Bigwig

Bigwig is an American punk rock band from New Jersey, formed in 1995. The original lineup included Josh Farrell on guitar, John Castaldo on bass, Tom Petta on guitar and vocals, and Dan Rominski on drums. Over the years, the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with Tom Petta remaining as the sole constant member. These changes have brought a variety of influences and styles to Bigwig’s evolving sound. Their music often addresses political and social issues, touching on themes such as anti-establishment views and personal struggle.

The band’s name is inspired by Bigwig, a character from the 1978 animated film Watership Down, based on Richard Adams’ novel. In the story, Bigwig is portrayed as a strong and fearless leader, a figure that made a lasting impression on Tom Petta during his childhood. This connection influenced Petta to name the band after the character, reflecting themes of leadership and resilience in their music.

Bigwig has shared stages with numerous notable punk and ska acts, including Pennywise, Less Than Jake, Blink-182, The Ataris, The Vandals, New Found Glory, No Use for a Name, NOFX, The Suicide Machines, Agnostic Front, Lagwagon, and Reel Big Fish. Their energetic performances and commitment to addressing relevant social issues have garnered them a dedicated following. Following their 2001 album An Invitation to Tragedy, members like Josh Farrell and Tom Petta expanded their roles to include producing credits on various albums. Most recently, Tom Petta produced the record For Heaven’s Sake by Canadian punk rock band Only Way Back.

Their latest album, Reclamation, was released on February 7, 2006, by Fearless Records. Bigwig continued to perform live, appearing at events such as Canada’s Amnesia Rockfest in Montebello, Quebec in June 2014 and the East Coast Tsunami Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania in September 2014.

Members

• Tom Petta – guitar, vocals
• Zach Lorinc – bass
• Paul Carney – guitar
• Rob Ferreira – drums

Discography

Studio Albums

• UnMerry Melodies (1997)
• Stay Asleep (1999)
• An Invitation to Tragedy (2001)
• Reclamation (2006)

Compilations (Incomplete List)

• Punk Goes Metal (Fearless Records)
• The Mongolian Wild Turkey…Vol. 4 (Bad Stain Records)
• Punk til ya Pass Out (Bad Stain Records)
• Bad Scene, Everyone’s Fault: Jawbreaker Tribute (Dying Wish Records)
• Short Music For Short People (Fat Wreck Chords)
• Punk Chunks
• Anarchy in the N.J. (Umbilical Records)