you to Oi! music and the skinhead lifestyle? Why Oi! instead of just straight-up punk?

I was born by nature to be a skinhead!

What made you choose Misandao as the band’s name? Do you like eating misandao?

No reason. I was just fucking drunk and thought of the name. I don’t really like misandao, it’s too sweet.

What would your ideal society look like?

Peace and love.

Who are some of your favorite Western and Chinese bands?

The Business, 4skins, Judge Dread, Lauren Aitken, Madness, the Exploited.

You guys have some pretty controversial songs and lyrics. Has this ever gotten you into trouble with the police or the government? (Misandao was denied a visa for their last tour of Germany.)

Yes, I think so, but I’m not sure. The embassy told me there was no reason. Fuck!!!

You guys have gotten a reputation as one of the tougher bands around. I’ve heard you’re banned from a few places. Is the reputation deserved?

Maybe… We also don’t really like playing at other places except for Mao. It’s not that we’re rude, it’s that they don’t have any taste [laughs].

What’s the craziest story you have from all your years of performing with Misandao?

Once when we were playing in France, our guitarist took a shit in the doorway of the Swiss Consulate. He was frantically looking for a bathroom but honestly couldn’t find one. All the local punks were totally shocked…

You’ve been playing punk music in Beijing now for ten years. How have you seen the scene change in that time and what do you think about the music scene in Beijing today?

In the last ten years a lot of really good bands have disappeared, and now even more shabi bands have emerged. But all the good bands and their friends in Beijing’s punk and underground scene continue to persevere – and perseverance is in itself a victory!

DETAILS

What: Misandao 10th Anniversary Show

Where: Mao Live House

When: Friday, July 9, 9 p.m.

How Much: RMB50