Sunday Music: Why You Need Go-Go to Get Fugazi
February 8, 2026·0 comments·zg
It started with a text. My buddy Gary took his daughter to see Mustard Plug and The Toasters, which is a page out of our shared teenage years, and buried amongst a thousand other mutual nostalgia invoking details, he casually mentioned how Mustard Plug covered “Waiting Room” by Fugazi.
That cover, which I kinda love if I’m being honest, got me thinking about something else I've been sitting with for a while now, and it’s something I'll probably get some friendly pushback for, but hear me out: you can't really get Fugazi without understanding go-go.
Now, I’m going to dwell on Mustard Plug a minute before we get to go-go, but there’s a point here. I feel like I also have to say this - I’m all about a sneaky cover. I think we can (and should) all agree, the pinnacle of punk covers is Me First and the Gimme Gimmes doing Billy Joel songs, with their Elton covers as a runner up. I will always put Punk Side Story (Schlong? sure!) up there too, which is the West Side Story soundtrack as punk songs, but only because show tunes are one step beyond Joel songs in difficulty and I love that they tried as hard as they had to, to make it work.
Which leads me to “Waiting Room” which is a totally different type of cover. Yes, because of genre proximity, but also because it’s a very sneaky cover to switch up a style on. It's already a unique sound - and part of what makes Fugazi's catalogue so much more interesting to parse than, say, getting over a Minor Threat yearning in a (also satisfying, but much quicker hit via) 20-30 minutes (honorable mention of “Stepping Stone” I guess fits here too).
This is the kind of song that begs to be covered, because it's actually a reminder of what Fugazi was borrowing from in the first place. In the event you don’t know the original, it’s a good time to drop the link in. Do press play if you’re not already singing it.
DISCLOSURES
This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
