Stephen DePace (Flipper)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration.

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“This record that just was so amazing that it's stood the test of time… and, and it's influenced so many people in so many bands… You know, bookshelf full of music history books that all mentioned Flipper.”

Join Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird in a discussion with Steven DePace, drummer of San Francisco punk pioneer band, Flipper. The sound of Flipper has countless artists, from San Francisco’s early punk scene to the present.

This episode covers how the San Francisco scene felt as Flipper took shape, the recording process, how Flipper received the nickname “Grateful Dead of the 80s,” and how they ultimately solidified their legacy within music history.

In addition, Steven DePace dives deeper into his own journey within the entertainment industry, from music business to the world of animation. Steven began his professional rock career in 1978 when he joined his first punk bank in San Francisco, Negative Trend. It was after the dissolution of Negative Trend that Flipper was first formed in 1979. Flipper has a long storied career and an amazing cast of players who have come and gone over the decades, including Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) and David Yow (The Jesus Lizard).

Flipper carries on to this day with Steven DePace on drums, Kelli Mayo (bass), and Jon Kelly (guitar) for touring in support of the reissue of Flipper’s entire back catalog, beginning April 17th with their first album, Generic Flipper.

Learn what’s on the horizon for Steven DePace and Flipper as they continue to set the pace for the industry and give us a lifetime of contribution to the punk scene.

Recorded April 2026.

Links + References:

SEE FLIPPER IN CONCERT! Thu, May 7 - West Hollywood CA @ The Roxy

Flipper - Generic Flipper (Color Vinyl) LP - Limited Edition

IG: @_flipperofficial_

IG: @skatingpolly

IG: @shimmer_bed

Sean Shimmer Punkast episode

Credits:

Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz.

Co-hosted by Tequila Mockingbird.

Guest produced by Tequila Mockingbird.

Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript.

Transcript:

Audio-synced transcript

Theme Music:

Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits.

Related:

Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast.

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