SoCal’s popular punk act Pennywise is ready to blaze at this month’s Smokeout Festival, but it won’t be a fatty they’ll be lighting. Their fire will come from Ignite singer Zoli Teglas, who will be making his debut as Pennywise interim vocalist.
Longtime singer, Jim Linderberg (seen with the band in photo at right), left the group last week to spend more time working on his “Punk Rock Dad” documentary, a new solo album and other ventures. Lindberg had previously quit the band for a short time back in the early ’90s.
“As everybody knows, Jim has left the band and we’re looking for a new singer,” says Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragee. “For the time being our friend Zoli has agreed to fill in for Jim for a couple shows to avoid having to cancel them while we look for a permanent replacement.”
“I’m stoked to be singing these upcoming shows with Pennywise,” says Teglas, who appears in the Ignite photo below. “I’m a huge fan of the band and am super grateful to share the stage with my long time friends.”
The Smokeout Festival, taking place Oct. 23-24 at the San Manuel Amphitheatre in SoCal, also features Cypress Hill, Kottonmouth Kings, Slipknot, the Deftones, a Goodie Mob reunion and the recently reformed Sublime, who will be sporting their own new singer, Rome.
Regarding the departure of Lindberg, the band issued the following statement: “After 19 years with Pennywise, Jim Lindberg has decided to step down as lead singer. Pennywise has long stood behind the motto that you should always follow your heart and pursue what makes you happy, and we wish Jim the best of luck in his new ventures, whatever they may be. The band has always been about moving forward in life no matter what obstacles stand in front of you. We will begin our search for a new singer immediately. We will continue to tour the world and we are looking forward to writing new music.”
Best of luck to a punk band that has always provided positive, life-affirming messages in its music.