Edmonton-born SNFU frontman Ken Chinn (aka Mr. Chi Pig) dead at age 57

SNFU’s exploits were detailed in Chris Walters’ 2014 book “SNFU: What No One Else Wanted to Say.” The book’s epigraph — “Playing live is the best high I’ve ever had” — was attributed to Chinn.

Journal writer Sandra Sperounes wrote of SNFU during the band’s 30th anniversary show at the Pawn Shop in May 2015, “Frontman Chi Pig, also known as Ken Chinn, and his bandmates went on to release more than 10 albums and EPs, sell thousands of T-shirts, break up and reunite at least once, battle addictions, and burn through more members than Spinal Tap.”

Most recently, Chinn inspired Mile Zero Dance Society’s Second-hand Dances for the Crude, Crude City in January, an exploration of what it means to punk or alternative in today’s world. In the work, choreographer/dancer Gerry Morita channeled the frustration, violence and catharsis of the early punk scene.

During an interview with BeatRoute’s Sean Orr in November 2019, Chinn stated that a medical diagnosis had given him a month to life.

Chinn leaves behind an enormous legacy. The larger-than-life personality was a beloved figure throughout the punk world, inspiring an untold number of musicians and awe-inspiring tales, both on and off the stage.

rgarner@postmedia.com