Ever wonder what happens when a punk icon trades mosh pits for municipal politics? Enter ‘Something Better Change,’ a new documentary that tells the wild, inspiring, and all-too-real story of Joe Keithley—frontman of hardcore legends D.O.A.—who went from shouting at the system to working inside it.
Directed by ‘Salad Days’ filmmaker Scott Crawford, this film isn’t your average political doc. It’s punk to the core, with a DIY spirit and a killer soundtrack of resistance. We’re talking about a guy who once sang Fucked Up Ronnie and later won a seat in local government—with a $7000 budget. Try telling him change isn’t possible.
Premieres This Spring — Don’t Miss:
- Vancouver: May 24 @ The Rio Theatre
- Montreal: May 29 @ BBAM! Gallery
Check out the trailer below.
From Hardcore ’81 to City Council
D.O.A. helped build the foundation of North American punk in the late ’70s and early ’80s, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with bands like Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, and Minor Threat. But Keithley wasn’t just in it for the volume—he was always shouting about something real: injustice, greed, homelessness, you name it.
Fast forward to 2018. After decades of activism through music, Keithley figured, why not try politics the punk way? He ran for Burnaby City Council (yep, that’s in Metro Vancouver), took down a five-term mayor with a notorious disdain for the homeless, and brought his message of “Talk minus action equals zero” into chambers usually filled with career suits. It’s a true underdog story—and this film takes you inside every chaotic, hopeful moment.
“Joe Keithley’s journey from cultural politician to actual politician is a lesson in applied punk… It couldn’t be more timely.”
— Michael Azerrad, author of Our Band Could Be Your Life
Full Access, Full Volume
Filmmakers followed Keithley during his 2022 re-election campaign, and what they captured is raw, real, and ridiculously motivating. No sanitized soundbites here. Just a punk lifer, knocking on doors, fighting for housing, and trying to prove that grassroots activism still matters—even inside city hall.
Featuring cameos from Duff McKagan, Ian MacKaye, Henry Rollins, Penelope Houston, East Bay Ray, Jello Biafra, Beto O’Rourke (yes, that Beto), and more, this film shows that the punk spirit is alive and well—and more relevant than ever.
Why It Hits Hard Right Now
Politics are messy. People are tired. But ‘Something Better Change’ offers a glimmer of something we don’t see much of: hope. It’s not just about winning an election—it’s about proving that the system can work for people, not just donors.
“It’s never too late to try to change the world—or at least your little part of it.”
— Doug Brod, former SPIN editor-in-chief
Keep Tabs on the Revolution
Follow ‘Something Better Change’ on Instagram and Facebook for screening updates and behind-the-scenes punk goodness. For more from the director, hit up saladdaysdc.com.
Because honestly, in a world full of noise, this is a story that deserves to be heard loud.
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