MIKE V & THE RATS

Mike V & The Rats is a hardcore punk band founded in early 2002 in Southern California, fronted by professional skateboarder, activist, and musician Mike Vallely. The band emerged from a collaboration between guitarist Jason Hampton (formerly of The Third Degree, Blackspot, Outspoken, and The Suppression Swing) and drummer PT Pugh (The Suppression Swing), who recruited Vallely after sending him a demo tape. Mike officially joined in January 2002, bringing his intense presence and raw vocal energy to the project.

Rooted in a fierce, old-school punk sound, Mike V & The Rats quickly earned a reputation for their unapologetic lyrics, stripped-down punk aggression, and high-energy performances. Their music is a throwback to the no-frills intensity of early hardcore, fused with Vallely’s deeply personal and confrontational style.

Vallely, known for his trailblazing role in skateboarding and outspoken persona, brought additional punk pedigree to the group through his later work as the lead singer of the legendary band Black Flag—a role he took on from 2014 through 2023, recording and touring extensively with the iconic group. His time with Black Flag further solidified his standing in the punk community and influenced the musical direction of his own projects.

Mike V & The Rats have shared stages with bands such as Black Flag, CKY, Rancid, Death By Stereo, Millencolin, and Thrice, showcasing their ability to hold their own among some of punk’s most respected names.

After a period of inactivity, the band reunited in 2025, headlining the “Bats, Kats & Rats” tour alongside The Aquabats and The Koffin Kats, bringing their revitalized punk energy to a new generation of fans.