Few bands in today’s music scene have as much of a political presence as Anti-Flag. The Pittsburgh-based punk rockers are best known singing and screaming out against corrupt governments, social injustices, and unnecessary wars ever since their 1996 debut, Die for the Government. 

Fast-forward almost two decades and the band’s now put out 10 albums, several other EPs, and a few charity tracks with each release being just as intelligent and unhappy with the problems of the world as the last. 

As this generation’s political punk leaders, it would be easy for Anti-Flag to relax and admire what they’ve done, but that’s not what the band is about. Year after year, the quartet travels the world to put on some of the best high-energy performances and spread their messages of peace and unity to fans around the globe, rarely taking extended breaks outside of recording new music. 

Before their set, Myspace caught up with bassist Chris No. 2 and drummer Pat Thetic at the historically punk-filled It’s Not Dead Fest at the San Manuel Amphitheater to talk politics, punk rock and their latest album, American Spring. Watch the full interview and take a behind-the-scene look at the band’s pre-show rituals below.

Anti Flag - Five Minutes to the Stage from Five Minutes to the Stage on Myspace.