The Spitboy Rule: Tales of a Xicana in a Female Punk Band / by Michelle Cruz Gonzales; preface by Mimi Thi Nguyen; foreword by Martín Sorrondeguy

PM Press, 2016. Trade paperback. New. 

Paperback, 160 Pages: Michelle Cruz Gonzales, drummer and lyricist for 1990s hardcore band Spitboy, delivers a punk rock herstory like no other. Though not part of the riot grrrl scene, Spitboy broke ground for women in punk, facing down misogyny, sexism, and racism—especially for Gonzales, a Xicana and the band’s only member of color. Eschewing rock clichés for Scrabble and solidarity, Spitboy was unapologetically feminist, aiming to be the band they wanted to hear: loud, fierce, and undeniably female. This memoir recounts their global tours, DIY ethos, and the challenges they faced—onstage and off—while Gonzales explores her evolving identity in a mostly white, male scene. Packed with rare photos and flyers, The Spitboy Rule brings to life a crucial era in underground music. Featuring appearances by Econochrist, Neurosis, Los Crudos, Aaron Cometbus, Green Day, and more, it’s a sharp, honest, and necessary account of punk from the margins.