Above: Mikey of Fitz of Depression, Capitol Theater, downtown Olympia, Washington. Photog by Reuben Lorch-Miller.
Four Fitz of Depression veterans, Ryan Von Bargen, Brian Sparhawk, Craig Becker and Jerry Ziegler, are joined by former KARP singer/guitarist Chris Smith to play a set of classic Fitz of Depression songs Christmas night in Downtown Olympia. Fitz of Depression disbanded in 2019 upon the death of founding member Mikey Dees. This Christmas show pays tribute to Mikey, who sang and played guitar for the entire life of the band.
It has been years since these punk rock troopers have played most of these tunes, but that aint nothing. Says Ryan Von Bargen, who was the initial bass guitarist and then returned to that spot for the last few years (and coordinated the final Fitz album Epilogue E.P. [KLP299]), "I talked to Chris last night and we made a list of songs he's comfortable playing, there will definitely be an edge to some of it. I haven't played with Craig since 2010 or so. Craig's going to come from Tri-Cities [where he currently resides], he's a wild man, coming over the pass to do the thing and then head right back. He says he doesn't care about the weather, he'll be here. I realize I really love these people, they're cool and smart and funny. Still, it's a little harrowing because more songs have been added. We were going to do just six songs, but now...it's fourteen!"
As the Epilogue E.P. [KLP299] recording was still unfinished at the time of Mikey's death, Chris Smith, pal and former touring comrade, was recruited to sing a few songs on the album. Christmas night he'll take over the majority of the vocal duties. Watch out. Says Ryan, "I hope we do Mikey proud. I love him like a brother and think of him all the time. I hear his voice when we're playing."
Former electric bass guitarist Brian Sparhawk says he'd never been involved in the annual "Fitzmas" parties that happened Christmas night for the last ten or so years with Mikey, though he did participate in the Fitz mass at Mikey's memorial. He didn't want to impose on the family in any way with this tribute idea, not sure if Mikey's mother Barb would appreciate the event. "I was talking to Barb, I called her up and she said 'No, you should do it!' and that's why I want to do it. The songs are really great. I picked up my guitar last night and it's three days away; its like riding a bike. The songs are so fun to play, they're natural, they feel right." Brian has been switched from bass to electric guitar, Mikey's role in the band. "I could never fill those shoes. No one can." But between he and Chris Smith and everyone else, it's going to be a blast.
The Fitz of Depression event takes place Wednesday, December 25, 2025 at McCoys Tavern, 418 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501.
Above: Craig Becker, Fitz of Depression, Capitol Theater, downtown Olympia, Washington. Photog by Reuben Lorch-Miller.
Fitz of Depression, Epilogue E.P. [KLP299] is available as a long playing (LP) phonograph record from The K Mail Order Dept.