Nick Hexum: 311, Opening for Fugazi, Bad Brains Influence & Selling 10+ Million Albums

Nick Hexum: 311, Opening for Fugazi, Bad Brains Influence & Selling 10+ Million Albums

From HardLore by Colin Young, Bo Lueders, Knotfest

March 12, 2026 · 2h 1m

About this episode

Nick Hexum discusses his experiences with 311, opening for Fugazi, the influence of Bad Brains, and the band's success in selling over 10 million albums.

Happy 311 Day to all who observe... We're joined by 311 co-founder and vocalist Nick Hexum at his home studio, deep in the old Topanga Canyon. We break down his roots growing up punk and listening to funk in Omaha, Nebraska, 311's formation taking place just to open for Fugazi, the whole band moving to Van Nuys to try to get a record deal, the breakout success of "Down" and the whole self-titled record, the even bigger success of "Amber" and the 50 First Dates soundtrack, and thoroughly breakdown how bands like Bad Brains & Helmet influenced them from the beginning. A truly great conversation and we thank Nick for having us, and for joining us. Brought to you by BRAIN DEAD , check out their new collaboration with Cannibal Corpse and to see what's playing at the iconic Brain Dread Studios this month! _______________ 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:54 - Nick Hexum 00:02:19 - Omaha, Nebraska & 311's First Show Opening for Fugazi 00:06:34 - Grew Up Punk, Listening to Funk & The Rumor About Their Name 00:11:39 - The Ed's: Meeting the Rest of 311 00:16:20 - DAMMIT & UNITY... LA to Omaha to Van Nuys, What Have You Records 00:21:42 - MUSIC & GRASSROOTS... SA Joins, "Do You Right," First Radio…

People in this episode

Hosts: Colin Young, Bo Lueders

Guest: Nick Hexum

Topics covered

  • music
  • interviews
  • 311
  • Fugazi
  • Bad Brains
  • album sales

Keywords

  • Nick Hexum
  • 311
  • Fugazi
  • Bad Brains
  • Topanga Canyon
  • music history
  • album sales

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 311, Fugazi, Bad Brains

Places: Topanga Canyon

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