INTERVIEW: SNOT IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN “TUMOUR” FAHNESTOCK
Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Santa Barbara based, California nu-metal band SNOT bassist John “Tumour” Fahnestock talked to No Barriers about the present and the future of the band.
“Well, we were better than a turd in a bowl,” stated John. “We have lit the match. We are keeping the flame of SNOT alive. And, it has been so much better than we or anyone else could have expected”.
SNOT have been setting the USA festival scene alight with gigs at quite a few festivals, but they are about to play the Louder Than Life festival, and they will be playing California’s Aftershock Festival 2025. Then, SNOT will return to Australia for the first time in over a decade in January 2026 to play some sideshows with Soulfly and Nailbomb.
“We can’t wait to come back to Australia. It’s always fun! And while the Froth and the Fury will be amazing as a music fan. I am looking forward to the inside side gigs – out of the heat,” said John. “Touring with Soulfly is always great. We just played with them recently in Mexico City. And you know Mikey, he used to play with Soulfly, so it’s like family. We will be traveling and playing together. Thinking about it…,it was also one of our last gigs when Lynn (Strait) was alive, playing on the bill with Soulfly”.
SNOT, the American nu-metal band, comprises of guitarists Mikey Doling and Doc Coyle, drummer Jamie Miller, bassist John "Tumor" Fahnestock and their new vocalist Andy Knapp. The band has undergone some big changes. The band have been keeping it together since their front man Lynn Strait died in a car accident in 1998. But the future has taken a turn with a new singer in Andy Knapp (ex- Stronger Than Machines) joining the band in January 2024. The band has really moved on.
“We wouldn’t be back without our new singer Andy,” explained John. “He has been a real find – a gem. He’s a great guy – in fact, I don’t think we could have dreamed him. Fans love him, he’s been great when playing live, and he brings that positive energy to SNOT, and everything he does is 99.9% get-up-and-go plus. It is kind of shocking, but I didn’t expect this response”.
“For the tour in Australia, we will re-introduce fans to SNOT,” stated John. “We will play songs from our first album ‘Get Some’ and we will include ‘Absent’, which was written and recorded before Lynn died. And, we might throw in a cover or something unexpected. We are also heading into the studio to record new music. We have started. In a few weeks, we will head into recording another two new songs. We don’t have any solid goals with getting things out as yet, but when Andy does his thing, and when we are happy, we will, as a band, pull the trigger and release the new music. Let’s shoot for January 2026!”
SNOT have had a shot in the arm with the new singer Andy Knapp and the rest of the band coming together.
“We have come out swinging with shows in the USA, Europe and UK,” explained John. “Andy brings a new energy to the band. The band is primarily about the songs and the music – not money. I am so lucky to be doing this – touring and playing music - into my third decade. SNOT is about friendship and the songs. It is great to be able to bring the music to new generations of fans”.
John“Tumour” Fahnestock’s message to fans coming along to see them in 2026.
“We want you - our fans - to know that SNOT is performing their live gigs from the heart. In memory of Lynn, as a band, we want to wave that flag. Andy has helped us do that in the US, UK, and Europe. Our concerts have been sold out, and a new generation of music fans are finding our music. It is a tribute to Lynn that people are coming back to listen to us. The songs are the magic. Andy has breathed life into them. SNOT wants to celebrate good times, good music, and great songs”.
Look out Australia, SNOT is on their way to celebrate good times in the summer sunshine.
Soulfly, Nailbomb and Snot 2026 Tour
26th January – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD
27th January – Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
30th January – Forum Theatre, Melbourne VIC
