BAD MARY KEEPS ON ROLLIN’

Bad Mary is proof that punk never dies—it just finds new ways to live loud. Fronted by the electrifying Amanda Mac, with her husband Mike on bass, her father Bill behind the kit, and her college professor David on guitar, this family affair rips through stages with raw energy and undeniable chemistry. Channeling the frantic heart of 1979 with a modern bite, Bad Mary builds their sound on the shoulders of Blondie, The Ramones, Green Day, and The Dollyrots. Their riffs are sharp, their rhythms punch hard, and their lyrics pack wit and humor that cut through the noise of daily chaos. What makes Bad Mary special isn’t just their fearless hooks—it’s the bond that drives them. Whether playing sweaty clubs or reaching fans across the globe, they deliver a good time that feels reckless, joyous, and necessary. In a world spinning too fast, Bad Mary is a reminder to turn it up, laugh it off, and keep moving forward.

SNQLX: Every great band has an origin story—how did Bad Mary come together, and when did you realize the family dynamic could work as more than just a jam?

BAD MARY: Amanda and Mike were students at Hofstra – where David is a professor. David has a band that he runs for the theater department, that plays their big parties. Amanda and Mike were in a version of that band. They decided to take that band out of the school, and when their drummer left to go live in Florida, Amanda suggested that Bill, her dad, join up and it was amazing. We started writing music in 2012 and then became Bad Mary – about a year after Bill joined the band. I think we realized the dynamic could work when we started playing live and realizing how much fun we were having – and how it just… fit.

SNQLX: The lineup itself is unique: a frontwoman, her husband, her dad, and her professor. What do each of you bring that makes this machine run?

BAD MARY: We all bring different energy and experience. But a lot of energy and a lot of experience.

From left: David, Bill, Amanda, and Mike

David is a designer and an incredible director – he’s done all of our music videos, most of or album art, all of our logos, t-shirts, etc.

Bill has been playing drums since he was 4 years old – so 65+ years of experience playing every genre ever – an unmatched musical IQ.

Amanda is a trained actress and has a BFA in performance – not only an incredibly trained voice, but a command of stage and a flair for the theatrical (and glam)

Mike has been playing in punky bands since he was 12 or 13- has played on stages large and very very small – in church basements and college festivals- He brings a non-stop energy that’s infectious and fun.

SNQLX: Bad Mary has been described as sounding like 1979 all over again. How intentional is that retro energy, and where does your sound evolve past nostalgia?

BAD MARY: Completely intentional! We always loved the CBGB bands like Blondie and Ramones and wanted to modernize that feel- mostly we wanted to play fun and fast music.

We evolve past nostaliga, because we put a modern twist on it – also with our breadth of experience, the songs twist and turn into a very unique and original style – very 1970s influenced, but fresh, modern and fun.

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SNQLX: Blondie, The Ramones, Green Day, The Dollyrots—what lessons have you pulled from each of these influences and filtered into your own songs?

BAD MARY: For Blondie and Ramones we learned rawness and energy – simple songs played fast and well.

From Green Day we learned how imporant a great hook is, and how important it is to put on an amazing stage show – the audience is part of it – we love being theatrical.
The Dollyrots- who’ve we’ve been lucky enough to become friends with – how to have fun music played in a fun manner – and how to connect with our people- the Dollyrots are so kind and personable and their music KICKS!

Also, being married and being in a band has it’s complications – they’ve shown us how you can continue to make that work

SNQLX: How does your writing process work with a lineup that mixes generations and perspectives? Who usually sparks the first riff or lyric?

BAD MARY: Most songs start with either Mike or David. They bring in songs, often with lyrics, to rehearsal – often the skeletons of songs, and the band then meets to flesh them out.

SNQLX: Humor plays a big role in your songs. Is that something you lean on as a release valve, or is it just who you naturally are as people?

BAD MARY: I think it’s just natural, honestly. We’re pretty cheeky and bratty in a fun way. Our sarcasm is our weapon against the insanity of the world around us. Two of us are core millennials, so it’s probably just us…

Whether it’s a song about ninjas or martians, or something more serious like internet addiction and social media misinformation – we’re usually pretty bratty/snotty about it – in a way that hopefully makes us laugh.

We’re goofballs at our core.

SNQLX: What’s been the most unforgettable Bad Mary live moment so far—where the chaos and fun all clicked into something unforgettable?

BAD MARY: Japan 2019 and 2023 – two tours that were like dreams to us. Singing your songs to an audience on the other side of the world and they sing back? It’s beautiful. Especially since we’re so influenced and inspired by Japanese media – whether it be video games, anime, music, or Ultraman. First time we ever had crowd surfing and stage diving at a Bad Mary show – amazing.

Photo by Kyoko Obayashi

SNQLX: Your music thrives on energy and community. How do you keep that connection alive with fans, especially in such a digital-heavy era?

BAD MARY: Social Media – and live streaming. You can tune into our TWITCH or Tik Tok and see us performing live every week – it’s the closest thing to it!

SNQLX: What’s next for Bad Mary? Any new projects, tours, or experiments you’re itching to dive into?

BAD MARY: We have a new single coming out in October, as well as November, and December. And a new EP called “Stitched” coming out in early 2026.

SNQLX: If punk is rebellion, what are you rebelling against right now—in music, in culture, or in your own lives?

BAD MARY: There’s a lot to rebel against – almost too much – you can see that on social media or on the news. but We’re also trying to create safe spaces for people to come and have fun at a show. If we can give you a few hours of a vacation from the insanity? We’ve done our job. Stealing a quote from Superman here, but we’re trying to be kind – in a nasty unkind world – kindness and fun seem to be an act of rebellion.


SNQLX: Which family member is most likely to show up late to rehearsal?

Amanda – because there’s just too much to do in a day.

Photo by Celia Werner

SNQLX: If Bad Mary were a cartoon, who voices the theme song?

We’d love to be an Anime – and Bill would have to do the V/O. Have you heard his speaking voice? It’s nuts.

SNQLX: What’s the one punk anthem that will never leave your setlist?

One of ours? Ninja or The Itch or It’s All Trash

For a cover?

Hybrid Moments – and even if it’s not punk… Tie Your Mother Down

Photo by Kyoko Obayahsi

Bad Mary thrives where family, theater, and punk collide. What began as a quirky lineup of students, professor, and dad has become a powerhouse that channels the spirit of 1979 with a modern, bratty wink. Their story is proof that humor, hooks, and heart can be just as rebellious as noise. Whether it’s a sweaty club set, a Twitch livestream, or a stage dive in Tokyo, Bad Mary builds community one cheeky chorus at a time. With a string of new singles dropping through the end of the year and their Stitched EP arriving in early 2026, the band isn’t just keeping punk alive—they’re making it fun again.


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