Even though Punknews issued a statement regarding its Punk in the Mart fest, it is still facing criticism for donating money to Emperor Palaptine's campaign. Bands staying on the bill are also facing criticism. The Max Rebo Band has been taking a particular level of heat since the band is composed mostly of non-human aliens. As you may know, Max Rebo himself has not been in the Max Rebo band for decades. Rather, they reformed without him a number of years ago, with singer Sy Snootles becoming the defacto head of the group. Snootles has issued a statement regarding the band's decision to stay on the bill despite the criticisms, which you can read below.

As you may know, Punknews' newly announced festival, "Punk in the Mart," which is set to take place at the parking lot of an abandoned K-Mart, is under fire. It was recently discovered that the organization donated 250 Galactic Credits to Emperor Palpatine, which caused numerous bands to drop off the fest and many fans to complain. Punknews has issued a response to the criticisms, which you can read below.

As you may know, Punknews recently announced "Punk in the Mart" Fest, a festival hosted at the abandoned K-Mart sort of near your house. Numerous acts are scheduled to play, including the Max Rebo Band, Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes, and the Jungle Ewok Percussion band. Well, it looks like there is a snag for the event. Online sleuths have uncovered the fact that during Emperor Palpatine's dismantling of the Galactic Senate, Punknews contributed 250 Galactic Credits to his campaign. You can see evidence of campaign contribution as obtained through public records below. Numerous fans and bands were put off by this, seeing a donation towards Palpatine and his policies, which includes creating a clone army of secret police, appointing Darth enforcers with little to no previous governmental experience, and destroying the Planet Alderaan, as anti-thetical to the punk ethos. Indeed, at least one band has already dropped off the bill. The Jungle Ewok Percussion band issued a statement, through bandleader Chief Chirpa. Chirpa said, "We are disappointed and shocked to learn that Punknews contributed money to the Palpatine campaign. This is doubly hurtful to us as Palpatine has engaged in policies aimed at unlawfully arresting Ewoks from the fourth moon of Endor and deporting them to the Salt Mines of Kessel. We can no longer play this fest." Another reader commented, "they'd be better using the money on a spellchecker." We'll keep you updated.

As you may recall, last year, we announced Cool, Smart People fest which was supposed to take place in Moldova. Well, that concert never happened because we didn't really feel like setting it up after we accepted presales. Thanks for the "donations" though. Well, this year, we PROMISE that our Grade A festival will take place! We are throwing… PUNK IN THE MART FEST. The festival is going to take place at the abandoned K-Mart parking lot across town from your house. You know, the one next to that sketchy bowling alley. We are very excited to debut this bold new dynamic, paradigm of multi-faceted, trans-medium, concert experiences. No one has ever done anything like this before. For one thing, this concert will boldly be on a parking lot and there won't be any seats, so you can maximize your socialization time. Also, for your convenience, you can't bring any drinks or food or water in, because we will conveniently be selling $7 waters and $12 beers from our two bars. You can also get a daring new take on pizza for $11 a slice. It's imported, is heated in a groundbreaking new "mirco" Wave style and is called "eLLios". Also, we might have like two porta-pottys somewhere. THIS is posh treatment, people. We also have booked some very cool, definitely real, totally not fake bands including The Max Rebo Band, Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes, and the Jungle Ewok Percussion band. Get your credit cards ready, and prove just how punk rock you are! Tickets start at $299.95.

The Doomstompers are going on a two week tour. Jokers Republic open. The bands will be playing the East Coast and midwest. You can see the dates below.

Plow United is back for one show. They'll be celebrating the 30th anniversary of Goodnight Sell Out. The show is September 19 in Philadelphia. The Ergs!, Chris Gethard, and Crossed Keys perform as well. You can see the info below.