John Waters talks about Oakland punk-fest Burger Boogaloo

In case you haven't heard, there's a big punk music festival happening in Oakland, California this upcoming holiday weekend. It's called Burger Boogaloo and our highest-ranking "filth elder," Mr. John Waters himself, is emceeing it for the third year in a row. Burger Boogaloo is a popular event 'round these parts and this year will be no exception, as Iggy Pop headlines, along with the Buzzcocks and X.

In a recent interview with Jeremy Tarr of Fodor's Travel, Mr. Waters shared his thoughts about the event. Here's what he said about seeing punks in the audience:

"It's punks of all ages. It's from nouveau punks to punk nostalgia, which is pretty great to watch... Some of them I see are older. You never thought punks could be oldies but badies - not oldies but goodies. It's just exciting to see a grandmother pogo dancing as much as it is to see a 14-year-old kid being a punk for the first time. "

And his familiarity with the musicians in the 2017 lineup:

"Some of them I've never heard of and I don't know. That's what I like so much " But, I know John Doe and X. I've known Iggy for years. Iggy was in my movies. I've become friends with Shannon [Shaw, lead singer of Shannon and the Clams] and that gang. I am a fan really... Though, I think probably being the oldest person there - I don't know - how old is Iggy? I don't know who's older. But he looks a lot better nude, I'll say that."

The entire interview is a great read. He even calls Oakland the "Baltimore of the Bay Area," which is a high compliment coming from him.

Burger Boogaloo is July 1 & 2 at Oakland's Mosswood Park. Tickets are still available.Thanks, Terry!

photo by Lily Chou